Clearwater Beach FL Senior Living Blog - Belleairs Towers

Pet Friendly Senior Living in Clearwater: What to Expect

Written by Belleair Towers | Jun 2, 2025 4:00:00 AM

The National Poll on Healthy Aging reports that 55% of seniors in the United States have pets. Pet owners admit that their furry friends give them a sense of purpose, reduce stress, make them feel loved, and improve their quality of life.

When looking for a senior living community in Clearwater, FL, you want to ensure they have room for your emotional support animals.

In this article, we discuss what to expect in a pet-friendly senior living in Clearwater.

Best Pets for Seniors

Pets allow seniors to be more outgoing and social. Seniors require low-maintenance pets that they can easily care for without much struggle. Some of the ideal pets for older adults in Clearwater, FL, include the following:

Dogs

Older dogs, preferably above two years, are house-trained and are easy to maintain. In addition, smaller dog breeds like Pug, Poodle, and Maltese are a better fit for seniors in retirement communities.

Cats

Cats are perfect companions for seniors who may not have the energy or strength to walk dogs. Short-haired cats are typically independent as they can clean themselves and are usually quieter than dogs. Cats also make noises regularly, which is suitable for older adults who prefer not to have complete silence in their homes.

Birds

Some bird species require minimal care, consisting mainly of watering, feeding, and changing the paper in their cages. Finches and canaries are low-maintenance and add movement and lively sounds to the environment.

Fish

Fish are easy to care for and are calming to watch. It's also less tasking to set up and maintain a small freshwater aquarium.

Benefits of Pets in Senior Wellness

According to The New York Times, a Japanese study found that owners of furry friends visited the doctor 30% less often than people who don't own pets. Pet owners are at lower risk of getting heart attacks, high blood pressure, and low cholesterol.

Some of the benefits of staying in dog-friendly housing for seniors include the following:

Reduce Stress

Talking to your pet or petting your dog can make you feel good and reduce worries and anxiety. You feel at ease knowing you have company and a being with whom you can connect.

Improve Your Social Life

Pets offer unmatched companionship, alleviating any feelings of loneliness. If you choose a pet-friendly senior living, you'll likely have conversations with other pet owners in the community.

You'll walk your dogs together and share tips about keeping other pets. This creates common ground for building meaningful friendships, which revs up your social life.

Give You Purpose

Having a cat or dog helps you maintain a routine since you have to feed them daily, take your dog for a walk, and change their litter, among other responsibilities. Healthy aging involves living daily purposefully and looking forward to the day's activities.

Help You Stay Active

As a pet owner, you'll find yourself moving around a lot. For instance, you'll have to:

  • Feed your fish
  • Play with your cat
  • Walk your dog daily

All these activities involve moving your muscles and engaging in physical activity, which is essential for maintaining healthy aging. Moreover, the American Heart Association reports that pet owners are at a lower risk of contracting heart disease and tend to be healthier than those without pets. Pet owners are likely to exercise more and achieve their fitness goals.

Make You Feel Needed

Unlike children who ultimately grow up and leave the nest, pets will always need you to care for them, regardless of age. These fuzzy and warm creatures depend on you for everything, making you feel needed. This is an added advantage of choosing dog-friendly housing to enhance the Clearwater senior lifestyle.

Factors to Consider When Bringing Your Pet to a Pet-Friendly Senior Living Community

Retirement communities in Clearwater, FL, such as Belleair Towers Senior Living, strive to create a supportive and welcoming environment for residents and their emotional support animals. Dog-friendly housing for older adults has policies and rules to ensure everyone is comfortable.

Below are some essential factors to consider when choosing a pet-friendly senior living community in Clearwater, FL:

  • Do they restrict any types of pets or breeds?
  • Are there any pet-related fees, and how much are they?
  • How many pets are allowed per resident?
  • Does the community provide any assistance for pets?
  • Are there any well-lit areas to walk your dog?
  • What happens if you can no longer take care of your pet?

Pets require veterinary care, grooming, and food, which can be costly. You must consider these costs and ensure they fall within your budget.

Additionally, evaluate your pet's care requirements, including its medical and exercise needs, as well as daily feeding. The independent living community in Clearwater, FL, should adequately meet these requirements.

How to Prepare Your Move to a Dog-Friendly Retirement Community in Clearwater, FL

Thoughtful planning before moving to a pet-friendly senior living community helps you achieve a positive experience for you and your pet. Below are some essential tips to ensure a smooth transition to dog-friendly housing for you and your emotional support animal:

  • Ensure your pets are free from pests and fleas, and their vaccinations are up to date
  • Maintain their regular walking and feeding schedule during the transition
  • Introduce new routines at home to help pets adjust to the new lifestyle
  • Train your pet to feel at ease when around other people
  • Locate animal hospitals and veterinary clinics near Belleair Towers Senior Living Community
  • Pack your pet's essentials in a separate bag to access them easily during the move
  • Put together all vaccination proof and necessary health records
  • Schedule a visit with the veterinarian to ensure your pet is in perfect condition before the move

Age Gracefully in a Pet-Friendly Senior Living Community

Pets and aging boost your happiness, emotional well-being, social connections, and physical health. Senior wellness with pets can be achieved by staying in a pet-friendly senior living community in Clearwater, FL. Retirement communities that embrace pets improve their residents' quality of life and help them live more meaningful lives.

Belleair Towers retirement community provides an ideal setting for residents with pets. We offer senior living amenities, including serene outdoor spaces, to enhance your comfort and that of your pet. Contact us today and enjoy a maintenance-free independent lifestyle with readily available support services.