Pet-Friendly Senior Living

Are Pets Allowed in Retirement Communities?

If you have a pet, you’ll most likely be able to bring it with you to a retirement community. Most active retirement communities allow their residents to have pets, because residents can care for the animals by themselves. Staff members don’t need to get involved, because the owner is responsible.

The number of pets you bring, however, may be restricted depending on the community. Two is usually the allowed amount. All pets must be up to date on their vaccinations, and owners have to accept responsibility if the animal harms someone. Undomesticated and exotic animals are usually not allowed. Talk to the people in charge of the community beforehand so you can make an informed decision.

Are Pets Allowed in Assisted Living Facilities?

Assisted living communities each have their own rules about pets, but most of them allow animals. Some restrict pets by breed or size, and they often put a cap on how many pets you can bring with you. Others, however, will not accept pets at all.

Some assisted living communities have a “community pet” that all residents share. That allows residents to enjoy the benefits of having a pet while letting the community uphold certain rules it sees fit. Petting a cute dog, listening to a cat purr, and playing with loving animals are benefits for both the facility and its residents.

Some common pet rules you might expect from assisted living facilities include:

• Pet limits per resident
• No undomesticated animals
• No exotic pets (birds or snakes, for example)
• Pet vaccinations must be up to date
• Pet fees should be paid on time
• Residents must be able to care for pets
• Residents must list a contact or a contingency plan if the resident can no longer care for the pet

If having your pet with you is a deciding factor for which assisted living facility you choose, ask what the community’s policy is in advance to see if they allow animals. Also find out about extra fees and ask if the community helps you with pet care. Some facilities, for example, may help you with your pet or enlist third-party vendors to take care of grooming, walking, and other services.

Are Pets Allowed in Nursing Homes?

Some nursing homes not only allow residents to have pets in their rooms, but also encourage pet visitations if someone else is caring for the pet. Policies vary from facility to facility, so it’s best to ask ahead of time as you’re considering your living arrangements.

If you don’t have a pet before moving into a new facility, it’s best not to adopt one. Many nursing homes and care facilities are not keen on the idea of new or untrained pets. Also, keep your pet’s needs in mind. A house cat may do just fine in a nursing home, while a dog that’s used to roaming around a big yard may not be suited for that type of living.

Nursing homes that don’t allow their residents to have pets may offer pet therapy programs. Research shows that animal-assisted therapy can improve quality of life for seniors.2 Many facilities recognize the benefits and bring in animal-assisted programs as part of their care packages.

Benefits of Pets for Seniors

Many senior living facilities recognize that pets can provide social and other benefits for their residents. From medical benefits to companion perks, having a four-legged friend nearby could be one of the best things you can do for yourself in your golden years.

Below are some key benefits of having a pet in your community.

Staying Active

If you have a dog to take out on walks, you’ll stay active. You may not be motivated to go for a stroll on your own, but you’ll likely get moving if Max needs you to go out. A recent study showed that older adults with dogs walked 22 minutes more per day at a moderate intensity than their counterparts without pets.3 That could be especially helpful for seniors battling obesity.

Health and Mood Benefits

How can owning a pet help boost an older adult’s mood and confer health benefits? Here are some amazing health-related benefits based on research, especially about dog owners:5

• Owning pets — especially dogs — is associated with a reduced risk for heart disease. If dog owners have a heart attack, they will survive longer than those who don’t own a dog.
• Dog owners are less likely to suffer from depression.
• Dog owners have lower blood pressure.
• Playing with a dog or cat elevates your dopamine (happy hormone) and serotonin (feel-good hormone) levels.
• Feline friends reduce stress levels. Cat owners have a reduced chance of dying from a heart attack or stroke even if they owned a cat in the past.6

Making New Friends

It’s never too late to make new friends. For seniors, befriending a pet gives them purpose in caring for another. Pets also spark conversations between owners and other adults, thus spurring discussion and perhaps new friendships. A pet, therefore, helps older adults socially connect and engage with others. Set pet play dates, visit your local parks and gardens, and allow your furry friends to lead you to new relationships.

Feeling Loved and Happy

The unconditional love and affection that a pet gives is especially helpful for older adults who don’t have close relatives nearby. One study found older adults who owned a pet were 36 percent less likely to report feelings of loneliness than their peers who didn’t have pets.7

Reducing loneliness is very important, because social isolation is a major health risk to seniors. About 25 percent of seniors in the U.S. feel isolated, and isolation is linked to a 50 percent increase in the risk of dementia and other serious medical

Pet Protection

Pets bring an added layer of protection for many seniors. For those who live alone, a pet can make them feel as though someone is watching over them, especially if a stranger approaches. If you own a classic guard dog, such as a German shepherd or Rottweiler, you can bet that someone will think twice about breaking in. The added sense of security can be a boon for seniors.

Best Companion Pets for Seniors

The type of animal you get is a matter of personal preference, but when it comes to dogs, the breed can make a difference. Below are some veterinarian suggestions for the best companion dogs for seniors.

• French bulldog: They make solid companions because of their disposition and because they’re favorable walking partners.
• Poodle: This breed is often small and easy to maintain for seniors.
• Schipperke: These dogs are sturdy and easy to care for.
• Maltese: This breed is known to be attentive to its owners, which is a plus for seniors. It also doesn’t shed a lot, so there’s not much to clean in that department.
• Pembroke Welsh corgi: Active seniors may enjoy this energetic and determined breed.

Certain cat breeds may be better for seniors than others too.

• Birman: These cats like to play, but they’re not over the top when it comes to activities, which can be perfect for seniors.
• Ragdoll: This breed is very laid back and affectionate.
• Russian blue: These cats tend to like to be close to their owners, and they usually stay out of trouble.
• Persian: Known for affection, this breed bonds with its owners and is often very loyal.
• Burmilla: These cats are active, but they’re also affectionate with their owners.

No matter which type of pet you choose, remember to pick an animal you can take care of on your own or with minimal aid. If you move into a senior living community, you will likely have to make plans for where your pet would go in case you are sick or hospitalized.

The Most Pet-Friendly Cities in the U.S.

If you’re looking for a pet-friendly city to move to that also has excellent assisted living, we have you covered! According to Bring Fido, which analyzed the most dog-friendly cities in the U.S.,  Phoenix, San Diego, Colorado Springs, and Austin are some of the country’s most pet-friendly cities. You can check out our guides to assisted living in those cities below!

• Assisted living in Phoenix
• San Diego assisted living communities
• Assisted living communities in Colorado Springs
• Austin assisted living

Pet Friendly Senior Living Facilities Near Me

To find a facility near you that would take you and your pet, contact the National Center for Assisted Living The highly respected nonprofit offers resources on assisted living facilities, including pet-friendly options. Search by state to find detailed profiles about facilities, including pet policies.

If you are looking for pet-friendly senior living and you want to speak directly with someone, call us on our helpline and we can help you find the right home for you and your animal companion.

There are many benefits to bringing your pet to a senior living community. Whether you want to boost your mood and improve your health, stay more active, make friends, or simply enjoy time with your furry companion, bringing your pet to your new living facility is a great way to enhance your life.