Seniors and Pets: The Many Benefits of Pet-Friendly Senior Living

Whether you’re nine or 90, furry friends bring a special blend of joy, companionship and purpose that can transform the everyday into something extraordinary. For seniors, a wagging tail or a soft purr can melt away loneliness and infuse even the quietest moments with love.

Beyond the emotional warmth, pets provide a sense of routine, encouraging daily activity and fostering better mental and physical health. They can remind their owners of life’s simpler pleasures—whether it’s a leisurely walk in the park or the comfort of a cozy lap—proving that the bond between seniors and pets is heartwarming and life-enriching.

For seniors living in assisted living communities, pets also provide a range of significant benefits, enhancing their physical, mental and emotional well-being. Read on to learn about those benefits and what you should know about bringing a pet to a pet-friendly senior living community.

Key Takeaways:

1. Pets boost seniors’ well-being by reducing loneliness, lowering stress, promoting activity and improving overall health in senior living communities.

2. Pet-Friendly communities are growing because they recognize the positive impact pets have on residents’ happiness and health.

3. Policies and costs vary but most pet-friendly senior living communities have rules on pet size, breed, care responsibilities, and extra fees.

4.  Plan ahead for a smooth move. Having a pet’s updated health records, maintain routines on hand and understanding community rules will help ensure a successful, stress-free transition both the resident and the pet.

Life is Better When Pets are Welcome

For anyone who may be delaying a decision to move to an senior living community because they don’t want to leave their beloved pet behind, there’s good news: you don’t have to!

The number of senior living communities and senior apartments that allow pets is increasing because they recognize the joy and comfort pets bring and the positive impact animal companionship has on health and overall quality of life. Here’s how bringing a pet to a senior living community can enhance your experience – and overall well-being:

• Reduction of Loneliness: Even though community life provides daily opportunities for companionship, there’s no other bond like the one between owners and their pets. In fact, studies indicate that seniors with pets are 36% less likely to report feelings of loneliness than those without pets. This companionship can also help ease the transition to a new living environment.
• Stress Reduction: Interacting with pets has been shown to lower stress levels and promote relaxation. Activities such as petting or playing with animals can significantly reduce anxiety, promote calmness and boost mood.
• Routine and Structure: Caring for a pet helps establish a daily routine, providing a sense of responsibility and purpose.
• Encouragement of Physical Activity: Pets, particularly dogs, encourage regular physical activity through walks and playtime. Research shows that seniors who own dogs tend to walk more than those who do not.
• Improved Health Outcomes: The simple act of caring for a pet can promote a healthier lifestyle. Regular pet interaction can lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels, and enhance mobility.
• Community Bonding: Pets are often icebreakers that help foster connections with other residents. In some assisted living communities, residents may adopt a community pet or engage in pet therapy programs, which can also encourage social interactions among residents. This shared experience helps build relationships and creates a supportive community environment.

Common Rules and Policies in Pet-Friendly Senior Living Communities

Senior apartments that allow pets strive to create a welcoming environment for both residents and furry companions. To ensure the safety and comfort of everyone and to help maintain harmony among residents, staff, and pets alike, pet-friendly senior living communities typically have rules and policies in place. From guidelines on pet size and breed to vaccination requirements and care responsibilities, here are some common rules and policies:

• Typically, there will be a one pet limit per resident.
• There may be breed or weight restrictions.
• No undomesticated or exotic animals like birds or snakes are permitted.
• Pets must be properly licensed and vaccinated to comply with most state Board of
• Health requirements. Proof of vaccinations is almost always required, and some communities may want proof of good health from a veterinarian.
• Many pet-friendly senior living communities require pets to be spayed or neutered to prevent potential behavioral issues.
• Pet owners must be able to care for pets or make alternate care arrangements.
• Pet owners are responsible for maintaining cleanliness and ensuring their pets do not disturb other residents.
• Most senior apartments that allow pets charge additional fees and/or deposits for residents with pets.

What Should You Consider Before Bringing Your Pet to a Community?

In addition to the pet fees that most communities require, pets also come with ongoing costs such as food, grooming, and veterinary care, so it’s important to consider finances to be sure the costs fall within your budget. It’s also a good idea to evaluate your pet’s care requirements, including daily feeding, exercise and medical needs, to ensure they can be adequately met within the community. Additionally, it might be good idea to consider potential conflicts, such as allergies or fears among neighbors, and whether the community’s pet policies align with your pet’s size, breed, or behavior. Thoughtful planning can help ensure a positive experience for both you and your pet.

Twelve Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Pet-Friendly Senior Living Community Near You

1)  What are the pet-related fees?
2)  Are there restrictions on pet types or breeds?
3)  Is there a limit on the number of pets allowed?
4)  Do you offer pet-care assistance if needed?
5)  What happens if I can no longer care for my pet?
6)  Clarify who is responsible for pet care and if the community offers any assistance or services for pets.
7)  Check to see if the community requires a designated alternate caregiver in case you become unable to care for your pet.
8)  Ask if there are safe, well-lit areas to walk dogs and designated spaces for pets to relieve themselves.
9)  What are the rules for pets in common areas … are leashes required?
10) Does the community offer any grooming, walking, or veterinary care services through partnerships?
11) During a visit, observe how the staff interacts with and accommodates pets to gauge the pet-friendly
atmosphere and watch how other residents respond to pets in the community.
12) If you can’t have a pet but love animals, ask if the community provides pet therapy.

Tips for Moving to a Pet-Friendly Senior Community

If you’re preparing to move to an assisted living community where pets are allowed, here are some tips to help ensure a smooth transition for yourself and your furry BFF:

• Assess your ability to care for your pet independently or arrange for assistance.
• Ensure pets are up to date on vaccinations and free of fleas and pests.
• Schedule a wellness visit with the veterinarian before the move.
• Gather all necessary health records and vaccination proof.
• Consider purchasing helpful products like automatic feeders and jaw scoops for waste.
• Maintain your pet’s regular feeding and walking schedule during the transition.
• Gradually introduce new routines at home before the move to help your pet adjust.
• Socialize and train your pet to be comfortable in community settings.
• Consider a pet behavior assessment to avoid any potential conflicts.
• Check for suitable outdoor areas for pet relief and safe walking spaces.
• Locate nearby veterinary clinics and animal hospitals in the new area.
• Consider purchasing pet insurance to cover unexpected veterinary costs.
• Pack a separate bag with your pet’s essentials for easy access during the move.
• Try to keep your pet’s routine as normal as possible on moving day.

Find a Community Focused on You and Your Furry BFF

Now that you’ve seen how pets can enrich life by boosting emotional well-being, physical health, social connection and happiness, explore communities that embrace your love for animals and the incredible benefits they bring. Use our community locator tool to find a community that fits your needs – and the needs of your furry BFF.

Where You Live Matters

Where You Live Matters is powered by the American Seniors Housing Association (ASHA), a respected voice in the senior housing industry. ASHA primarily focuses on legislative and regulatory advocacy, research, and educational opportunities and networking for senior living executives, so they can better understand the needs of older adults across the country.

Sources:
National Institute of Health and Human Services
SeniorLiving.org
Face Foundation
American Humane