Does Assisted Living Allow Pets? Good News for Animal Lovers
About 55% of older adults own a pet, and for most of them, that animal is not just a companion.
It is a daily routine, a source of comfort, and a relationship that has been part of the household for years. The idea of giving that up during a move to senior living is one of the reasons families hesitate to start the conversation at all.
The good news? Pet-friendly assisted living has become far more common than most people realize, and the case for keeping pets in senior living communities has never been stronger.
How pet policies have changed
In 2015, only 45% of assisted living communities allowed pets. Today, that number has climbed to 85%. The shift reflects a growing recognition of what pet ownership actually does for older adults.
Research from the University of Michigan shows that 83% of pet owners aged 50 and older say their pet gives them a sense of purpose, and 71% say their pet helps them enjoy life more. For communities focused on whole-person well-being, those numbers are hard to ignore.
Dogs and cats are the most common companions, though many communities also welcome birds, fish, and other small animals depending on their specific policies.
What pet-friendly assisted living typically looks like
Do assisted living communities allow pets without any restrictions? Most welcome them with a few reasonable guidelines in place. Common policies include:
- Weight or size limits for dogs, often between 25 and 50 pounds depending on the community
- Proof of current vaccinations and veterinary records
- Requirements that pets be housebroken and well-behaved in common areas
- An agreement that the resident is responsible for the pet’s daily care
- A designated care plan identifying who will take over if the resident is temporarily unable to manage pet care
These policies are not designed to create barriers in assisted living. They exist to make sure both residents and their neighbors can live comfortably alongside each other’s animals.
The emotional and physical benefits worth knowing
The case for pet-friendly senior apartments goes beyond simple comfort. Pet companionship produces measurable benefits for older adults, including:
- Reduced cortisol levels and lower blood pressure during periods of stress
- Increased daily physical activity, particularly for dog owners who maintain walking routines
- Greater sense of structure and daily purpose through feeding and care schedules
- Reduced feelings of loneliness and isolation
- Improved mood and more frequent positive social interaction with neighbors
That last point is worth noting.
A resident with a dog tends to meet more neighbors in the first week than someone without one. Animals are natural conversation starters, and in a community setting, they accelerate the kind of connection that makes a new place feel like home.
A checklist for bringing a pet to assisted living
When moving to assisted living that allows pets, planning ahead makes the transition smoother for everyone, including the animal. Before move-in, consider gathering the following:
- Current vaccination records and a recent veterinary health certificate
- Contact information for a local veterinarian the community can reach if needed
- A written care plan outlining daily feeding times, medications, exercise needs, and behavioral notes
- Identification of a backup caregiver, whether a family member or trusted friend, if the resident is temporarily unable to manage pet care
- Supplies including food, bedding, toys, and anything else that helps the animal settle into a new space
Providing the care plan to the community team is one of the most practical steps a family can take. It ensures that team members can step in and support the animal without guesswork during any health-related absence.
What about memory care?
Memory care settings often have different considerations, primarily around a resident’s ability to consistently manage an animal’s needs independently.
That does not mean residents in memory care go without animal companionship. Many communities offer:
- Scheduled pet therapy visits from trained therapy animals
- Community pets that live in shared spaces and are cared for collectively
- Family-brought animal visits during regular visiting hours
The benefits of animal interaction are just as real in memory care settings, and thoughtful communities find ways to make those moments happen regularly.
Pets and community at Sodalis Living
Something happens when a new resident arrives at a Sodalis Living community with a dog or cat in tow. The animal becomes, almost immediately, one of the most recognized faces in the building. Neighbors stop in the hallway to say hello. Conversations that might have taken weeks to start happen on day two over a leash and a friendly greeting.
For new residents still finding their footing, that kind of instant social currency matters more than most families anticipate. A pet does not just ease the owner’s transition. It creates the conditions for relationships to form naturally, on the resident’s own terms, without the pressure of structured introductions.
Team members at Sodalis Living communities get to know the animals too. When a team member asks how a dog is doing by name, or remembers that a cat prefers a certain spot in the afternoon sun, it signals something about the environment that goes beyond pet policy. It reflects a culture where the whole of a resident’s life, including the relationships that have mattered longest, is worth paying attention to.
Frequently asked questions about pets in assisted living
Most do. Approximately 85% of assisted living communities currently allow pets, typically with guidelines around size, vaccination records, and a resident care plan for the animal.
Dogs and cats are the most commonly allowed, though many communities also welcome birds, fish, and small caged animals. Policies vary, so confirming with a specific community before move-in is always a good idea.
This is exactly what a written pet care plan addresses. Identifying a backup caregiver in advance, whether a family member or friend, ensures the animal is cared for without a scramble during an unexpected health event.
Most memory care neighborhoods do not allow resident-owned pets due to the level of care required. However, many communities offer therapy animal visits and community pet programs that provide regular animal interaction for memory care residents.
Confirm the community’s specific pet policy, gather veterinary records, and prepare a written care plan for the animal. Bringing familiar bedding and supplies helps the pet settle in alongside the resident.
Paws and all
Pet-friendly senior living is no longer a niche accommodation. It is increasingly the expectation, and for good reason. For older adults who have shared their home with an animal for years, that relationship is part of what makes daily life feel worth getting up for. The communities that understand this do not just tolerate pets. They welcome them as part of what makes a resident whole.
Pet-friendly assisted living at Sodalis Living
Sodalis Living provides assisted living, memory care, and respite care in communities across the South where residents are welcomed with the companions that matter most to them.
Contact us to schedule a tour and ask about our pet policy.
