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.Socialize your pet. This is especially important for puppies. Again – behavior problems are the number one reason dogs don’t stay with their families and don’t get adopted by new families. Lack of proper socialization can result in inappropriate fears, aggressive behavior, general timidity, and a host of other behavior problems that are difficult to extinguish once a dog is mature.
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.Sprinkle parsley on your dog's food for fresher breath.
‘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 WalkINTERESTING FACT ABOUT YOUR PET: Your dog can help get you a date! One study showed that a man’s chances of getting a girl’s phone number went from 10% to 33%, just by having a dog with them. In the study, a staggering 66% of men and women would not date someone who didn’t like pets.
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.Get Your Dog Microchipped For a Permanent Identifier. A scan of your dogs microchip will give all of your personal information to help with a speedy reunion, just remember to update your information with the microchip company if you move. (microchips are also one of the ways a court can make a decision regarding ownership of a dog, if it ever came to that)
New Mill Quarter, Wallington SM6
From £335,995
No8 Harbord Square, Canary Wharf E14
Make Your Dog Their Own Digging Box. If your dog loves to dig keep you can keep your garden safe by teaching them to use their very own digging box.
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
It’s not a fever…A dog’s normal temperature is between 101 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. How much do you know about dog health? Take our Doggy First Aid Quiz!
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 LivingCreate Your Own Doggie First Aid Kit. You never know when an accident might happen so it’s recommended to have a first aid kit on hand just in case. Here’s a great list of basic items a pet first aid kit should have.
Quintain Living, Wembley Park HA9
From £1,700 pcm
Apo, Barking IG11
From £1,200 pcm
Check it out via Knight FrankBe Diligent about Vet Visits. “Don’t wait for the signs,” Dr. Becker stresses. Focus on “prevention first.” Pets age fast, and when it comes to illness they are programmed to mask weakness, “they’re naturally secretive.” One to two visits a year is ideal, but if you suspect a problem, don’t hesitate, and don’t self-diagnose. “In the last two years I’ve seen four or five cases where people went to the internet for help, and by the time they get to the vet it’s too late,” says Dr. Becker.
Rehearsal Rooms, Acton W3
From £1,500 pcm + £30 per pet
Check it out via lovetorent.co.uk
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Run a dryer sheet over your dog's fur when there's a storm — chances are, they aren't freaked out about the storm but the static electricity built up in their fur. According to Martha, this should work at least 50% of the time.
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