A HAMPSHIRE retirement living company is now offering pet-friendly developments across the county.

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

The company has facilities across Hampshire, including Beck Lodge in Park Gate, Spitfire Lodge in Portswood, Knights Lodge in Lymington, and Apsley Lodge in Waterlooville.

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 added: “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 specialises in developing purpose built apartments designed specifically to meet the needs of older people, enabling them to enjoy an active, independent and sociable lifestyle in their retirement.

Its self-contained apartments are provided for sale within a single block, and sold with a lease containing an age restriction which ensures that only people of 60-years-old or over, or those over this age with a partner of at least 55, can live in them.

The company has received the maximum five-star rating in the independent HBF Customer Satisfaction Survey four times in a row, and was ranked second in The Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For 2019.