With the rise of pet-friendly travel, many seniors also discover that their furry friends can join them on their journeys. With that, pet-friendly assisted living facilities are becoming more common. If you have a pet, this article will help you determine if it’s safe for your furry friend to move with you into assisted living.
Yes, Some Assisted Communities are Pet-Friendly
It’s important to note that some assisted communities are pet-friendly, but each has its own rules. At some locations, pets are allowed with no additional cost or deposit; at others, the owner must pay a fee or security deposit and show proof that their pet has been inoculated against rabies.
Be Sure To Check the Rules
- Some facilities charge a fee or deposit.
- Some facilities have a maximum number of pets allowed.
- Some facilities have a maximum weight limit for pets.
- Some facilities have a maximum number of pets allowed per resident.
- Some facilities allow pets to stay in the resident’s room, while others require them to remain in the facility’s pet area.
You May Need Proof of Vaccination
To ensure that your pet is healthy and safe, they must be up-to-date on their vaccinations. Suppose you plan on bringing them into an assisted living facility. In that case, it’s most likely an excellent idea to ensure they have their rabies shot and other necessary vaccinations before moving in with you. If you’re unsure if your animal is up-to-date on its shots, it may be time to consider vaccinating them. You can see your local veterinarian for more information about what type of vaccines are needed for your specific pet.
The Size of the Pet will also Determine if it’s Allowed
For example, some facilities have restrictions based on size. Some will allow cats and small dogs, but not large dogs. Other facilities have breed restrictions—some don’t allow pit bulls or German shepherds, for instance. Other assisted living facilities are more concerned about temperament than size or breed. They may not allow certain species because of their reputation for aggression and general crankiness, like Doberman Pinschers and Rottweilers.
Some Assisted Communities Have A Pet Programme
Some common pet programs include:
- Pet therapy program, which allows guests to interact with animals.
- Pet visitation program, enabling guests to interact with people who own pets.
- The pet-sitting program allows guests to interact with other people’s pets.
- Pet-walking program which enables community members to walk their dogs at certain times in designated campus areas
Pets Are Family
Pets are a part of the family, so it’s only natural that you want to bring them with you when moving. Be sure to research before getting a pet into an assisted living facility. You may need to pay a fee or deposit for your pet; some facilities don’t allow dogs. Pets can also pose health risks if they aren’t adequately vaccinated or groomed regularly because they could spread disease around other residents with weaker immune systems than yours. Suppose your pet has special needs such as needing regular medication or frequent visits from a veterinarian. In that case, it might need to book vet visits and transportation in advance.
