California Assisted Living

Retirement communities in California include assisted living facilities, memory care centers and other senior living options. While pet ownership is on the rise among seniors, senior living facilities are adjusting to the new trend by becoming pet friendly. Seniors with cats, dogs and other pets can locate dog friendly and cat friendly retirement communities nearby. Finding a pet friendly senior living facility shouldn't be complicated. Use our search to look for dog friendly and cat friendly assisted living facilities by state, city or even by zip code. Another way would be to give us a call and get all of the information that includes nearest senior living options, pricing as well as pet related rules in the facility of your choice. There's no obligation and the information is free of charge.

California Assisted Living

The Sunshine State is a gorgeous place to retire and when it comes time to relocate to an assisted living community, some these days even allow pets. How do you know if an assisted living center is pet friendly?

Pet Friendly Assisted Living in California - General Amenities

Many retirement communities in California are welcoming to animals and accept elderly pet owners along with their beloved animal companions. California is one of the first states in the United States to ease their stance on allowing pets at senior homes for a variety of reasons.

California features beautiful year-round weather which makes it popular for owning pets since they can go outside in all seasons. Furthermore, since many retirees were already pet owners when it became time to transfer to an assisted living complex, it seemed only fair that they could also bring along their pets.

Pet friendly California senior homes are the same as other assisted living communities with the exception that you’ll see dogs and cats around. It helps foster a more connected, loving community as animals can really help make a person’s day.

Pet Friendly Amenities in California Assisted Living Facilities

California has such an array of senior living communities that it is difficult to create a general label for all of them.

The same applies to pet friendly assisted living in California as the list of pet amenities really does depend on the facility.

The basic amenities in pet friendly senior living centers in California include an outdoor dog park and walking area where pets, particularly dogs, can get exercise and use the restroom. Cats, meanwhile, also like to be outside so different facilities may determine whether outdoor, or just indoor cats are allowed.

In some of the most plush elderly care homes there are even services like a pet spa where animals can get cleaned, groomed, or receive extra care - even veterinary services.

Also check with the provider as they may even employ internal or external employees that will come and walk a pet, or sit for them while you away for a day(s).

Assisted Living with Pets in California - Different Types of Pet Policies

The policy for pets is dependent on the facility. Some do not allow pets of any kind, or really basic ones like fish in an aquarium. Others may permit cats but no dogs. Some pet friendly retirement villages in California are open to both cats and dogs.

Furthermore, dogs often have several other requirements. They may not be able to be over a certain weight, and breeds known for being aggressive may be prohibited. It is best to check with the provider to tell them exactly what pet(s) you wish to have live with you, and make sure there are no reservations beforehand.

The worst thing you want to do is move in only to find out the pet does not comply with the policy of the assisted living center. 

Additionally, prepare to spend more each month for housing a pet. Most senior living communities charge extra per month, as well as a pet deposit when you first move in. The deposit may be fully refundable, partially refundable, or not refundable at all.