Do assisted living facilities allow pets?
In most cases, yes. Many pet-friendly assisted living communities in the Houston area accept dogs, cats, or both. But policies vary widely—and finding a place that allows pets is only part of the equation.
The harder question is: what happens to that pet if your parent’s health changes down the road?
That’s the question most families don’t think to ask until it’s too late.
The Question That Changes Everything
“What about the dog?”
That question comes up often when families tour The Medallion. Sometimes it’s a cat. Sometimes it’s a dog who’s been with Mom for years. The worry is always the same: Does moving to assisted living mean giving up the pet?
Usually not. But here’s where things get complicated.
Say your mom moves into a pet-friendly assisted living community with her cat. Everything’s fine for a couple of years. Then her health changes—she needs more help than assisted living can provide. She has to move to long-term care (a.k.a a nursing home).
Most nursing homes don’t allow pets.
So now you’re 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 This Matters
For many seniors—especially those who’ve 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.
What to Ask at Any Community You Visit
Before you get attached to a floor plan, get clear answers to these:
What pets do they actually allow? Dogs, cats, both? Size limits? Breed restrictions? Get specifics before you go too far in the process.
What’s the full cost? A deposit is different from a deposit plus a monthly fee. Some places bundle pet accommodations into their services; others charge separately. Get the complete breakdown in writing.
Who helps if your parent can’t care for the pet temporarily? If your parent is hospitalized for a few days, who feeds the dog? Some communities have staff who can assist. Others expect the family to handle it.
And the big one: what happens if care needs increase? If the community only offers assisted living, your parent might have to start over somewhere new—and leave the pet behind.
When you’re visiting communities, ask about this early. Not at the end of the tour. First thing.
What Makes The Medallion Different
At The Medallion, we’re part of the Seven Acres campus. That means assisted living, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and long-term care—all in one place.
If your mom starts in assisted living and eventually needs nursing home care, she’s moving next door. Not across town. Her care team already knows her and can assist the nursing home team in helping better understand your mom’s day-to-day care needs. A continuum of care makes that possible.
Pets are welcome for an additional fee. With just 52 assisted living apartments for rent—studios, one-bedrooms, and two-bedrooms—it’s an intimate community where pets are part of daily life.
Houston families have access to local pet care services that can help with daily care, pet-sitting, and more—including Braescroft Animal Clinic in the Greater Meyerland Area.
A Campus Built for Walking
One thing that sets The Medallion apart for pet owners is its outdoor space.
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. Morning and evening walks can be part of daily life here, right on the property.
That matters more than it might seem. A dog that gets regular walks is calmer, healthier, and easier to care for. For residents, daily walks provide structure, exercise, and a reason to get outside. Walking a dog through the courtyards or around the park keeps residents active and connected to the outdoors—something that’s harder to maintain in communities without this kind of space.
For residents with cats or small pets, the courtyards offer a place to sit outdoors, enjoy fresh air, and take in the surroundings. The campus is designed for residents to spend time outdoors comfortably, not just to pass through on the way to their cars.
We’re also located near the Texas Medical Center, which means easy access to veterinary care when you need it.
The Cost Reality
Let’s talk numbers, because this matters.
Some assisted living communities in the Greater Meyerland Area charge $3,000 a month or more—before pet fees, before care level increases. At The Medallion, care packages start at $750 a month. We’re a nonprofit, which means our pricing differs from that of the big for-profit chains. Everything goes back into resident care, not into shareholders’ pockets.
Pet accommodations are part of our additional services. Call us for current rates.
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 the family to visit.
Not Ready to Commit? Try a Respite Stay
Some families aren’t sure if assisted living is the right move yet. Maybe your parent is managing okay at home, but you’re worried about what happens when you travel. Or they recently left the hospital and need a safe place to recover before returning home.
The Medallion offers a Respite Stay Program—a short-term stay, two weeks minimum, where your 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.
Think of it as a test run. If it works, great. If not, no pressure. But at least you’ll know.
What Moving In Looks Like
Pets pick up on stress—the boxes, the unfamiliar people, the changes in routine. On moving day, bring the pet’s belongings as well. The bed. The favorite toy. The bowl they’re used to. Familiar items help pets adjust faster.
The first week may be an adjustment period. Dogs may pace; cats may hide. This is normal. Keeping feeding times and walk schedules consistent helps pets settle into their new home.
Having a pet at an assisted living community can also make family visits feel more natural. Instead of just checking in, you’re walking the dog together through the park or stopping by with supplies.
Knowing When It’s Time
Some families delay the assisted living conversation because they can’t figure out the pet situation. Meanwhile, their parent may be missing medications, not eating well, or becoming more isolated.
If that sounds familiar, it may be time to have the conversation. The pet doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker—not if you choose the right community.
A Few Things People Ask Us
Are pets allowed in assisted living facilities?
Many are pet-friendly, but policies vary. Always ask about specific pet types, size limits, and fees before touring.
What does it cost to bring a pet to assisted living?
It depends on the community. Some charge a deposit, some charge monthly fees, and some include pet accommodations in their services. At The Medallion, pet accommodations are part of our additional services—call for current rates.
What happens to the pet if my parent needs more care later?
This is the question that catches families off guard. Most skilled nursing facilities don’t allow pets. Communities with assisted living and skilled nursing on the same campus—such as Seven Acres—can offer greater flexibility as health needs change.
Can we try assisted living before committing?
Yes. The Medallion’s Respite Stay Program allows your parent to stay for two weeks or more and experience daily life here before making a permanent decision. Pets are welcome.
Is The Medallion only for Jewish residents?
No. Seven Acres has Jewish roots—we observe Jewish holidays and serve kosher meals—but we welcome residents of all faiths and backgrounds.
See It For Yourself
If the pet situation is part of your decision—and for many families it is—come walk through. See the apartments. Walk the courtyards and the park. Ask whatever’s on your mind.
Schedule a tour—we offer weekday tours from 9 to 4, but we can work around your schedule. Or call Loren Gordon at 713-778-5702 or email lgordon@themedallion.org.
Bring your parent if they’re ready. Bring the dog if you’d like.
The Medallion is part of Seven Acres Jewish Senior Care Services. We’ve been serving Houston families for over 80 years—and we’re not going anywhere.