Pets are part of the family, especially for elderly people who can’t stay alone. As you get older, you may lose your independence and need help with daily living activities—and if you have a pet, it’s important to make sure they can come with you to pet-friendly assisted living in Kingwood, TX. We’ve put together a guide with everything you need to know about choosing an assisted living community for your beloved pet.
Check Policy & Restrictions
Before you bring your furry friend to assisted living, it’s important to check the community’s pet policy. This can help you avoid any surprises later on.
Some communities may restrict how many pets you can bring or what kind of pets are allowed. For example, some communities allow cats and dogs only, while others enable birds, guinea pigs, and fish too! Some places do not allow exotic animals or reptiles at all. Be clear on this before you move in so that there are no unpleasant surprises later down the line when they kick your beloved companion out because they need to follow their rules more closely.
Some communities may also require that certain areas be designated as pet-free zones–this is especially true when other residents have severe allergies or asthma (or don’t like having animal hair everywhere). If possible, try asking about such things ahead of time so that, once again, there won’t be any unpleasant surprises later down the road when someone tells them, “No way!”
Get Documentation
It’s important to have documentation of your pet’s medical condition and vaccination history in case you need to bring them along. You should also have a letter from your vet that explains the care they’ve received, including any medications or special diets they may need to continue receiving while living with you.
Keep this information in a safe place where it can be easily accessed at all times by veterinary staff and emergency responders if necessary.
Pack Smart
You should be prepared with what you need for your pet. You should have a crate or carrier and all their equipment, including food and water bowls, toys, treats, etc. Make sure you have everything to keep them well-fed and happy during their time in assisted living with pets.
If they are used to being on a leash when they go out for walks, bring one along with a collar that fits snugly but won’t choke them if they pull on it too hard. This will make it easier for someone taking care of your furry friend while you’re away to walk them around the grounds or outside if there’s room in the community where they live.
Prepare Your Pet
Being a pet owner is a lot of work. Please get your furry friend into training classes if you can. Your pet may need training in how to be clean and quiet and behave around other people and animals.
If there’s one thing that many Retirement communities hate, it’s any mess—so do yourself a favor by making sure your pet is trained for this kind of situation. Some dogs will even require potty training before moving into an assisted living!
Consider the Practicality Of The Pet Size
When considering a pet for assisted living, you must consider the practicality of the pet size. Pets are often left at home during visits because they are too big or energetic to handle in a senior care community. While this may seem like an easy solution, it can cause much stress and pain for you and your furry friend if they feel neglected or abandoned.
Conclusion
Taking care of a pet is a lot of work. It takes time, patience, and understanding. But if you can do this, the reward will be all the sweeter for you and your companion animal.
