Bella & Duke shares advice for Keir Starmer as he decides which pet to move into Downing Street

As newly elected Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, is set to make the move into 10 Downing Street, the all important question has been raised as to what pet he will be moving in with.

With his current cat Jojo leading the polls to move in with the Starmers, there are rumours that a new canine companion could be joining the family. 

Bella & Duke is no stranger to creating the perfect pet friendly environment as the launch of its ‘Parklife’ office was designed to accommodate the unique needs of our pets.

Services including a full-time Pet & People ‘Park Ranger’ to offer pet support, agility courses and fun interactive areas for pets to blow off steam, inbuilt kennels and much more were all implemented in the office to create the healthy and happy atmosphere our pets need whilst we work. 

To help the Starmer family with their move, Bella & Duke’s Expert Dog Behaviourist, Nikki Mather has shared some expert pointers to help their pet feel comfortable in the new environment:

1.     What does your pet want? Think about your individual pet’s needs, it’s important everyone is aware of your pet’s move to a new environment and the adjustment period this can entail. Give them time to acclimatise to their new home, giving them their space to grow accustomed to the new move.

2.     Quiet walks around the house: when settling your pet into its new home, allow for time to explore the new surroundings when you know the building won’t be busy. This helps your pet familiarise themselves with the new environment in their own time, creating more positive associations with the new space.

3.     Allow time for enrichment exercises: With an undoubtedly busy schedule ahead of him, it’s important to have interactive activities readily available in number 10. Scratching posts for Jojo or mentally-enriching snuffle mats can be a great outlet for his pet’s energy when a walk may not be possible.

4.     Create your pet’s safe haven: The move to Downing Street is a massive one for the whole family. A great way to help pets settle in is to bring familiar scents that remind them of home. Let your pet take in the home and find where they find most comfortable going to sleep, then build around that to create the perfect safe haven filled with their favourite toys and smells.

5.     Signs your pet is stressed: Moving home can be a stressful situation, some signs to look out for include: lip & nose lick/whale eyes, stress yawn, head turn, freeze/standing stiffly, motionless, tail tucked under – knowing the signs to look out for will help you know when your pet is struggling, so that you can better provide what they need. It’s important to be the calming presence in these situations, our pets mirror our emotions and by reassuring them that everything will be fine, you will be able to limit any stress.

Nikki Mather, Expert Dog Behaviourist at Bella & Duke, added: “We know first-hand how much joy our pets bring to our lives and that choosing a pet can be a truly tough decision. We want to help the Starmer’s with the move to create the perfect environment to welcome their furry friend to the next chapter of their lives. We would urge that you listen to your pet as you introduce them into their new home. Give them the space and time to come to terms with the new environment and build around their favourite parts of the house that make them feed the most safe and comfortable. Both cats and dogs will take time to adjust to the new way of life and it’s important to be patient.”

To find out more information, visit www.bellaandduke.com    

For support and guidance on how to exercise your pet, please contact [email protected].