If your search has led you to a community that allows pets but doesn’t offer any other specifics about its pet policy (or if they don’t have a clear policy at all), we’ve got some questions that need answers before committing to living with furry friends:
What Types of Pets are Allowed?
If you’re planning to bring a furry friend into your new home, it’s essential to consider the pet policy.
Not all senior communities are pet-friendly, and even those that are may have restrictions and guidelines on what types of animals are allowed. For example, some senior housing communities allow cats and dogs but not birds or reptiles. Others may limit how many pets can live with you at once—three is common—or prohibit certain breeds or sizes altogether.
Many of these policies protect residents who may be allergic or afraid of certain animals (like pit bulls), so ensure that your prospective apartment allows for what type of animal(s) would work best for your situation before signing on the dotted line!
How Many Pets Are Allowed?
To ensure a successful relationship with your furry friend(s), you must know the number of pets you can bring into the community. This question will also help you determine if the pet fees are reasonable and if there are any restrictions on bringing in specific breeds.
Depending on the community and the apartment size, residents may be allowed one or two pets. In some communities, dogs are only permitted, while cats are allowed in others. Suppose a community will enable cats but not dogs. In that case, this indicates that it may not be as accommodating for people with allergies or other health conditions like asthma or heart disease that could be triggered by certain animals.
If you’re wondering how many pets are allowed per unit in senior living communities: The average amount is 2 per apartment! However, some homes allow 3-4 dogs/cats depending on how much space inside your home (the larger your home – especially if it has multiple floors – may mean more than two).Â
Are There Any Fees?
Fees can vary by location, so it’s essential to ask about them when looking for pet-friendly senior housing. Some places charge a one-time fee, while others charge a monthly fee. Some facilities require a fee per pet, and some have no expenses.
Will There Be Any Pet Restrictions in the Future?
You should also consider asking about any pet restrictions that might be in place. These policies can change, and you’ll want to know if the new ones will affect your decision to move there.
If the pet policy changes and it does affect your decision about whether or not to live in this community, ask for a timeline on when these changes will likely go into effect. You’ll also want to find out how long you can expect those changes to last so that you have time before they come into play.
Are There Any Community Events for Pets?
Activities and events in your retirement community can be great for meeting new people or having fun with your pet. A pet-friendly community might hold events open to the community as a whole (like a summer picnic) or host specific events for pets and their owners (like a dog agility course). Either way, it’s a good idea to check in with any staff members organizing events before you move in to know what is scheduled in advance. Some housing communities may only have one major event annually, while others host multiple smaller gatherings. And if there isn’t an organized event already on the calendar? Don’t worry—you can always start one yourself!
Make Sure You Have Your Questions Ready
We hope this list of questions has helped you in your quest to find the perfect senior living community for yourself and your furry friend. Remember: it’s all about ensuring you get what you want out of life—and that includes having a pet! For more information on our retirement community, contact us today.
