MOST of us could not do without our pets but when moving into social housing, many landlords have strict policies on bringing animals into their homes.
Hanover Housing, which operates a number of properties in Barnsley, has bucked the trend by being the first housing organisation to receive the RSPCA’s gold standard award for animal welfare.
The Barnsley Chronicle went to Hanover Court, Worsbrough, to see what residents thought of the news.
Jan Laver, 67, moved into her house on the estate in March, along with husband Dave, 65, and one-eyed Shih Tsu, Pip.
Pip, who Jan estimates is around 11 or 12 years old, was a rescue dog who was used for birding.
“I know a lot do not take pets and when we were looking it was very important that we could bring Pip,” Jan said.
“We have never had any family, dogs have always been our thing. I’ve had dogs for 40 years before I met Dave.
“I’m probably more of a dog fan than I am of kids to be honest. They’re family to me, full stop.
“It’s a lovely house in a lovely location, but if we wouldn’t have been able to bring Pip we would have had to turn it down. I think a lot of people would feel the same.”
Gloria Leighton, 67, said if there was ever a change of rules that meant five-year-old tom cat Lucky would have to move out, then ‘she would have to go as well’.
She said: “There are quite a few people that have moved here with pets.
“Because I’m poorly I’m quite prone to catching infections and things so I can’t go out that much and can’t let him out, but he’s an indoor cat and he’s well looked after. He means everything to me really.”
Hanover received the RSPCA PawPrint award in recognition of its pioneering work with animals, which includes accounting for pets in residents’ care plans.
Mark Lake, director of housing and support at Hanover said: “Resident well-being is a top priority for us. For many years we’ve recognised that pets can provide great companionship and also give older people a greater sense of purpose, so it has been vitally important that we provide the right environment that allows that to happen.”
