4 Steps To Transition With Your Pet

To An Assisted Living Community

Transitioning to an assisted living community is a major change, especially if you have a pet or intend to get one. While the process may seem daunting, there are ways to make the adjustment go smoothly. Courtesy of New Leash on Life, these four steps can help you find an assisted living establishment that is a good fit for you and your pet.

Set a Budget

The first task is creating a budget. Whether you own a home or condo, rent an apartment, or live with family, your cost of living changes once you move. If you plan to adopt a cuddly creature with some help from New Leash on Life, factor the additional costs of owning an animal into your budget. This includes food, shots, toys, vet appointments, and medication. Keep the upfront costs of adopting a pet in mind as well.

If you intend to sell your home before moving, the money you make off the sale may give you wiggle room in your budget. Talk to your real estate agent about best practices for getting your home ready to sell. Realty professionals have a keen eye for what buyers want and what upgrades and setups get you the most bang for your buck.

Research Assisted Living Communities

After creating a budget, research assisted living communities in the area. Most places have a good amount of information on their websites. Ask your friends and family if they have any recommendations or have heard of a good place that allows pets.

Once you have a few places in mind, make sure to schedule a tour to view your potential new home. Depending on your animal, bring your pet along. While a cat may prefer to hang back, a pup will probably jump at the chance to check out a new space. Some things to keep an eye out for during your tour include the living quarter styles, extracurricular activities, demeanor of the current residents, and safety features.

Help Your Pet Adjust

Once moved in, help your pet adjust to the new environment by setting up a space similar to the one he or she had at home. If you adopt a dog after moving in, both you and the setting are new to your cuddly creature. Spend time together and walk your canine often to familiarize him or her with the new place. Keep pet etiquette in mind when out and about. Clean up after your pooch does his or her business and do not leave him or her unattended.

Get Acquainted

Now that you are settled in, it is time for you and your pet to get acquainted with the neighbors. Other residents likely have pets, as research shows that mature individuals who own a pet not only have a better quality of life but also live longer. If you have a social animal, such as a dog, take him or her on an outing to meet your new neighbors.

Make sure to follow good pet etiquette. If your pooch is meeting another animal for the first time, gather at an impartial location rather than your friend's home, as his or her dog may become territorial. If you go for a walk, keep your dog on a leash. Another good rule to follow is to only bring your pup over to people if they ask.

Transitioning to a new home with a pet is both exciting and intimidating. Though there are many tasks to complete when moving to an assisted living community, the process does not have to be overwhelming. Apply these four steps to help you and your pet find the perfect new place.