Iowa Assisted Living

Iowa Assisted Living

Assisted living complexes in Iowa are becoming increasingly more pet friendly. What is pet-friendly assisted living?

Pet Friendly Assisted Living in Iowa - General Amenities

A pet friendly assisted living community in Iowa is one that allows pets. The rules of what types of pets, and how many of them, depend on the living arrangement and facility.

Pet friendly senior homes may allow only cats, while some allow dogs and cats. Other small animals are sometimes allowed on a case-by-case basis. Fish, for example, are a popular type of pet for the elderly.

As Baby Boomers flock to more types of retirement communities with age the expectation is that some of the assisted living providers will also accommodate pets. More seniors than ever have pets now, and many have owned a dog or cat for years. The thought of having to leave them behind when they transition to an assisted living home is difficult.

Therefore, a pet friendly assisted living home can provide the same general amenities as a non-pet compliant facility, with the major exception that dogs or cats are allowed in rooms, and certain parts of the interior or exterior.

The other standard amenities apply including daily meal serving, housekeeping and laundry, scheduled exercise and activities, social events, and places for family and friend’s visitation.

Pet Friendly Amenities in Iowa Assisted Living Facilities

What types of amenities will you discover when you move into a pet friendly assisted living facility in Iowa? Once again it does vary based on the individual assisted living provider yet several communities have overlapping amenities.

One of the most common is an outdoor area primarily reserved for pets. If dogs are allowed it is expected that there is a place on the premise where you can take the animal to use the restroom and also get exercise.

An added bonus is a walking trail that goes around the perimeter of the property, or walking trails that are connected or nearby for quick access.

Furthermore, you can really find a fantastic pet friendly elderly care facility when it also offers pet sitting and walking services. That way if you have to be away for the day, someone can watch after your loving pet. Or get the animal exercise when you are unable to do so.

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

There are different types of pet policies depending on the facility. Just because a facility is labeled “pet friendly” does not necessarily mean it also allows dogs. Some senior living homes are restricted to just cats.

Dog and cat friendly assisted living communities have a number of different rules that seniors with pets need to follow. There may be a curfew assigned where pets must remain quiet and boarded inside.

Also expect to pay more for the luxury. Many pet friendly assisted living communities charge a deposit for housing pets. It is intended to cover damages and cleaning costs associated with a pet. Some facilities also increase the monthly rent slightly for residences with pets living inside them.