- New development will feature the first luxury apartment private dog playground
- Will also include dog grooming facilities, bath, shower and air dyer
- Two of five Australians share their house with a dog, but rarely if in apartments
Those that have spent time in high-density cities such as New York and Paris may have noticed that despite their significant human populations, they are dog-friendly places.
Part of the reason is that many apartment buildings feature private off-leash dog playgrounds. This concept is now coming to Australia with a new luxury apartment development in Hurstville, Sydney.
The developer of Lotus Residences, TQM, believes all residents should have the space to move – including the family pooch.
“Pets are an important part of people’s lives, and we’re embracing this while encouraging responsible pet ownership,” said Mark Taouk, Development Director, TQM.
“We know many apartment dwellers love human’s best friend, and pets have a positive effect on our physical and mental health.”
Mark Taouk, Development Director TQM
According to numerous studies, including the RSPCA, over two out of five Australians share their house with a dog. Dog adoptions rose by 200% during the 2020 lockdowns and a landmark 2020 NSW court ruling outlawed blanket bans on pets in apartments.
Pets and apartments
Australia has one of the highest pet ownership rates in the world and we clearly love our furry friends. Over 90% of Australians agree that pets make an improvement to our lives, according to a report from Animal Medicines Australia.
Additionally, the RSPCA found direct benefits including increased cardiovascular health, increased physical activity and may even strengthen one’s immune system, along with numerous psychological benefits.
However, almost 70% of Australian pet owners live in larger, free-standing houses – meaning that apartment owners are often barking up the wrong tree, especially if they have larger breeds such as Labradors and Border Collies.
Some owners do not want pets in their investment properties either, something Ashleigh Goodchild queried in this publication recently. It must be dogma.
Lotus space
The Lotus developer said it was im-paw-tant (with apologies) that a dog oasis should be added to their apartment complex.
“Pets also enhance social connectedness and social skills,” said Mr Taouk.
“We need their special brand of positivity now more than ever, and TQM is thrilled to lead the way by promoting dog-friendly luxury living,”
Lotus Residences will feature specially designed dog play equipment, grooming facilities with bath, shower and air dyer, a sandpit, lush grass area and a shaded sail and security swipe access in its private dog park.
