When you move, the whole family moves – including the furry members! This is especially important for seniors moving into senior living communities who feel more comfortable and safe when their furry companions are in tow.
That is why more and more communities are not just allowing, they are encouraging pet ownership! Looking to move into a pet-friendly senior community? Read more…
Benefits of Pet Ownership for Seniors
Most senior living communities now welcome pets! This comes as no surprise because of the countless benefits of pet ownership for seniors, which include:
- Reduced stress
- Lower blood pressure
- Increased learning
- Reduced depression and feelings of loneliness
- Mental stimulation
- Better self-esteem
Common Pets Allowed in Senior Living Communities
For the most part, pet-friendly senior living communities allow cats, small-to-medium sized dogs, and other small animals such as birds and fish. Some senior communities even have “community” pets that live on-site, such as dogs, cats, even pet chickens!
If you are moving in with a dog, older dogs are usually better as they are better trained and housebroken. If you’re looking to adopt a new furry roommate, look for a breed that has a nice temperament, one that is easily trained, and one that is well-behaved around older adults. When it comes down to it, the best size and breed of a dog depends on two factors – your ability to care for the pet and whether it adheres to the community’s pet policy.
It is important to get the specifics of the senior facility’s pet policy to make sure your pet qualifies while you are planning your move. Even the most pet-friendly communities may set weight limits, cap the number of pets you can have, or require a deposit or fee.
Important Questions to Ask Pet-Friendly Senior Living Communities
When touring senior living communities, it is important to ask the right questions – especially if you wish to bring a pet.
Keep in mind, that just because a senior living community accepts pets, it may not be adequately designed to handle pets. Important questions to ask include:
- What are the community’s rules regarding pets?
- Are the rooms large enough for a pet?
- How much of a pet deposit or fee is required upon move-in?
- Is there a designated pet area, and is it well-lit at night?
- Is there a safe place to take my dog or cat for a walk?
- Is there a pet waste dispenser with bags located in the pet area?
Related > Tampa Area Senior Facilities
Making the Move with Your Pet
At Florida’s Best Moving & Storage, we understand that relocating into senior housing can be overwhelming, especially if you are moving from a longtime family home. When you bring your favorite pet with you, the transition may be easier.
As Tampa Bay’s premier senior moving specialists, we take extra special care of our Tampa senior moving community. For information on our moving services and storage solutions, please call us today at 1-813-485-6580!