There are many benefits that older adults can reap from owning pets. Pets offer company which is vital for the elderly who are highly prone to loneliness among other benefits. However, not all 55 communities in Tampa are pet-friendly. Not all of them will allow you to move in with your furry friend. Even those that may allow you to move in with your pet tend to have many unfavorable restrictions. Here are crucial questions to ask when deciding to bring your pet to a senior living in Tampa.
What Rules Do You Have for Different Types of Pets?
Different communities have different rules when it comes to the number or type of pets that you can have. In most cases, every individual is allowed to adopt or bring a maximum of one or two pets. Of course, it is required that all animals be domesticated such as cats and dogs.
On rare occasions, you may also be permitted to live with exotic pets like hamsters and rabbits. However, pets that are overly exotic such as pot-bellied pigs and snakes are not allowed in the communities. That aside, many communities have regulations about the breed and size of dogs that you can have. The temperament of the pooch will also be evaluated. Furry friends that are too territorial may pose a major risk to the safety of the community.
Does the Community Require Proof of the Pet’s Health?
A huge chunk of retirement communities requires their residents to provide proof of a pet’s healthy by presenting veterinary vaccination certificates and so on. That is done in a bid to secure the well-being f other residents. If proof of health is not available then some senior living neighborhoods may have to examine the animal.
What are the Community Restrictions about Cats and Dogs Doing Outside?
Active or high-energy pets require regular exercise to exhaust their energy and calm down their nerves. Lack of exercise may make them aggressive and ill-behaved. Thus, you need to find out whether the community will allow you to take your pet for a walk or run outside the community premises. Most communities have special areas for pets such as dog parks and fenced runs for such activities. Even so, you should try to find out your options if you have a hyperactive animal.
Are There Any Rule Exemptions for Therapy or Service Animals?
Some individuals have designated therapy or service animals that help to curb loneliness and keep their mental health in check. Thus, the retirement community may have to bend some rules to accommodate such pets. For instance, most pets are not allowed to access fitness centers, dining rooms, or shared areas.
Some communities may be a little lenient when it comes to service or therapy pets. Not every retirement community allows that. Hence, you should try to inquire whether that is practical in your preferred community.
What Age of Pets is Acceptable in the Community?
Another question that you should inquire about is the age specification for the pets. Most communities only accept animals that are well-behaved and easy to control. Kittens and pets tend to be overly playful and potentially destructive.
Primarily, they are harder to control and are likely to cause trips and falls. Thus, they may not be acceptable in most communities. Likewise, pets that might outlive their parents such as tortoises or parrots are not ideal for secure neighborhoods. Most times, retirement communities demand that the pets be at least a year old.
Time to Adopt Pets for Senior Living
Pets are an invaluable addition to the life of an elderly person. Apart from providing company, pets offer emotional support and loyal friendship. That is why you should selectively choose pet-friendly retirement communities if you are a pet owner. The highlighted questions will help you determine the kind of community you plan to move into and its requirements for your four-legged buddy.
