Pets are beneficial to many residents
I was disappointed to see a number of recent articles where social landlords appear to have taken a hard line on pet ownership. At Hanover, a provider of older people’s housing, we encourage resident choice. Many residents really value the choice to own a pet, especially where a deep attachment has already been formed.
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Pets offer valued companionship and research suggests pet ownership can also offer a range of therapeutic and health benefits, including low stress levels and reduced risk of heart attacks and strokes.
We actively welcome pets to our 632 estates. In fact, being pet-friendly is one of our selling points and we very rarely turn away a pet - even on our extra care estates where residents can sometimes require more support. It works because our pet policy is based on responsible ownership: and we encourage residents to consider alternative short or long-term pet care arrangements if residents’ circumstances change.
Perhaps instead of outlawing pet ownership, or having blanket policies around replacing pets that die, more landlords could consider the benefits of pets to residents.
Bruce Moore, chief executive, Hanover Housing Group