Are Pets Allowed at Assisted Living Facilities? What You Need to Know
Pet ownership brings structure, purpose, happiness, and companionship to many people’s lives. Pets aren’t just animals—they're family members. When transitioning to an assisted living facility, many adults worry about whether they can bring their beloved pet. Fortunately, many assisted living facilities allow pets.
In this article, we'll explore common policies for moving into a senior living community with a pet, important questions to ask before making the move, and the many benefits pets can bring to older adults.
Are pets allowed in assisted living communities?
While each assisted living facility has its own set of rules and guidelines, the majority are pet-friendly, provided the resident can care for their pet independently.
If extra help is needed, some facilities offer pet care services for an additional fee. However, some communities may have specific regulations regarding the type of pet, breed, size, and temperament. Service animals may be subject to different rules.
If you or your loved one is exploring senior housing options, you'll be pleased to know that many other care facilities are also pet-friendly. A study by A Place for Mom found that 70.6% of assisted living communities, 68.8% of memory care communities, 90.6% of independent living communities, and 79.1% of senior apartments welcome pets.
If moving without your furry friend is non-negotiable, it’s best to call the community and ask about their specific pet policy.
Common rules for pets in retirement communities
In addition to monthly fees, many senior care communities have pet-related restrictions. Some common rules include:
No undomesticated animals
No exotic animals (such as birds or snakes)
A limit on the number of pets per resident
Pets must be well-behaved and properly trained
Pets must not pose a danger to anyone in the community
Limits on breeds, size, or weight
Proof of vaccinations
Residents may also need to create a contingency plan or delegate a family member or friend to take care of the pet if they can’t
Questions pet owners should ask before moving into an assisted living facility
To ensure you understand a community's pet policy, it’s helpful to ask these questions:
How many pets are currently in the community? Is there a limit?
Is there a one-time or monthly fee for pets?
Are there any specific animals or breeds that aren't allowed?
Which vaccinations are required?
Is there a veterinarian on site?
Are there designated pet areas?
What happens if someone complains about my animal?
Are pets allowed in common areas?
Is there a dog walking service?
What happens if I can no longer care for my pet?
Other ways you can interact with animals at assisted living facilities
There are several creative and meaningful ways to engage with animals in assisted living facilities.
Community pets
Some facilities have “community pets” that live on the grounds and roam freely as they visit residents. This is ideal for some adults, as it allows them to enjoy the benefits of having a pet without being the primary caretaker.
Pet therapy
Furry companions are sometimes also used for pet therapy in assisted living homes, offering a holistic approach to enhance well-being. These therapy programs can help reduce anxiety, assist with physical therapy, provide affection, and boost mood.
Specially trained dogs may even offer additional support, such as detecting seizures, abnormal heart rates, or providing emotional support for individuals with disabilities.
Benefits of pet ownership for older adults
Those who own pets benefit from numerous physical, emotional, and social benefits. Research shows that pets can improve quality of life, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being.
Increased physical activity: Pet ownership encourages physical health and activity. Dog owners especially benefit from walks and outdoor play, improving mobility and health. Regular exercise is critical for older adults as it reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and improves strength.
More social interactions: Taking walks or visiting dog parks may lead to more conversations, which helps combat feelings of isolation and stimulates the mind.
Emotional support and companionship: Loneliness is a common challenge for older adults, but pets can provide vital companionship and comfort, improving mental health during difficult moments. The unconditional love from an animal can bring a sense of joy and fulfillment.
Health and mood benefits: Interacting with pets has been shown to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and enhance mental health. Even just petting a cat or dog can trigger the release of oxytocin, a hormone that promotes feelings of relaxation and happiness.
Protection: For adults living alone, pets can offer an added sense of security. Protective dogs, such as German Shepherds, can be a reassuring presence, and a dog can help alert someone who may be hard of hearing when someone approaches.
Cognitive health: A 2022 study found that pet owners had sharper memories, better information processing speeds, and greater attention to detail. All these benefits may boost overall brain health.
Purpose and routine: Pets help older adults establish a daily routine, bringing structure and meaning to their day.
How to find a pet-friendly assisted living facility near you
The National Center for Assisted Living is a great resource that offers information on assisted living facilities near you, including pet-friendly options. Through their website, you can search by state to find details about each facility.
Another website, Pet-Friendly Senior Living, breaks down options by housing type, level of care needed, and state, giving you many pet-friendly senior living options.
Even after finding an option through one of these resources, it’s always a good idea to call and ask about the facility’s specific rules.