Pet-Friendly Properties in high demand amongst Downsizers

Rangeford Villages, the award-winning developer behind a number of sought-after retirement communities in the UK, reveals that more than 90% of interested buyers who have pets would not consider downsizing if their companion can’t move with them. The majority of pet owners express that their pet is an integral part of their family, keeps them active and helps combat the feeling of loneliness.

A recent survey, commissioned by Agria Pet Insurance*, confirms that 42% of pet owners spend time with their pet to avoid feeling lonely. Particularly boomers (age 55+) turn to their four or two-legged friend including dogs, cats or birds for a mental boost when feeling isolated, the survey reveals.

Howard Nankivell, Chief Executive at Rangeford Villages, says: “It has been proven time and time again that animals have a positive impact on individuals’ mental health and anything we can do to support our residents’ well-being is of utmost importance to us. As a result, all of our villages welcome pets and even incorporate pet-orientated features.”

The latest example of such a feature can be found at Rangeford Village’s Siddington Park in Cirencester where a 750sqft ‘Bark Park’ has been installed. The dedicated outdoor space has become a popular spot for residents to exercise their dogs and enjoy some off-lead fun in a safe and enclosed environment. Some of Rangeford Villages’ other communities such as Wadswick Green in Wiltshire, further benefit from lush, green surroundings and well-designed grounds that are ideal for dog walkers.

Lennie Almond (79) who moved to Wadswick Green almost two years ago with her seven-year old Show Cocker Spaniel, Sam, says: “Every morning, Sam and I go for a 1.5 hour walk – no matter the weather – which keeps the both of us quite active so that we can age gracefully together.”

For 47 years, Mrs Almond and her husband Darryl lived in a four-bedroom property in Bathford where they brought up their daughter Caroline. As the Almonds always had dogs, the house which also had a good-sized garden, never felt too large. A few years after Darryl’s passing, however, Lennie felt that it was time to downsize.

She says: “I knew that moving house requires one to compromise but three criteria were non-negotiable for me. I was determined to live in close proximity to my daughter and grandchildren, in or near the countryside and to find a retirement community that was dog-friendly as my ‘faithful companion’ Sam was going to move with me. I would not have moved here, if Wadswick Green did not allow pets. It was a case of ‘love me, love my dog’! He is an integral part of my life and even though his stubbornness can be hard work, I wouldn’t be without him.”

Seconding her statement is Alex Simpson (85) who, with his 11-year old West Highland White Terrier Toby, moved to Wadswick Green in July 2022. Throughout his life, Mister Simpson had dogs so the thought of moving without Toby was unimaginable. He says: “Toby is good company and always follows me around everywhere I go, which means I never really feel alone. He has been a real trooper throughout the move to Wadswick Green and, whether he knows it or not, helped me feel at home more quickly.”

Besides giving emotional support, Toby encourages Mister Simpson to stay active. “There are plenty of green spaces within the grounds of Wadswick Green which makes it very convenient for us to go for a wander out in the fresh air. Toby loves our walks as he knows that we will meet lots of other residents who have grown fond of him and make him the centre of attention. Given Toby’s curious nature, it didn’t take long for him to befriend other dogs which inevitably allowed me to get to know fellow residents more easily.”

In addition to being pet-friendly, Rangeford Village’s communities impress with spacious homes and specially-designed services to provide extra support, whilst owners also benefit from an array of on-site communal facilities at each village such as a swimming pool, sauna, steam room, gym, spa and hair salon. Additional features include a relaxed all-day dining restaurant. Communal activities and events take place all year round for owners to encourage an active and social lifestyle.

Rangeford’s integrated retirement communities include Wadswick Green in Wiltshire, Siddington Park in Gloucestershire, Mickle Hill in North Yorkshire, Homewood Grove in Surrey and Strawberry Fields in Cambridgeshire, with further developments in the pipeline including Elstree in Boreham Wood, Hertfordshire.

 
*survey of 2,000 pet owners by Agria Pet Insurance. For details, please visit https://www.agriapet.co.uk/blog/news/valentines-day-2025/#:~:text=50%25%20of%20pet%20owners%20say,compared%20to%2033%25%20of%20males