Moving to a retirement community is a huge change. Part of that change involves moving with your furry friend who may or may not be allowed in many senior living communities. However, there has been an increasing number of retirement communities in Texas that have adopted pet-friendly policies to allow residents to retire along with their furry friends. Here is how you can find a pet-friendly retirement community near you.
Finding the Right Retirement Community for Your Needs
Before you factor in the needs of your pet, it is important for you to consider your own unique needs and which type of community can provide the support you require. If you are relatively independent and mobile, you can choose to relocate to a senior independent living community where you can enjoy housekeeping, laundry, maintenance, and meal services. For older individuals with basic medical needs, a senior assisted living community will provide you with the assistance you need for services like medication management, mobility aid, and others. There is also a 24/7 on-site team that will monitor your health progress and render nursing services whenever necessary. Once you have determined the right type of community, you can visit individual retirement communities and explore the many amenities and services that they offer.
What Needs to be Covered for Your Pet
There are always several critical pet-related items that you need to plan for whenever you move with a pet. You need to ensure that your pet is healthy and ready for the big change. Checking for fleas and any medical ailments are important to prevent a spread in your new place. You may also be required to have your pet vaccinated before you can move into the new retirement community. You can inquire with the community to know whether they do require your pet’s health papers.
Understand Local Laws and Regulations
Every retirement community differs in terms of its pet policies. There may be a limit set on the size and weight of the pet, the total number of pets allowed, and others that you need to be aware of. For larger breeds of dogs that are not service animals, some retirement communities may not allow them in. Some dogs may still be allowed on the condition that they are spayed or neutered. This is why it is important to learn about the pet policies of the retirement community that you intend to relocate to.
Pet-Friendly Amenities
If you have found an ideal pet-friendly retirement community, visit the community to explore the features that they have to offer. Find out if there are any pet-friendly amenities that you and your furry friend can enjoy together. Are there fenced areas for you to take your pet for a walk? Are there available walkways for you and your pet to easily access the outdoors for daily walks? You may also wish to inquire about the pet fee and whether it is a one-time payment or do you need to make monthly payments. Senior living professionals are all equipped with the latest demands and trends, thus they are always happy to assist with all your inquiries.
