Moving On Without Leaving Behind Your Dear Pet

By CarePatrol of Overland Park-Topeka

Many of us, including our elderly family members, have pets that are an important and integral part of their lives. When seniors consider whether moving to an assisted living facility is the best choice for them, they are often reluctant to make this change because of their perfectly normal reluctance to part with their beloved pet. They believe that moving into an assisted living community will require that they learn to live without having their pet with them, and their pet will have to find a new home, also.

This is not necessarily the case. Many assisted living communities offer the option of bringing your pet to live with you in your new assisted living residence. In fact, some facilities have embraced a “pet-friendly” atmosphere based on research showing the health benefits of pet ownership. Lower cholesterol levels, decreased risks of heart disease, and decreased levels of depression have been associated with owning a pet for companionship. Certain facilities have recognized this correlation between pets and health and allow family pets to move in along with the senior.

There are considerations to take into account when comparing assisted living arrangements if you own a pet that you want to bring with you. Do they allow only dogs, or only cats? Will they allow birds, or fish, or rabbits (if that is the kind of pet you have)? Are there size or weight restrictions? Are certain breeds restricted from living in the facility? Is there a pet deposit and/or monthly fee charged to keep your pet with you?

All of these questions are ones that a CarePatrol senior advisor will be happy to help you with. Since we recognize how important it is for some seniors to bring their pets with them when they move into assisted living, we keep track of whether facilities will allow pets, and what restrictions may apply so that you can find the safest and most appropriate new home for both you AND your beloved family pet.

Let us know if you want to include your pet with you when you move, and we’ll help you quickly and easily find the best home for both of you.