New Pond Village: Where Pets Are Family

Discover the comfort of pet-friendly Independent Living at New Pond Village.

As pet lovers, we believe a pet-friendly home is the best kind of home—because life just feels fuller with a furry (or feathered) friend by your side. That’s why New Pond Village is more than just a retirement community; it’s Independent Living at its finest, where your animal companions are truly part of the community.

More Than Pet-Friendly—Pet-Loving

Choosing a pet-friendly retirement community means more than finding a place to live—it means finding a place that values and supports pet ownership. For many people, leaving a pet behind simply isn’t an option, so they want a community that allows their furry friends. Many communities are meeting that need by allowing pets; however, “pets allowed’ and “pet-friendly” don’t always mean the same thing. It’s essential to know the difference before choosing a senior living community.

Many communities allow pets, but that means your pet can live with you—nothing more. A truly pet-friendly Independent Living community goes beyond that; it embraces your pet as part of the lifestyle, offering amenities, green spaces and a welcoming culture that keeps both you and your fuzzy friend active, engaged and welcome.

We know pets provide important companionship for their owners, supporting health, happiness and independence, so our commitment to enhancing the lives of our residents includes a commitment to welcome and embrace their pets.

Why Pets Matter in Retirement

Moving to a retirement community brings exciting new opportunities and freedom from home maintenance chores, but it also brings significant changes. Downsizing, relocating and new routines may seem overwhelming, but pets can play an invaluable role in helping residents navigate this new chapter of life. Here’s how:

• Emotional Support: Pets provide unconditional love and comfort. Studies show that pet ownership can ease anxiety and depression and boost overall happiness.
• Physical Activity: Walking a dog or even cleaning a cat’s litter box provides daily movement that helps maintain mobility. In fact, a 2024 BMC Psychology study found that older adult dog owners walk significantly more than non-dog owners, supporting better physical health. The many scenic walking trails within our community—plus Willet Pond—help keep you and your pet active and engaged.
• Routine and Purpose: The daily structure necessary for pet care gives older adults a continued sense of purpose.
• Cognitive Engagement: The routines of pet care stimulate memory, responsibility and alertness.
• Emotional Well-being: Petting a cat or hearing a dog’s excited bark after a nap brings comfort and joy that no medication can replace.
• Social Connection: Pets spark conversations, help residents make friends and foster a sense of community. A 2025 Medical Xpress article found that pet owners engage in more social interactions, reducing feelings of loneliness and stress.

Life With Pets at New Pond Village

Residents Trudy W. and Shirley H. are just two of the many residents who enjoy the benefits of pet ownership at New Pond Village. Trudy’s dog Annie adores walking the many scenic trails on our 20-acre campus and exploring nearby Willet Pond, part of the Neponset Watershed and home to many types of wildlife.

Annabelle, a tuxedo cat with a gentle spirit, was Shirley’s loyal companion until she crossed the rainbow bridge in 2021. Shirley adopted 11-year-old Sophie from the Neponset Valley Humane Society, just as she did Annabelle. Today, Sophie fills Shirley’s home with meows, warmth and playfulness.

At New Pond Village, residents can keep a dog, cat or other small pet in their home. Fish and small birds are also welcome.

Residents must agree to care for their pets responsibly and follow New Pond Village’s Pet Agreement; we designed it to ensure harmony for all community members—both two- and four-legged.

Pet-friendly Independent Living in Massachusetts

New Pond Village is among several pet-friendly retirement communities in the Boston and Plymouth areas, but what truly sets us apart from others is our culture. New Pond Village celebrates pet ownership and offers an ideal setting to enjoy the many benefits pets provide older adults, from companionship to well-being.