About 17 million UK households now own a pet, and many of us would have found lockdown even tougher without the comfort and companionship of our faithful hound or precious moggie by our side.
But if you are searching for a new home, don’t automatically assume that your pet will be allowed to live there with you, as leases sometimes contain covenants that prohibit keeping animals.
Happily, many sales and rental developments throughout London are throwing open their doors to four-legged as well as human residents – here’s where to look.INTERESTING FACT ABOUT YOUR PET: Dogs have a sense of time. It's been proven that they know the difference between a hour and five. If conditioned to, they can predict future events, such as regular walk times.
Trinity Walk, Woolwich SE18
From £355,000
‘Before we got Loba we didn’t know anyone here but now I know a lot of my neighbours, and am part of a group of dog owners and meet some every day,’ says Ron.Keep an Eye On Your Dog Around Water (Especially Pools). Not all dogs are great swimmers, and when it comes to pools they can be very dangerous for a dog. Keep an eye on your dog if they’re out in the yard by the pool and make sure your dog knows where the steps in & out of the pool are.
‘We go out for walks and a coffee around the area, which has been great and it really does feel like a community. It’s not something I would have done without Loba. There are a lot of green spaces nearby and the landscaping is nice, and we have quite a few options for walks.
‘We chose this development as it was quiet, had lots of space and was affordable. But it’s so convenient, too, as shops, restaurants and the station are also close by.’
Check it out at Trinity WalkMake a Re-Stuffable Dog Toy. Does your dog go bonkers with stuffed toys? If your dog likes to rip stuffed animals apart you can make a re-stuffable dog toy.
Centenary House, Highams Park E4
Two-bedroom flats from £420,000
L&Q at Deptford Landings, SE8
From £123,705 for a 25% share of £495,000
Available through shared ownership, these two and three-bedroom apartments and four-bedroom duplexes all have a balcony or terrace.
They’re built around communal gardens, are next to Deptford Park and a five-minute walk from the Thames.Don’t Let Your Dog Ride in the Back of Your Truck Unrestrained. An estimated 100,000 dogs die each year from riding in pickup beds each year, and that doesn’t take into account all of the injuries seen each year. Dogs in pickup beds are also at risk of being hit with debris that can cause injuries.
New Mill Quarter, Wallington SM6
From £335,995
No8 Harbord Square, Canary Wharf E14
Alternate Their Toys to Keep Their Interest. Just like us dogs get bored with new stuff after awhile, and this includes their toys. Keep their interest by alternating their access to them. Once your dog hasn’t seen their blue ball in a month they’ll have a brand new appreciation for it the next time it makes an appearance.
From £745,000
These loft-style apartments are completely open plan apart from the bathrooms, giving buyers the flexibility to design their own layouts and even give pets a zone of their own.
The front door opens onto one of the area’s largest green spaces.
Check it out via Residential Canary WharfRoyal Albert Wharf, Royal Docks E16
From £81,250 for a 25% share
A carabiner is a quick and easy way to leash your dog.
They come out to an open-plan layout perfect for relaxation and play. Private sale also available from £367,500 with Help to Buy available on selected plots.
Check it out via Notting Hill Genesis
Fizzy East16, Canning Town, E16
From £1,430 pcm
There’s a dog washroom, a pet station equipped with treats, toys and paw wipes, and pet owners have the option to receive a pet-friendly furniture pack.
Check it out via Fizzy LivingPlay a Nice Interactive Game of Tug With Your Dog. A 5 minute game of tug works wonders for tiring out your dog & letting him get rid of some of that pent up energy. (and no – it won’t make your dog aggressive despite the old myth)
Quintain Living, Wembley Park HA9
From £1,700 pcm
Apo, Barking IG11
From £1,200 pcm
Check it out via Knight FrankA Safe Place. Creating a safe place for your pet is crucial to its comfort. Make sure your pet has its own place of comfort where it can rest, relax and feel secure.
Rehearsal Rooms, Acton W3
From £1,500 pcm + £30 per pet
Check it out via lovetorent.co.uk
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Check for Fleas By Giving Your Dog the White Towel Test. Do you think you dog has fleas? Have them lay on a white towel while you examine & brush their fur. The sheet makes it easy to see any loose flea dirt that falls from your dog.
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