We understand that dogs are a vital part of the family and are particularly better companions. From Beagles to Border Collies, Labradors to Terriers, nothing compares to having your pet accompany you during your stay in senior living communities. Fortunately, many senior living communities around the country accommodate responsible pet owners with their dogs. We’ve gathered a list of dog-friendly senior living communities.

Atria Hacienda

Atria Hacienda lies just 15 minutes from Palm Springs and showcases captivating views of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains.

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Village at Duxbury

We’re delighted to present the South Shore’s one and only true cooperative ownership community for those 62 and better—set on a tranquil, wooded 38-acre campus with Garden Homes, apartment living, top-tier amenities, and a vibrant cultural life.

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The Taylor

The Taylor in Columbus, Indiana, has studio, one-, and two-bedroom apartments available for rent.

Visit The Taylor website

Sunrise Senior Living

Sunrise Senior Living was established and has grown into a pioneer in senior care by delivering compassionate, individualised support.

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Maplewood Senior Living

Whether you're in need of independent living or tailored care, Maplewood Senior Living communities ensure older adults have the independence and support to thrive.

Visit Maplewood Senior Living website

Willow Valley Communities

Willow Valley Communities is a standout, celebrated, 55+ CCRC retirement community nestled in Lancaster, Pennsylvania—acknowledged as one of the best retirement venues in the nation.

Visit Willow Valley Communities website

Brookdale Senior Living

Whether you choose a busy or relaxed pace, independent living allows you to reimagine freedom while enjoying a dynamic lifestyle and following your passions.

Visit Brookdale Senior Living website

Cornwall Manor

Cornwall Manor is a retirement facility in Central Pennsylvania (Lebanon County), offering a blend of independent living, personal care, and skilled nursing for seniors aged 60 and older, complemented by comprehensive amenities and services.

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SeniorLiving.org

We are dedicated to supporting the aging community at SeniorLiving.org. Our mission is to assist older adults and caregivers in discovering top-tier senior living resources.

Visit SeniorLiving.org website

A Place for Mom

Elderly care facilities deliver living spaces and assistance for active seniors needing help with day-to-day activities like personal hygiene, dressing, and taking medications.

Visit A Place for Mom website

Sunrise Senior Living

With over 270 communities across the US and Canada, Sunrise Senior Living welcomes residents with pet cats or dogs. Each community has house pets and allows residents to bring their own furry companions. Pet-friendly assisted living and memory care options available.

Visit Sunrise Senior Living website

Atria Senior Living

All Atria communities allow residents to keep pets in their apartments with current vaccinations and licensing. With over 230 locations nationwide, Atria offers pet-friendly independent living, assisted living, and memory care options.

Visit Atria Senior Living website

Brookdale Senior Living

All Brookdale communities are pet-friendly and welcome dogs, cats, birds, fish, and more. Pet registration and vaccination requirements apply. Communities offer designated pet areas and require pets to be leashed in common spaces.

Visit Brookdale Senior Living website

Willow Valley Communities

Located in Lancaster, PA, Willow Valley welcomes dogs, cats, birds, and fish (up to 3 pets per residence). Features dog parks on each campus and hosts pet events including the Halloween Puppy Parade. Annual vet visits required.

Visit Willow Valley Communities website

Rose Villa Senior Living Community

This nonprofit CCRC in Portland, Oregon sits on 22 lush acres overlooking the Willamette River. Pet-friendly with a dog park on-site. Offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care options for residents with pets.

Visit Rose Villa Senior Living Community website

Vi at Aventura

Luxury senior living community in Aventura, FL that allows dogs and cats. Offers assisted living, independent living, memory care, and skilled nursing. Located in the heart of South Florida with premium amenities.

Visit Vi at Aventura website

Belmont Village Senior Living

Accepts friendly cats and dogs at communities across the US, including locations in California, Illinois, and Tennessee. Some communities feature on-site dog parks. Pet approval from executive director required prior to move-in.

Visit Belmont Village Senior Living website

Aegis Living

Pet-friendly assisted living and memory care communities throughout Washington state, including Seattle, Shoreline, Kirkland, and Issaquah. Many communities have house dogs and welcome resident pets.

Visit Aegis Living website

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep my dog in assisted living?

A majority of US assisted-living communities now allow small dogs in private apartments. Weight caps of 25–40 lbs are common, and most communities require residents to demonstrate they can independently feed, walk and clean up after the dog.

What happens to my dog if I can no longer care for it?

Most pet-friendly senior communities ask residents to name a “responsible party” — a family member, friend, or local rescue partnership — in the move-in paperwork. Some Brookdale, Sunrise and Five Star communities have on-staff pet coordinators who help arrange interim or permanent care.

Are memory-care units dog-friendly?

Personal pets are rare in dedicated memory-care floors because of safety and consistency-of-care concerns. Instead, most memory-care programs schedule routine therapy-dog visits, which research has linked to lower agitation and improved appetite in residents with dementia.