According to Time.com, a study showed that 55 percent of older adults in the U.S. own a pet, and nearly 90 percent say their pet helps them feel loved and enjoy life. For seniors facing loneliness or declining health, the idea of assisted living with pets offers a powerful solution: daily companionship, routine, and emotional uplift.
This is true for seniors in Abilene, a mid-sized West Texas city with a friendly small-town vibe. Join us as we look into how pet-inclusive assisted living communities support emotional support animals, encourage aging with pets, and provide real-world benefits for assisted living for pet owners in Abilene.
Pets offer far more than companionship. For many older adults, animals become part of their routine, offering comfort, movement, and a sense of purpose. There are three key ways pets help support wellness in older adults:
Seniors who live with pets often feel calmer and more secure. Emotional support animals, especially dogs and cats, help reduce anxiety and sadness. This kind of daily comfort becomes even more meaningful for residents who are adjusting to new environments or health changes.
Caring for a pet helps keep seniors active. Simple tasks like walking a dog, feeding a cat, or brushing a pet give structure to the day. That movement can support joint health, improve energy levels, and reduce the risk of sedentary habits.
Pets can help break the ice. Whether it's a friendly chat during a morning walk or a smile from another resident passing by, pets open the door to shared moments. Interaction like this helps residents feel more connected to their community.
Abilene offers a welcoming setting for seniors and their pets. With its wide streets, slower pace, and strong sense of community, many older adults find it easier to maintain their routines here.
For pet owners, this Texas city brings extra comfort. Local parks, animal clinics, and nearby walking paths help make daily life with pets more enjoyable and more manageable. Mild winters and plenty of sunny days give seniors more chances to stay active with their dogs or enjoy quiet time with cats.
The community also values connection, which supports seniors who may feel more at home with their pets nearby. Pet-friendly senior living is easier to find here, as more housing options include services and layouts that support older adults who want to age with pets.
For dog owners, especially, Abilene's outdoor spaces and friendly neighborhoods offer a good fit. Dog-friendly housing can include ground-floor apartments and walking routes close by.
Small touches like these matter when you're choosing a community that works for both you and your pet. Abilene's mix of warmth, safety, and community focus helps explain why more people are choosing assisted living for pet owners in this region.
Living in a senior community with your pet means more than just bringing them along. There are three main parts to what you can expect in assisted living with pets:
Most pet-friendly senior communities offer layouts that give both people and animals room to move around. Many have ground-floor apartments with easy access to outdoor walking areas.
Some residents bring emotional support animals, while others may already have a long-time pet at home. Staff often help with reminders for pet feeding, grooming needs, or even vet visits. This kind of help allows residents to keep pets with them longer, even if they need more care themselves.
Assisted living for pet owners usually comes with clear rules. These often cover pet size, breed, or how many animals are allowed.
The goal is to create a clean and peaceful space where everyone feels safe. Seniors who follow the rules often enjoy strong community support, and pets tend to feel calmer in a stable setting.
Finding the right community means thinking about what both you and your pet need. Not every assisted living community allows animals, and even the ones that do may have different policies.
Before making a decision, it helps to look closely at how the community supports daily care, what types of pets are welcome, and what kind of access you'll have to services nearby.
Many pet-friendly senior living communities ask for a pet deposit or a small monthly fee. It helps cover cleaning costs or possible damage.
It's worth asking about this early in the process. Some communities also have limits on the number of pets or their size. If you have a larger dog or more than one animal, you'll want to make sure your future home can handle that.
The best assisted living for pet owners often includes outdoor space, like a landscaped courtyard. Dog-friendly housing may also have areas where dogs can safely run or socialize.
For cats or smaller pets, peaceful indoor spaces are often enough, but the layout still matters. A calm environment helps both seniors and their animals feel at ease.
Assisted living with pets offers more than comfort. It supports health, routine, and connection for seniors who want to share their days with a beloved companion.
At Morada Abilene, we offer pet-friendly senior living with personalized care, warm hospitality, and a location that keeps you close to everything you love about West Texas. From made-from-scratch meals and live entertainment to easy access to local events and traditions, our community brings comfort, fun, and true hometown charm every day.
Get in touch today to find out how we can help with your loved one's retirement years.