A RETIREMENT living company based in Ringwood is now offering pet-friendly developments across Dorset and Hampshire.

To celebrate the end of National Pet Month, Churchill Retirement Living is welcoming well-behaved cats, dogs and caged birds into its homes.

Reverend Anthony Cairns from Lymington said: “Leo the Norwich Terrier is one of the friendliest dogs I’ve ever had.

“He’s had to adapt a little bit to the new environment, but now he’s completely settled in and we’ve formed a new routine with plenty of nice walks and things to do right on our doorstep.

“I think he’s much happier here than he was before, as it’s such a lovely dog-friendly town, and we’re right in the heart of things with no need to travel anywhere to enjoy a nice walk.”

Churchill’s regional marketing manager Caroline Haswell said: “We know that keeping a pet can reduce stress, provide companionship, and help to increase physical activity and social interaction, all of which is essential as we get older.

“More importantly, we know that many of our owners simply wouldn’t contemplate leaving their furry friends behind, which is why we’re happy to celebrate responsible ownership, and everything life with a pet entails this National Pet Month.”

Churchill Retirement Living says there are five main benefits to keeping a pet in retirement:

1. It reduces stress: "Stress is something we all try to avoid but sometimes there’s no escaping it. Retirement is a time to kick back and enjoy life, and a pet can help you to achieve this. It has been said that pet owners have significantly lower stress levels than those who don’t own a cat, dog or other furry friend. The affection that pets provide helps us to get through hard times and provide much needed love when we’re feeling down."

2. It increases physical activity: "Keeping active in your later years can seem like a chore sometimes. We know it’s good for us but a day at the gym may not be as appealing as it once was. Pets encourage playfulness, laughter, and exercise, which gives a boost to your immune system and your energy. Taking your dog for a stroll once a day provides some much needed exercise while allowing you some enjoyment and companionship."

3. It increases social interaction: "Sustaining a social network isn’t always easy as you grow older and pets can be a great social ice breaker. Whether you’re taking your dog for a stroll or chatting to people about your cat, these animals are a shared interest which allows for endless conversation."

4. It improves mental health: "Playing with, chatting to, or just holding a pet is believed to increase our brain activity and improve our mood. If you live alone, it’s easy to feel down, especially if you used to have a busy household and a large family. Your animal companion can give you that lift you need and we all know there’s nothing better after a difficult day than coming home to a purring cat or a wagging tail."

5. It improves physical health: "You can overcome many of the physical challenges associated with ageing by taking good care of yourself. Looking after an animal can help you to appreciate the importance of this. Making sure you take your pet out and about can help you to lower blood pressure, reduce the effect of arthritis and keep you feeling great."