When you decide to move into a Life Plan Community or Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), nothing about the bond you share with your beloved pet has to change.
In fact, that loving bond makes finding a pet-welcoming community a vital part of your research and decision-making process. Many studies have shown that relationships with pets help to improve both physical and emotional well-being, especially in older adults.
Happily, most, if not all, of our Life Plan Communities in and around Lancaster County offer pet-friendly accommodations.
Retiring with Your Pet: What You Need to Know
Finding communities that welcome pets isn’t difficult. What’s more, these pet-friendly communities often offer amenities that can make caring for them very convenient.
Pet owners’ bonds with their pets can also encourage socializing with other community members, a significant positive influence when it comes to overall wellness, as well as encouraging both a sense of purpose and a more active life.
Moving into any new environment can be challenging. But pets offer their owners a sense of stability and familiarity that can help to ease this transition.
And having a pet can also help to create the kinds of comforting routines that make adjusting to a new community even more enjoyable, such as walking your dog around the neighborhood and seeing your neighbors outside.
There are real health benefits for retirees with pets
Even beyond these essential advantages to retiring with your pet are a number of other vital health benefits. These include, but are by no means limited to:
- Slower cognitive decline in older pet owners, especially dog and cat
- Lower blood pressure and reduced stress
- A sense of companionship to help combat feelings of loneliness and/or depression
- Mental stimulation that comes with an increase in spontaneity
It’s also important to note that sometimes, having your own pet may feel like too much to manage, especially for those who still travel often. The good news is that in some communities, there may be campus pets such as birds, fish, or even therapy cats and dogs that bring enjoyment to all residents.
Can you have pets in all Life Plan Communities?
Not every CCRC allows pets, but most if not all of our member communities do. Be sure to ask as you explore Life Plan Communities.
When you see how happy pet owners are when given the chance to move into a Life Plan Community with their pet, it’s easy to understand why more and more CCRCs welcome older adults with pets.
And many of these pet-friendly communities even provide additional services and amenities to help keep pets safe and their owners happy. From allowing backyard fencing to dog parks, these Life Plan Communities’ pet policies are warm and welcoming.
Are there rules and requirements for pets moving into and living in LPCs or CCRCs?
While there are more and more pet-friendly retirement communities, not all are open to pets. And some of those that are receptive may have policies limiting the number, type, size, or weight of pets moving in.
So, since finding the Life Plan Community that’s right for both you and your pet is paramount, knowing the right questions to ask at the outset can help pave the road for both of you.
9 questions to Ask Potential Life Plan Communities about Pets
Once you’ve found the right community for you and your pet, asking the following questions will help to make the transition even smoother:
- Is the room you’re moving into large enough for you and your pet(s)?
- How much will it cost in deposits and/or fees to bring your pet with you?
- When are those fees due to the community?
- Are there sidewalks, parks, or yards where you can walk or play with your pet?
- Are those pet-friendly areas well-lit at night?
- What, if any, are the community and/or building rules for pets?
- Does the Life Plan Community offer pet care services?
- Are there limits on breeds, numbers of pets, size, types, or weight?
- Can you get a new pet after you move in?
The answers to these questions, as well as to any others you may have, can be the difference between knowing you’ve found the right community and needing to look a little further.
Lastly, remember that it’s crucial to have an emergency care plan: someone who can care for your pet if you are unable to for any period of time.
If you still have questions, dive even deeper into the ins and outs of pets at Life Plan Communities or contact the community you are interested in directly.
You're Cordially Invited to the Annual Open House!
Enjoy exploring a selection of our member communities, and really get to know your options. Visitors can go from one community to the next to look around and meet the neighbors, gather information, ask questions, and have fun.
Choosing the Right Life Plan Community for You and Your Pets
You may be moving into your new community with your pet, or considering getting a pet once you’ve settled in.
A little research and thoughtful due diligence can make all the difference when it comes to finding the right pet-friendly community for you…and for your pet.