June 29, 2026
Moving into a senior living community is a major life transition. For older adults who have pets, there are extra layers of concern. Some people don’t even want to spend a single night away from their pets, let alone move some place where their furry (or feathered or scaly) friends are not welcome. Occasionally, the inability to move with their pet can become an impediment to an older adult getting the assistance they need to stay safe. So if that describes you or a loved one, you’ll want to start your senior living search with places that will accommodate you.
Seniors don’t want to be forced to choose between the best senior living community and one that will accommodate their current pets. They also don’t want to be forced to give up or rehome their pets. Older pets, often with their own medical needs, are frequently overlooked in shelters.
Decades ago, pets in senior living would have been a rarity. But more senior living communities are recognizing the benefits of allowing pets to move in with their owners. From lower blood pressure to reduced feelings of loneliness, there are many health benefits associated with pet ownership. Well-behaved pets can bring joy and companionship to not only their owner, but other members of the community—staff included! Randi O’Neal, Community Relations Director at Fieldstone of Bainbridge, put it simply: “We love pets and encourage pets.”
Here’s how to find the right fit for you and your pet.
Start with the right questions
Not all “pet-friendly” policies are created equal. Before touring a community, call ahead and ask specifically:
- What types of animals are allowed? (Dogs, cats, birds, fish, reptiles?)
- Are there breed or weight restrictions?
- Is there a pet deposit or monthly pet fee?
- What happens if a resident can no longer care for their pet?
- Are there designated outdoor areas for walking or exercising pets?
- Do pets need to be screened for compatibility ahead of time?
- Could your pet policy change in the future? If so, will current pet residents be “grandfathered” in if the policy changes?
- Do they require a pet insurance policy?
The answers will reveal a lot about a community’s true culture around animals. At Fieldstone of Bainbridge, O’Neal describes an environment where the welcome mat is genuinely out, even for the unexpected. “We had a parrot here not that long ago,” she noted. Weight limits do apply, but O’Neal emphasized flexibility: “We are contracted with weight limits, it’s a case-by-case basis. Some dogs are larger but can be really well-behaved.”
Communities will also typically require documentation.
“We do require pet vaccinations and health records,” she explained, adding that the resident’s ability to provide daily care is equally important. “The resident has to be able to care for the animal in order to have it.”
It’s also worth asking if your pet can accompany you on a tour of the community. How staff and current residents respond will tell you a great deal about the true culture around animals, more than any written policy will.
Know your community types
Pet policies can vary a lot depending on the type of senior living arrangement. Independent living communities tend to be the most flexible, often treating pets much like an apartment complex would. The rules at assisted living communities can vary widely. Some are wonderfully pet-inclusive, while others have stricter limits due to health and safety regulations. Memory care and skilled nursing facilities may have the most restrictions, though many now maintain community pets or allow supervised visits.
At Fieldstone of Bainbridge, the lines between those categories are intentionally blurred in the best way. “We have residents on the independent living side who sometimes bring their dogs over to other parts of the community,” O’Neal said, “and families can bring in their animals when they come to visit.”
The memory care unit receives regular animal visitors as well.
“We bring in therapy dogs, and we’ve even had a therapy pony that wears little Build-A-Bear shoes,” she recalled.
Know what to look for in the physical environment
Beyond policy, the physical layout of a community matters enormously for pet owners. Ask about outdoor access, fenced areas, and proximity to green space. Fieldstone of Bainbridge makes a strong case on that front. “We have ground-floor apartments with patios, and we have a fenced-in area,” O’Neal described. “We are on eight acres. The grounds are really big and great for walking dogs. We even have the doggy poop bags.”
For residents who want to venture further, she added, there’s a nearby trail system.
Have a back-up plan
One of the most important and often overlooked conversations to have is about contingency planning. What happens if you’re hospitalized, or if your health eventually makes it difficult to walk your dog or clean a litter box? What about if you move through different levels of care? Ask communities whether they offer any pet care assistance and consider whether a trusted family member or friend could step in if needed. O’Neal noted that families typically rise to the occasion: “If the health declines, the family usually takes the animal if there’s something that happens.”
It’s also wise to update your estate planning documents to include your pet. A pet trust or a formal arrangement with a trusted person ensures your companion is cared for no matter what.
You shouldn’t have to choose between the right level of care and keeping your beloved pet. With some upfront research and the right questions, you can find a senior living community that makes room for the whole family. Start the search early, be specific about your needs, and trust your instincts when you walk through the door. Both you and your pet deserve to feel at home.
