What Pet Owners Should Know Before Choosing Assisted Living

The conversation usually starts the same way. A family tours an assisted living community, likes what they see, and then asks: Can Mom bring her cat? Can Dad keep his dog?

Many pet-friendly assisted living communities in the Houston area accept dogs, cats, or both. Policies vary, deposits differ, and monthly fees range widely. Getting a "yes" feels like clearing a major hurdle.

But that question misses the bigger picture. The harder question is: what happens to that pet if a parent's health changes down the road?

The Question That Changes Everything

Picture this scenario: A senior moves into a pet-friendly assisted living community with a cat. Everything works beautifully for a couple of years. Then health changes. The level of care needed exceeds what assisted living can provide. A move to long-term care (a.k.a. a nursing home) becomes necessary.

Most nursing homes do not allow pets.

So now the family is handling a health crisis while also figuring out what to do with the cat. It's a difficult situation, and it happens more often than families expect. This is why the real question isn't "do they allow pets." The real question is: what happens when care needs change?

Why Pets Matter

For many seniors—especially those who have lost a spouse or whose family lives far away—a pet provides daily companionship and routine. Research shows that seniors with pets tend to have lower blood pressure, less depression, and more reasons to stay active. The pet gives them structure and a reason to go outside.

Losing that connection during an already difficult transition can be emotionally and physically taxing.

Questions to Ask During Tours

Before getting attached to a floor plan, families should get clear answers. What pets does the community actually allow? Dogs, cats, both? Size limits? Breed restrictions? What does the full cost include—a deposit, monthly fee, or both?

And the big one: what happens if care needs increase? If the community only offers assisted living, a parent might have to start over somewhere new—and leave the pet behind.

What Makes the Seven Acres Campus Different

The Medallion is part of the Seven Acres campus. That means assisted living, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and long-term care—all in one place. If a resident starts in assisted living and eventually needs nursing home care, the move is next door—not across town. The care team already knows the resident and can assist the nursing home team in helping better understand day-to-day care needs. A continuum of care makes that possible.

Communities with assisted living and skilled nursing on the same campus—such as Seven Acres—can offer greater flexibility as health needs change.

The Medallion offers 52 assisted living apartments for rent​ —studios, one-bedrooms, and two-bedrooms. Pets are welcome for an additional fee. The Seven Acres campus includes extensive courtyards, a park, and walkable spaces throughout the grounds. For residents with dogs, this means real room to walk—not just a small patch of grass by a parking lot.

Located in the Greater Meyerland Area, the campus is near the Texas Medical Center, the Galleria, Bellaire, West University, Rice Village, and Braes Heights. Easy for the family to visit, and convenient access to veterinary care.

Trying Before Committing

For families unsure whether assisted living is the right move, The Medallion offers a Respite Stay Program—a short-term stay of two weeks or more— where a parent can experience assisted living without making a permanent decision. Bring the pet. See how it feels. Try the meals, meet the staff, walk the courtyards, and park.

The Cost Reality

At The Medallion, care packages start at $750 a month. Pets are welcome for an additional fee.

We're in the Greater Meyerland Area, close to the Texas Medical Center, the Galleria, Bellaire, West University, Rice Village, and Braes Heights. Easy for family to visit.

Seven Acres has Jewish roots—the community observes Jewish holidays and serves kosher meals—but welcomes residents of all faiths and backgrounds. The organization has served Houston families for over 80 years.

The pet does not have to be a dealbreaker—not if families choose the right community. Schedule a tour to see the apartments and walk the courtyards.

The complete guide to pet-friendly assisted living in Houston is available on the Seven Acres website.

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Seven Acres Jewish Senior Care Services
City: Houston
Address: 6200 North Braeswood Boulevard
Website: https://www.sevenacres.org