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Should Dogs Be Allowed to Run Loose in Assisted Living Facilities?
Date Updated: July 26, 2024
Written by:
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.
Reviewed by:
Dr. Brindusa Vanta is a health care professional, researcher, and an experienced medical writer (2000+ articles published online and several medical ebooks). She received her MD degree from “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine, Romania, and her HD diploma from OCHM – Toronto, Canada.
Dogs shouldn’t be allowed to run loose in assisted living facilities. When assisted living communities allow pets, they typically require owners to leash dogs in public areas. This policy helps keep residents and pets comfortable and safe.
Can assisted living residents have dogs?
Many assisted living communities allow residents to have dogs. Pet owners have to follow all the facility’s regulations, including leash policies.
For example, you might have to limit the size, number and breed of dogs at your residence. Most assisted living facilities allow no more than two dogs, and they often have weight or breed restrictions in place. You typically also have to pay a pet deposit, either upfront or with your monthly rent.
Why should dogs at assisted living stay leashed?
Dogs at assisted living should stay leashed to prevent injuries, damage and conflict between residents. Even well-behaved pets behave unpredictably at times, especially in a new environment with unfamiliar pets and people.
Pet owners also avoid legal liability by leashing their dogs. They have to pay the associated costs if their loose dog injures someone, harms another animal or causes property damage.
Should you have a dog at assisted living?
Think about having a dog at assisted living if you want the companionship of a pet and can care for the animal independently. It’s also important to make a plan for your dog in case you become unable to provide the necessary care.Research supports the psychological benefits of dog ownership for older adults. In one study reported by Psychology Today, dog owners were 50% less likely to note negative psychological status than people who had never owned a dog or were socially isolated.