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Do Assisted Living Facilities Allow Pets?
Date Updated: July 26, 2024
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With over a decade of dedicated experience, Andrea Miller boasts an extensive background in healthcare writing and editing. Her expertise spans various facets of the healthcare industry, with a particular focus on nursing, senior care, Alzheimer’s disease, and public health. Andrea has also contributed her editorial talents to reputable publishers in the Philadelphia region, complementing her extensive freelance work.
Most assisted living facilities allow pets. However, these facilities usually have rules about the type, size and number of pets. If you need assisted living and want to keep your pets or adopt a new animal, research animal-friendly communities in your target area.
What are some common rules for pets in assisted living?
Assisted living facilities typically require residents to care for any pets independently. They must name someone to adopt the pet if they cannot care for the animal and submit updated vaccine records.
Many communities allow dogs and cats, but few let residents have exotic animals, such as birds and snakes. Facilities often have maximum weight limits for pets, such as 40 pounds, and they sometimes exclude certain breeds.
Some states have regulations about pets in assisted living facilities. For example, Virginia law says that assisted living communities that allow pets must have a written pet policy. The state also requires pets to be disease-free, well-trained and compatible with other residents’ rights and medical needs.
Do assisted living facilities charge more for pets?
Most assisted living communities that allow pets charge a monthly fee or a one-time deposit. It covers the cost of wear and tear to common areas. Pet deposit amounts vary based on the cost of living in your region. In other words, if you live in a costly assisted living state, you’ll likely have to pay an above-average pet fee.