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Can you have pets in a retirement village?

Date: 13 Oct 2026

If you have a much-loved dog, cat or other pet, there’s one question that may be high on your list when you start thinking about retirement living: can my pet come with me to a retirement village?

For many people, leaving a pet behind simply isn’t an option. They’re part of the family and a huge part of everyday life, so finding a retirement village that allows pets may be an important part of your decision.

In this article, we’ll explain how having pets in a retirement village generally works, what the approval process may involve, and questions worth asking as you explore your village options.

Will my pet be able to come with me?

In most cases, yes. Many retirement villages, including certain Bupa villages, welcome pets. You’ll just need approval first.

Pet policies and guidelines vary between villages, especially in relation to the type of home you’re considering, and the type of pet you have (including its size). For example, a standalone villa with its own outdoor space/garden may offer different options to an apartment or townhouse.

Village guidelines relating to pets are necessary to ensure village life is suitable and enjoyable for every resident, including those who have pets, those who prefer not to have animals nearby, and, of course, the pets themselves.

If bringing your pet when you move to a retirement village is important to you, it’s a good idea to raise this early on in the process of visiting a village. The village team can explain their pet policy, whether your pet is likely to be suitable, and any specific conditions you need to know. You’ll then have a clear understanding before making any decisions.

What pet approval involves in a retirement village

Every retirement village is a little different, so pet approval is generally considered on a case-by-case basis. The village team may want to know a little about your pet and make sure they’ll be a good fit for the community and the home you’re considering.

Depending on the village, this could include:

  • Confirmation your pet’s vaccinations are up to date and, where appropriate, that they’re desexed
  • Contact details for your regular vet
  • A plan for who could look after your pet if you were temporarily unable to, such as during a hospital stay
  • In some cases, a trial or settling-in period to see how your pet adjusts to their new surroundings.

If you’re visiting a village, it can be helpful to talk through your pet’s usual routine too. For example, you might want to ask about suitable places for dog walking, outdoor areas, where pets can spend time around the village, or anything else that could be important to their day-to-day life.

It’s all about helping make sure you, your pet and the wider village community are comfortable from the start.

Why pets matter

For many people, a pet is a big part of what makes home feel like home. Taking your pet with you when you move house brings a sense of normality, as well as routine.

Pets can also bring plenty of other benefits to daily life, including:

  • Companionship: Pets can be wonderful company, whether it’s your dog joining you on walks, or a cat curled up beside you while you watch TV. Pet ownership has also been linked with benefits for wellbeing, including reduced loneliness and greater social connection.
  • A reason to keep active: Having a dog can encourage regular walks and time outdoors, helping to make physical activity part of your day.
  • Routine and purpose: Feeding, walking, grooming and caring for a pet can provide structure to your day and a sense of purpose.
  • More opportunities to connect: Pets can be natural conversation starters. Taking the dog for a walk around the village, for example, might lead to a chat with a neighbour or an introduction to another pet owner.
  • A sense of home: Bringing a much-loved pet with you can help your new surroundings feel more familiar and more like your own.

What makes a retirement village pet-friendly?

A pet-friendly retirement village is about more than simply allowing pets. The right environment can make everyday life easier and more enjoyable for both you and your companion. What matters will depend on the type of pet you have, but some things to look for include:

  • Suitable outdoor spaces: If you have a dog, look for convenient places for regular walks and exercise, either within the village or nearby.
  • A home that suits your pet: Think about practical details such as outdoor access, space for beds, bowls or a litter tray, and whether the layout will work for your pet.
  • Clear pet guidelines: Knowing where pets are welcome around the village and any guidelines that apply makes it easier to understand what village life will look like together.
  • Other pet owners: A community where you’ll regularly see other residents out walking their dogs or spending time with their pets can help you and your pet feel at home.
  • Nearby pet services: Having a vet, groomer, pet store or other services you use regularly nearby can make caring for your pet more convenient.

Ready to find the right home for you and your pet?

At Bupa, we know pets are an important part of life. Our village teams are here to listen, answer questions and help make exploring your options as easy as possible.

If you’re still getting to know how retirement villages work, our article retirement village living in New Zealand covers key consideration including choosing your home, understanding costs and agreements, and more.

When you're ready to see for yourself what village life is like, you're welcome to visit an Open Day, book a personal tour, or simply come and have chat with our team.

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