Minnesota Assisted Living

Minnesota Assisted Living

Minnesota is a state that must deal with some severe cold in the winters yet it rarely seems to translate to its friendly, loving people. Residents of Minnesota are notorious for their friendliness, which translates well into their mentality for pet ownership in elderly care facilities.

Pet Friendly Assisted Living in Minnesota - General Amenities

When you stumble across an assisted living community in Minnesota that labels itself as a “pet friendly” facility all it means is that the grounds allow pets of certain types.

It is a relatively new concept as it was nearly impossible to find a retirement home or assisted living community that would allow pets of any type on the grounds. However, as more Baby Boomers retire with pets and seek to bring them along when they move to a new community home, the expectations have changed.

Seniors that own a cat or dog have proven to be healthier, happier, and live longer according to recent studies. Since pets are good for the physical and emotional well-being of senior citizens it would be a shame to deprive them of having this right.

As a result, expect to find more and more pet friendly assisted living complexes in the next several years thanks to their therapeutic benefits.

Pet Friendly Amenities in Minnesota Assisted Living Facilities

Pet friendly assisted living facilities are just like regular assisted living complexes with a few minor differences.

Seniors that do not own a pet may feel hesitant about joining a pet friendly community, yet residents are often divided by pet owning vs. non-pet owning. Seniors who do not own any pets are likely live in a unit that is not around other rooms with animals.

On the contrary, those with pets will get the opportunity to live near other residents with dogs or cats. It provides an opportunity to meet other pet owners, and potentially allow interaction between your pet and theirs.

Standard amenities include an outdoor dog park where pets can go to exercise, socialize, and use the restroom. It is always asked that owners clean up after their dogs. A walking trail is also sometimes provided for outdoor entertainment.

It is a good idea to check with staff about other pet amenities in the area, including veterinary services, kennels, and pet-sitting or walking services. A few may have these amenities in-house, but most of them you’ll have to consult outside property grounds.

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

Minnesota elderly care facilities have their own rules and regulations regarding pets. You will need to inquire with the specific assisted living facility for more details.

Before you sign a lease if you plan to move in with a cat or dog, make sure the facility allows the animal. Just because a senior home is advertised as “pet friendly” does not mean it allows all types of pets. For example, some assisted living homes are exclusive to cats, and only cats.

The senior living provider can give you a copy of the entire pet policy for your review.