Pets in Care Homes: Can Your Parent Bring Their Cat or Dog?

Topic cluster: Life in a Care Home | Reading time: 4 min

For many older people, a pet is far more than a companion — it's a source of routine, purpose, unconditional love, and comfort that can be profoundly therapeutic. The prospect of having to give up a beloved pet when moving to a care home is one of the most distressing aspects of the transition for many residents and families. This guide explains the current situation in UK care homes, what the options are, and how to find a home that welcomes animals.

Do UK Care Homes Allow Pets?

The short answer: some do, some don't. There is no universal policy across the UK care sector. Individual care homes and care groups set their own policies.

Generally speaking:

Small pets (fish, birds, cage pets): More widely accepted
Cats: Accepted in some care homes, particularly those with private rooms and outdoor access
Dogs: Accepted in a smaller number of homes; more complex due to exercise, space, and other residents' fears
Large dogs or multiple pets: Rarely accepted

The key is to research and ask directly before assuming.

Why Pets Matter for Older People

There is strong evidence that companion animals improve the wellbeing of older people, including those with dementia:

Reduced anxiety and agitation
Improved mood and motivation
Physical benefits from dog walking (where possible)
Sense of purpose and routine
Reduced feelings of loneliness
Social catalyst — pets create conversation and connection

For someone moving to a care home, retaining their pet can significantly ease the emotional transition.

Questions to Ask Care Homes About Pets

If a pet is important to your parent:

☐ Do you accept resident pets? (Which types?)
☐ Are there restrictions on size, breed, or number?
☐ Would my parent be responsible for all care of the pet?
☐ Do you have outdoor space accessible for dog walking?
☐ How do you manage residents who are afraid of or allergic to animals?
☐ What happens to the pet if the resident becomes too unwell to care for it?
☐ Is there any additional charge for having a pet?

If the Care Home Doesn't Accept Pets

If your parent's preferred care home does not accept pets, consider:

Rehoming with a family member — with an agreement that the pet visits regularly
Pets as Therapy volunteers — many care homes have regular visits from trained therapy animals even if they don't house resident pets
Pet fostering schemes — organisations like Blue Cross and Dogs Trust offer fostering for people who are temporarily unable to care for their pet
The Cinnamon Trust — a specialist UK charity that provides fostering and walking services for elderly people and their pets (cinnamontrust.co.uk)

Animal-Assisted Therapy in Care Homes

Even for care homes that don't accommodate resident pets, many have regular animal visitor programmes — therapy dogs, therapy cats, and occasionally more unusual animals. These are provided by:

Pets as Therapy (petsastherapy.org) — trained therapy dog and cat visits
Local animal-assisted therapy organisations

If animal contact matters to your parent, ask prospective care homes about their visitor animal programmes.

Visiting Pets

If your parent's pet goes to live with a family member, regular pet visits to the care home can maintain the bond. Most care homes will accommodate a brief, well-managed pet visit.

Plan ahead:

Check the care home allows visiting animals
Ensure the pet is well-behaved and up to date with vaccinations
Visit at a time that doesn't disrupt the care home's routine
Be sensitive to other residents' feelings about animals

Looking for a care home that welcomes pets? homeformum.com helps families find the right care home — including those with pet-friendly policies.