Both dh and I worked for spca, and he now works at a senior facility.
Some things to consider:
Most people enter al at least partially due to mobility issues that would preclude them from taking the dog out and scooping poop up at any hour. Like people, dogs can be irregular. And if you can’t take him out can you bend over without assistance to pick the mess up and scrub down the area where it happened?
What is the age, condition and temperament of your lab?
Cats are allowed at some as well as dogs. They aren't allowed to roam. You can walk them on a leash but most cats have litter boxes, which must be cleaned by the owner, not the facility's hired help.
At my father's facility dogs are allowed, with conditions. That doesn't mean you won't see dogs running at large! That to me is a serious hazard. Dogs are a major cause of falls in the US. I don't like that policy.
Say it isn't so! Now you're on the "Dogs are a major cause of falls in the US" crusade? Last time I saw you here, you were on a different campaign about the cause of falls and making the world a better place. There's so many dangerous things in the world, isn't there? You can worry about everything but ya' gotta live too. I don't know one person who's died from a fall caused by a dog. Or who got hurt. Or who even fell!!
Try to relax a little. The stress from worry about every single thing just ain't good for a person.
Mom's AL allowed pets but they had to be kept in the residents room and had to be cared for by that resident or the family. Mom's neighbor had a cat and another had a large dog that she would take out for walks. It seems to be up to the individual companies whether or not they allow pets.
I am curious. I think it is wonderful that people get to keep their companion animals, but what about residents that are allergic to dogs or cats? We are a family of animal lovers. My brother in law has a lot of problems with family get-togethers because there is always a certain amount of dander and hair that clings to the pet owners even when events are not held in the homes of the pet owners. I would think that it would be very difficult to live in a facility that had numerous pets. Are there separate wings for those who cannot tolerate the animals?
Many around my area allow 1 pet - they do limit the size/weight, and one does have to pay extra $. But having a pet can make such a difference in one's life and the lives of other residents. You need to check each facility that you may be considering.
Mommabev: I googled assisted living facilities in Jessup, GA that accept dogs and here are the results - https://www.petfriendlyseniorliving.com/assisted-living/georgia/jesup.html
I've been in a care facility for just over a year and my 13 year old, 22 lb terrier is with me. Cost is at $4 a day. I walk, feed and care for him. A groomer comes once a month and takes him to her shop. My son takes us to the vet when needed.
There is the Americans with Disabilities Act or ADA (federal Law) which allows accommodations for people with disabilities to have an assistive animal (AA) to accommodate them while engaged in every day living. This Law specifically applies to Dogs. Use of the AA should not require a fee. If you are a person with a disability (PWD) who make use of an AA in public or privates places then you are entitled to have the AA accompany you as an accommodation under the ADA. If you have any problems enforcing your rights as a PWD please contact your State Protection and Advocacy System.
I am a owner of a assisted living and yes we accept dogs. We have a pet deposit and if and when you move out if there are no issues you get the money back
One of the memory care residents on my mom's floor has a cat! And I often see folks from the IL and AL floors about the building with their dogs. You must ask. And don't be surprised if there is a deposit and a monthly fee. There may may even be a size/weight limit for any animals in the building. Dogs that make too much noise may be considered a nuisance. Make sure to understand all restrictions.
Yes, many do. Most of the time there is an additional deposit required. The most important thing is can the person actually take care of the animal. If they have dementia or cannot physically change the litter box or take the dog outside for bathroom breaks, then they have no business being responsible for an animal.
Taking your dog with you when you visit might be a good alternative.
Yes, AL may accept pets, but memory care usually does not. We are allowed to bring my mom's cat or our dog to come visit, as she has a private room and we can shut the door and not worry about the cat getting loose.
Yes, some allow dogs. You need to be able to take care of the dog. My mom’s assisted living place had many. The bulletin board there always had cards of dog walkers and groomers who would help - for a fee. They weren’t employees of the facility.
You need to ask at the specific facility you are looking at. Each would have different rules and limitations of sizes of animals allowed. A friend of mine was living in a IL facility that also had levels of continuing care and they had a "house dog" that was a rather large dog that had run of the first floor of the facility. I did see a variety of other dogs as well.
I don't think they would allow a dog that large. And, I don't think a lab would do well staying in one room most of the day. I doubt if he would be allowed to run around the facility. You would be responsible for feeding him and walking him.
Some things to consider:
Most people enter al at least partially due to mobility issues that would preclude them from taking the dog out and scooping poop up at any hour. Like people, dogs can be irregular. And if you can’t take him out can you bend over without assistance to pick the mess up and scrub down the area where it happened?
What is the age, condition and temperament of your lab?
Try to relax a little. The stress from worry about every single thing just ain't good for a person.
Taking your dog with you when you visit might be a good alternative.
A friend of mine was living in a IL facility that also had levels of continuing care and they had a "house dog" that was a rather large dog that had run of the first floor of the facility. I did see a variety of other dogs as well.
When u interview ALs, ask.