Moving With Your Pet to Senior Living

Pet-friendly communities like Twin Rivers Richardson Senior Living recognize that downsizing shouldn’t mean leaving the best parts of your life behind, especially a beloved dog or cat. At our independent living community in Richardson, Texas, four-legged friends are welcome members of our neighborhood.

But we get it: Feeling uneasy about how your pet will handle a move to a new setting is normal. Animals are creatures of habit, and the thought of uprooting their routine can weigh heavily on an owner’s mind. Fortunately, with a little planning ahead, the transition to a retirement home that allows pets can be less stressful for both of you.

Preparing for Travel to Your New Home

A new home has unfamiliar sounds, scents, and sight lines that can cause anxiety in pets. If possible, visit the new neighborhood a few times before moving day; even a single outing reduces the novelty factor when the actual day arrives.

Buy a month’s worth of food and pet supplies and pack them in a designated box that you keep in your car on moving day. That way, you won’t worry about running out of anything until after you’re settled in. And if your pet requires a health certificate, let your veterinarian know at least two weeks before the move and send it to the community before move-in day.

Moving Day Tips

For dogs, a walk before loading up helps burn off nervous energy; cat owners can play with their pets for a bit to do the same. If your pet travels in a carrier, placing a worn item of clothing inside beforehand can make it feel more familiar. Avoid feeding your pet a full meal right before hitting the road to reduce the chance of motion sickness, and pack food, water, a portable bowl, medications, and veterinary records.

Plan to arrive at your pet-friendly senior living community before the movers arrive — designate one room for your pet to chill with their bed, water, food, and familiar toys. Place a sign on the door so movers know not to enter. This reduces the chance of accidental escape and gives your pet a stable anchor point while the rest of the apartment is set up.

Familiarizing Your Pet With the New Space

Place their food and water bowls in similar locations to your current home, like the kitchen; set up a comfy area with their favorite toys. If their bed is currently in your bedroom, be sure to set it up in your new one. This strategy creates a sense of continuity that animals rely on heavily when their world changes.

After the movers leave, let your pet explore at their own pace. Don’t pressure them to leave a room; that will increase their anxiety. Meals, walk schedules, and playtime should stay as close to the pre-move schedule as possible.

What Makes Us a Pet-Friendly Senior Living Community

Twin Rivers Richardson Senior Living has welcomed residents and their pets for 16 years; some of our community’s very first residents still call it home today. We provide scheduled transportation, a robust activity calendar, and The Stitchers, a popular on-site knitting club.

For pet owners, our location adds real value. Twin Rivers Park, a public city space with walking trails, is right next to our property. We even have our own fenced-in, on-site dog park, giving our four-legged residents dedicated off-leash time without leaving home.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pets in Retirement Homes