It’s hard to say goodbye to a beloved companion. When rehoming or surrendering a pet is due to a need for skilled care in a skilled nursing facility (SNF), it can add to the emotional distress seniors feel. It’s never easy to part ways, but families and care teams can reduce the stress and negative impact of separating seniors from their pets.
Are pets allowed in skilled nursing care facilities?
With rare exception, the only animals allowed in skilled nursing care facilities are service or therapy animals. Because these facilities are both medical in nature and have individuals living in a communal setting, the logistics of allowing pets are not manageable. Not all pets would be suited to a group setting or living with other pets. The care team would have additional work caring for the animals, while the cleanliness standards would be harder to uphold.
While a fair number of American seniors live with pets, not everyone likes the same type of pet, and not every pet enjoys every person. Moving pets into a facility could be significantly more stressful for the pet and could create conflict between pets as residents come and go.
SNFs recognize the value of animal companionship and positive interactions with animals. Many facilities will partner with therapy animal providers and organize regular visits for residents to have the option to spend time with well-trained animals in positive and relaxing ways. This means residents and staff don’t have the additional responsibilities of caring for pets, and anyone who doesn’t want to interact with animals can choose not to participate, reducing both the logistics and stress that would accompany allowing permanent pet residents in a facility.
Seniors’ options for rehoming pets for an SNF move.
Before a move to a skilled nursing facility, seniors and their families have several options for finding a new home for their pets. Each comes with different benefits. Deciding on the best option for a pet involves considering their age, medical status, social needs, temperament, and history.
Rehoming a pet with a family member or friend provides the best option for some seniors. This arrangement gives them the opportunity to visit with their pet occasionally, receive regular updates, and have the peace of mind that they’re loved and cared for. It’s a big commitment to ask someone to care for a pet that may have many years left to live or has complex or expensive medical needs. Friends and family approached for rehoming should be provided with all the information they need to make a decision that’s best for them and the pet–a dog or cat who isn’t a good fit for someone won’t have a good experience either.
Most local shelters work hard to keep as many pets adopted as possible. They also know that it’s not always possible when circumstances, like moving to an SNF, call for surrendering or rehoming a pet. Many community shelters offer adoption resources such as websites and forums to help people who are looking to safely rehome their pet with another family without surrendering the animal to the shelter first. This leaves room for shelters to take in animals with no other option and reduces the stress a rehomed pet can feel in the process. Rehoming directly with a new family may also present the opportunity for an ongoing connection and updates on how the pet is doing.
When a move to skilled care is urgent, seniors may not have the time to rehome a pet successfully. If friends or family can take pets in, even temporarily, to give them a chance to be rehomed directly to another family, this can help seniors be more accepting of their circumstances while not committing to the full scope of pet care. If it’s truly unavoidable to surrender a pet to the shelter, the option is always available and provides an opportunity for the pet to be cared for while they await a new home. Some seniors choose to donate to the shelter to support the care of the animals in its custody and their eventual adoption as a way to provide care from a distance. This is also an option for loved ones who aren’t able to take in a senior’s pet but want to show they understand the important role the pet played in their owner’s life.
Supporting seniors’ emotional needs when parting from pets.
The loss of a pet relationship during a move to skilled care is a unique kind of grief—one often overlooked or minimized by others, even though it can be just as significant as other major life transitions seniors experience. Acknowledging this loss helps seniors process their emotions in healthy ways.
Managing emotions starts with validation. Seniors need to hear that their grief is real and reasonable, not something to “get over” quickly. Encourage seniors to talk about their pet, share favorite memories, and express sadness without feeling pressured to stay positive. Some seniors may also feel guilt, believing they’ve abandoned or failed their pet, even when the decision was necessary and for the best. Reassuring seniors that finding their pet a good home is an act of care, not abandonment, can ease this particular emotional burden.
Visits offer one of the most meaningful ways to maintain the bond between seniors and their pets after a move, when circumstances allow. If a pet has been rehomed with family or friends, scheduling regular visits—whether in person, through video calls, or with photo and video updates—helps seniors stay connected and reduces the sense of total separation. Even occasional visits can provide comfort and something to look forward to, softening the finality of the transition.
Keepsakes give seniors something tangible to hold onto when their pet can no longer be physically present. Consider helping seniors create a memory box with photos, a favorite collar or toy, or even a lock of fur. Some families commission a small portrait or have a photo printed on a pillow or blanket. These items don’t replace the relationship, but they honor it and give seniors a physical connection to reach for when they’re missing their companion.
Creating a transition plan.
A pet transition plan depends on the time available before their owner moves to a skilled care facility. Regardless of the timeline, the plan is to reduce stress and support the emotional needs of both seniors and their pets.
If you’re working with a short-term timeline (several weeks to a month), your transition plan might include things like the following:
- Reaching out immediately to family, friends, and local rehoming networks to identify potential new homes
- Gathering the pet’s medical records, feeding schedule, and behavioral notes to share with the new caregiver
- Scheduling a few dedicated visits or “goodbye” time between the senior and their pet before the move
- Creating a simple keepsake, like a photo or a piece of the pet’s collar, to bring to the new facility
- Identifying a temporary foster option if a permanent home isn’t secured before the move date
- Connecting with a local shelter as a backup option if rehoming efforts don’t succeed in time
If you have a longer timeline (several months to a year), you can consider a transition plan that includes:
- Researching and vetting potential new families or caregivers thoroughly, allowing time for a trial visit or overnight stay
- Gradually introducing the pet to their future caregiver so the transition feels less abrupt
- Working with a trainer or vet to address any behavioral or medical needs that might make rehoming easier
- Planning a series of visits leading up to the move so the goodbye isn’t sudden
- Creating a detailed care book for the new owner, including routines, quirks, and favorite things, so the senior feels confident their pet’s needs will be understood
- Setting up a recurring visit or update schedule in advance, so the senior knows what ongoing contact will look like after the move
- Exploring memory-making activities together, like a photo shoot or a “pawprint” keepsake, while there’s time to make it special rather than rushed
How The Restoracy keeps pets part of the picture.
Just because a pet can’t move into a skilled care facility doesn’t mean the relationship has to end. At The Restoracy, animal visitors are always welcome. We know these relationships matter, and we want to make it as easy as possible for residents to stay connected to their pets.
We also partner with therapy animals and offer enrichment programs featuring wild animal ambassadors, giving all our residents—including those without pets of their own—the chance to experience the comfort and joy that comes from spending time with animals.
We do ask that families keep a pet’s current shot records on file at our front desk so we can confirm vaccinations are up to date before each visit. This small step helps us keep every resident, staff member, and visiting animal safe and healthy.
If you’re navigating a move to skilled care and worried about what it means for a beloved pet, we’re here to help make the transition as smooth as possible. Schedule a visit to see how we support the bond between our residents and their animal companions—for both the humans and the pets they love.