Your family pet is such an important part of your life. They are great companions that bring you such joy and happiness. Pets enhance your overall health and wellbeing and life would be unimaginable without your pet for most owners. Rest assured that there’ll be a retirement community that allows you to have a pet with you.

Keep in mind that all retirement villages have different rules, so you can’t assume that each community will have policies in place that allow pets. Even if they do allow pets, there might be limitations on the type of pet, and size of the animal too. With that being said, here are some questions to ask when you’re choosing a pet-friendly retirement community:

What Types of Pets are Allowed at the Retirement Village?

Many retirement communities will allow a small pet to live in your home with you. This could be a small dog, a cat, or even a bird. But you need to ask first, and never assume. Also, many places will only allow you to have one animal. And nobody wants to separate their cute little pooches that have grown up together. Therefore, if you have more than one animal, be sure to find out if it’s acceptable to bring them all with you when you make the move to downsize.

While you can ask questions, to be sure that your pet is allowed to move in with you, have a look at the current pet policy of the village before you agree to anything. Pet policies should be included in the village agreement.

Find out how they define a small dog or cat. Is it based on breed, height, or weight? As mentioned previously, if you have more than one pet, check that this is allowed too. Finally, another big question to find out is whether you’re able to get a new pet if your current beloved animal passes away.

Retirement Home Rules for Pet Ownership

Assuming that you’re able to bring your furry friend with you when you move, there’ll be policies surrounding the pet’s behaviour. For example, there could be rules about dogs barking excessively, or cats needing to be kept inside throughout the evening.

Be mindful that if you have a disruptive or misbehaved pet, it might not work well in a retirement community. All tenants are entitled to have peaceful and safe surroundings.

Does the village have Facilities to Accommodate a Dog?

Dog owners will most likely want a retirement home that is close to walking paths or off-the-leash exercise parks. Choosing a place close to parks and bushland allows an enjoyable time with your dog. Some villages will even have pathways within their perimeters for you to walk your dog. But, be sure to pick up after them. And hopefully, there’ll be other dogs there that they can socialise with. It’s also a great way for you to meet people too.

Walking and socialising your pet is one thing. But they will need to see a vet from time to time. It’s always a good idea when deciding on retirement villages to check if there’s a vet close by. And look up vet reviews in the area so that you choose one that is right for you and your pet.

Leaving Your Pet Alone at the Retirement Village

We all want our pets to be safe. Making friends with neighbours is a great way to ensure that your pet gets cared for if the unexpected happens to you and you end up in an emergency room. By making sure that your primary contacts are happy to look after your pets in an emergency means that the managers will call them first. That way, your pet will be safe and cared for.

Finally, make sure that your next of kin/ primary contacts can gain access to your home in emergency situations to look after your cat or dog.

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