The pandemic has taken Britain’s love of pets to a whole new level. The Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association reported earlier this year that 3.2 million UK households had acquired a pet since the start of the pandemic, meaning that the UK is now home to 17 million pet-owning households.

In Wembley Park, where award-winning management company Quintain Living oversees the rental of more than 3,000 apartments, pets (and their owners) couldn’t be made to feel more welcome with four-legged residents in approximately 15% of leased homes.

For many people, having a furry friend live with them has provided a lifeline during a time when we were all forced to stay at home with limited social contact. Ashley San Pedro, Quintain’s Sales Director, a ‘paw-rent’ and Quintain Living resident along with her 10-week-old goldendoodle Macy, comments:

“Pets provide benefits for so many people. For those living alone it’s companionship. For others, it’s a way to grow their families. Dogs add such joy into your life. After over a year of lockdown we all need more joy and Quintain Living’s pet friendly stance is making that easier! I love that there is a dog park and I’m lucky enough that my apartment has a massive terrace to give Macy room to play outside.”
The social element of dog ownership is also something that Ashley has been enjoying. She comments:

“Everyone seems to really love pets at Quintain Living. When I am with Macy, we can’t get through the lobby without people stopping us, which makes it easier to make friends with neighbours! We don’t use the dog park yet, as Macy hasn’t had all her vaccines, but we are really excited to start soon. I love that dogs are such an easy conversation starter. I meet people all around Wembley Park who have pets just by asking about their dogs. Plus seeing kids smile and have a giggle playing with Macy makes any day brighter!”
Facilities for pets are considered as part of the management of each building, with a range of dog runs and ‘bark parks’ available as well as pet-loving on-site concierges and Resident Teams who welcome pets as warmly as their owners. Services such as doggy day care and dog walking also mean that there’s plenty of flexibility for owners who are out at work.