Pets offer companionship, routine and a reason to get up and moving. Research suggests that interacting with animals may have health benefits for people, including lower stress1. For an older adult moving into assisted living, keeping a pet can make the change feel less like a loss.
This guide covers common pet policies, how pet care works, and what to ask. For general advice on choosing a community, see our guide to choosing assisted living.
Why pets matter for older adults
- Companionship. A pet is a constant friend, especially after losing a spouse.
- Routine. Feeding and walking give structure to the day.
- Activity. Dog walks mean regular exercise and chances to meet neighbors.
- Comfort during change. A familiar animal can ease the stress of moving.
Social connection supports health as we age2, and pets can help residents start conversations with others.
Common pet policies
| Policy area | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Types of pets | Often cats, small dogs, birds and fish; some limit dogs by size or weight |
| Number | Often one pet per apartment, sometimes two |
| Health | Proof of vaccinations, spay or neuter, and flea control |
| Behavior | Pets must be house-trained and not aggressive |
| Care | The resident is responsible for daily care, or must arrange it |
| Charges | Some communities charge a pet deposit or monthly pet charge |
| Common areas | Rules about leashes, dining rooms and shared spaces |
Ask for the written pet policy before you sign.
Who takes care of the pet
In most communities, residents care for their own pets. If your parent needs help, options include:
- Family members who visit to help with walks or vet visits.
- Paid dog walkers or pet sitters.
- Staff help, if the community offers it.
- Grooming and vet services that come to the community.
Service animals and assistance animals
Service animals and other assistance animals, such as emotional support animals, aren't treated as pets under fair housing rules. Housing providers covered by the Fair Housing Act may need to make reasonable accommodations for them, even with a no-pets policy3. Whether and how these rules apply depends on the setting, so ask the community and, if needed, your state's fair housing agency.
In federally assisted rental housing for older adults, federal rules generally let residents keep common household pets, under reasonable rules4. See our senior apartments guide for more on that kind of housing.
Pets and safety
Pets bring joy, but they can also be a tripping hazard, especially small dogs and cats that wander underfoot. Falls are a serious risk for older adults5, so think about safety as you plan:
- Choose a calm pet that walks well on a leash.
- Keep pet beds, bowls and toys out of walkways.
- Use a night light so your parent can see the pet in the dark.
- Consider a pet that doesn't need walks in bad weather, like a cat.
- Keep up with vet care so the pet stays healthy and comfortable.
Helping a pet settle in
Moving is stressful for animals, too. Keep the pet's routine as steady as you can, with the same food, feeding times and walks. Set up a familiar corner with the pet's bed and toys before the pet arrives. Introduce the pet to staff and neighbors slowly, and give it a few weeks to adjust. Our guide to moving a parent to senior living has more moving tips.
Pets in memory care
Personal pets are less common in memory care, since residents may not be able to care for them safely. Some memory care communities have a resident pet or regular animal visits instead. Learn more about memory care activities and therapies.
How to find a pet-friendly community
- Ask early. Ask about pets on the first call, so you don't waste time.
- Get the policy in writing. Read it closely, including charges and any limits.
- Visit with the pet in mind. Look for outdoor space, walking paths and nearby vets.
- Ask residents. Talk with residents who have pets about how it works.
- Plan the move. Bring the pet's bed, toys and food so the new apartment smells like home.
Use our assisted living tour checklist on visits.
Make a backup plan
Agree in advance on who will care for the pet if your parent is in the hospital, needs more care, or passes away. Write down the pet's vet, medicines, food and habits. Some people include pet care in their wider planning documents6.
Questions to ask
- What types, sizes and numbers of pets do you allow?
- Is there a pet deposit or a monthly pet charge?
- Who helps if my parent can't walk or feed the pet?
- Where can pets go, and where can't they?
- What happens if a pet causes problems or my parent can't care for it anymore?
- Do you have outdoor space or a dog run?
