THE chief executive of a care homes company has called for more residential homes to implement a pet policy to make the transition into care an easier process for older people.

David Coull from Coverage Care, which runs Stone House in Bishop's Castle, says he supported the campaign by the charity Blue Cross for all care homes for elderly people to have a specific pet policy.

Blue Cross says its research found that 40 per cent of UK care homes claim to be ‘pet friendly’ but, in practice, this often isn’t clear or consistent.

The charity is recommending that care homes have clear criteria on where they stand regarding residents keeping their pets and the responsibility of residents living with their pet in the home.

Coverage Care runs 14 residential and nursing homes across Shropshire in Bishop's Castle, Telford, Shrewsbury, Oswestry, Wellington, Whitchurch, Bridgnorth, Newport and Market Drayton.

David Coull said a transparent policy would make moving into care easier for people who don’t want to part with their pets.

“Moving into care is a life-changing decision and it can be stressful so anything that can allow it to be a smooth transition should be welcomed,” he said.

“It would make it easier for people to choose the best place for them to live if every care home had a clearly stated policy.