Moving into a senior living residence can feel like a big shift at first, but having a furry companion by your side can ease the transition and bring joy to ordinary moments throughout your day.
What better way to get to know your neighbors than by introducing them to your four-legged friend? Many communities provide endless opportunities—such as spacious gathering areas and beautiful walking paths—to spend quality time with your pet and socialize with others.
At Cedarhurst, pets are considered part of the family. You’ll often get a friendly wave from residents and staff members as you stroll down the hall together or sit down for a quiet moment of rest and relaxation.
As you begin your search, discover why families choose Cedarhurst and what sets our communities apart, including welcoming pets with plenty of belly rubs, treats, and care to go around in apartments and gathering areas alike.
In this guide, we'll discuss:
- Why Pets Are Important to Community Living
- Finding a Truly Pet-Friendly Community
- Support for You and Your Pet
- Cedarhurst Pet Spotlight 2026
Why Pets Are Important to Community Living
Pets offer more than just a smiling face or excited tail wag. Having pets can positively impact our physical, mental, and emotional health—especially as we age.
Physical Impact
Morning walks and evening strolls allow your four-legged friend to get out their pent-up energy, and this type of regular exercise can also have resounding effects on your physical health.
According to animal-assisted therapy research at the Mayo Clinic, pets enhance the quality of life of patients, especially in terms of aging, cardiovascular diseases, and overall sense of wellness. Strikingly, a study found that patients who have a heart attack and have a companion animal have a fivefold increase in one-year survival.
But the physical benefits are just the start—many older adults also experience social and cognitive improvements.
Social Impact
Some of us are more extroverted than others, and having a pet is one of the best ways to meet your neighbors. Pets keep us connected to the world around us and encourage us to change our daily routines and connect with others.
You’ll find that people naturally stop to say hello to your furry friend, making it easier for you to build new friendships and meaningful relationships throughout your day—whether it’s at outdoor activities, quiet evenings in common areas, or special community events where two-legged and four-legged friends are welcome.
Cognitive Impact
Then there’s the effect that owning a pet can have on your mental clarity and cognitive abilities. Pets require daily attention and care. You’re likely managing their daily diet and exercise routines, which keep you alert, engaged, and attuned to your furry friend’s schedule.
Over time, this creates real and lasting advancements in cognitive function. According to a study published in Scientific Reports, owning a dog or cat could preserve some brain functions as we age. This breakthrough study showed that dog owners retain sharper memory (both immediate and delayed), while cat owners show a slower decline in verbal fluency. It suggests that the "hard-to-predict temperament" of a cat provides unique cognitive stimulation.
Finding a Truly Pet-Friendly Community
How can you find a pet-friendly community that’s right for you? Consider the pet policies and general atmosphere of the communities you tour.
What Sets Cedarhurst Apart
In Cedarhurst communities, the joy and connection your pet brings are worth every bit of extra care. Here, pets aren’t a burden—they’re beloved members of the community.
Pets are welcome in both Cedarhurst apartments and common areas because what is good for your well-being is good for the community. Residents and their pets are also invited to special events that celebrate the unique bond between humans and their friendly sidekicks. While pets are free to enjoy common areas by your side, keeping them leashed helps ensure that every resident feels comfortable and confident as they move through the community.
Some Cedarhurst communities include independent living at Cedarhurst Cottages. If you choose this option, you’ll have access to exclusive amenities, such as on-site dog parks and pet-grooming services.
A note on our pet policy: To ensure a supportive environment for all residents, size and temperament requirements vary by state and community. Please check with your specific Cedarhurst community for full details.
Support for You and Your Pet
At Cedarhurst, the transition to a new residence is even better when a four-legged friend is by your side. We understand that a faithful companion is part of the family, providing comfort and a sense of home. That’s why our communities are designed to support a life where you and your canine sidekick or feline friend can continue to thrive together.
Simplify Your Day
Living in a Cedarhurst community means trading the chores of home maintenance for more time with your pet. Our environment is built to be as welcoming to pets as it is to the people who love them.
- Pet-friendly apartments: Relax in your apartment, a true home with plenty of living space for you and your constant companion.
- Pet-friendly common areas: Feel at home in our shared spaces, where well-behaved four-legged neighbors are a welcome sight.
- Landscaped courtyards and walking paths: Go on a stroll through our beautifully maintained grounds, perfect for daily exercise and fresh air with your canine resident.
- A la carte services: Take advantage of additional care options, such as dog walking or pet grooming, available to residents of independent living at Cedarhurst Cottages to ensure your loyal friend looks and feels their best.
Take Part in Pet-Friendly Events
Our daily events and programs often celebrate the joy that animals bring to our lives. There are always opportunities to engage with neighbors who share your love for animals, from lighthearted pet-friendly happy hours in the courtyard to festive costume contests. These spirited gatherings make it easy to build new friendships while your spirited companion gets some extra attention too.
Care for Your Companion
Your pet’s well-being is a top priority. While you and your family members remain responsible for your pet’s personal hygiene and daily needs, you will be surrounded by a supportive team and neighbors who are always ready with a friendly ear scratch or a treat. This community of support ensures that both you and your faithful friend feel loved and valued every day.
Cedarhurst Pet Spotlight: Stories You'll Love
Meet Barb and Jazzy
Barb moved to Cedarhurst of Tesson Heights with her dog, Jazzy, two years ago. She chose Cedarhurst for its convenient location, laid-back vibe, and the green outdoor spaces that both she and Jazzy could enjoy.
Little did Barb know that Jazzy would soon become a celebrity in their new home.
Shortly after settling in, Barb entered Jazzy in the community’s dog show. Though Jazzy faced fierce competition from five of her new canine neighbors, she ultimately won the award for Cutest Pet of 2024.
The prize was a framed photo and ribbon commemorating Jazzy’s cuteness, but Jazzy continues to reap rewards to this day. Now, when Barb takes Jazzy on walks through the community, Jazzy's human friends are just as excited to see her as her dog friends.
“People keep treats in their walkers and wheelchairs for her,” Barb says. “It’s kind of a standing joke—they say hi to her before they say hi to me. She’s adjusted beautifully.”
Meet Kent, Maggie, and Zoe
Kent Baker and his two cats, Maggie and Zoe, are residents of Cedarhurst of Wentzville. Maggie, a tuxedo cat, and Zoe, an orange-and-white kitty, are 15 years old each, and Kent has had them both since they were kittens. “They keep me company day and night, sleep with me, and they’re always up in my lap because they know I’ll give them a treat,” Kent says.
Even though the cats aren’t allowed to leave their apartment, Maggie and Zoe have lots of friends in their community. Kent says the community team loves to come by and visit with the kitties, who relish all the extra care and attention they can get.
Meet Jerry and Toby
Cedarhurst independent living resident Jerry Jones and his 9-year-old pup, Toby, are inseparable. “He goes most places that I go,” Jerry says. “I go to the grocery store, Toby goes. I go to the doctor’s office or hospital, Toby goes.”
Though the pair are relatively new to Cedarhurst, Jerry says Toby is walking around “like he owns the place.” On their daily walks through the community, Toby is a social butterfly who makes time to say hi to all their neighbors—and always stops by the concierge for extra treats.
Meet Don, Nancy, and Ryker
After just one year of living at Cedarhurst, Don and Nancy Tabor’s pup, Ryker, has already become a “superstar” of their community.
At 10 years old, Ryker quickly adjusted to life at Cedarhurst, making his fair share of dog friends (and girlfriends!) around the community. When he's not playing with friends Toby and Daisy, Ryker loves to show off his tricks for all to see—and stole the show performing for everyone at the community’s dog parade.
“He’s part of our family,” Nancy says. “We love it here at Cedarhurst because he loves it here.”
Georgia and Charlie
Georgia and her four-legged friend, a cocker spaniel named Charlie, are the official morning greeters of their community. Each day begins with a spirited walk before they settle in to welcome neighbors heading to eat. It didn’t take long for residents to discover Charlie’s affinity for bananas, and now, bringing him a treat has become a favorite morning ritual. While Charlie enjoys his snacks, Georgia enjoys the meaningful connections made with her neighbors, ensuring everyone starts their day on a "paw-sitive" note.
Evelyn and Gertrude
When Evelyn’s constant companion, a cat named Gertrude, decided to go on an adventure, the entire Cedarhurst community sprang into action. Residents joined the search, armed with Gertrude’s favorite treats. The loyal friend was soon found tucked safely away in a library cabinet and returned to Evelyn’s residence. To this day, neighbors love to recount the story of Gertrude’s "walkabout," a testament to the supportive spirit found within the community.
William and Buster
William felt a mix of emotions about his move to a Cedarhurst community. While he looked forward to a maintenance-free life and chef-prepared dining options, he worried about how the transition would affect his best friend of 10 years, Buster. A bird dog who thrives on routine, Buster was a faithful sidekick but cautious around new situations.
William quickly discovered that the team was just as committed to Buster’s transition as they were to his own. The move was smooth and patient, allowing Buster to find his footing and make plenty of new friends. Today, William and Buster lead a "Birding Club Walk" each morning. Neighbors join them to see where the spirited companion points next, creating a lighthearted daily event that has become a staple on the community calendar.
Meet Lucy & Jimmy and Rita & Lemon
Friendship often comes in unexpected forms—just consider the bond between Jimmy, a vocal dachshund, and Lemon, a calico cat living down the hall. Their connection began with a curious sniff at Lemon’s door during Jimmy’s daily walk. When Jimmy’s owner, Lucy, knocked to introduce herself to Rita, a new bond was formed between both the pets and their owners. Now, Jimmy and Lemon enjoy daily romps together, while Lucy and Rita have found a meaningful friendship of their own, proving that a four-legged neighbor is often the best way to meet a new friend.
Meet Dr. Hart and His Butterflies
At Cedarhurst, "pets" can sometimes take flight. When Dr. Hart moved into his new residence with his wife, he brought with him a lifelong passion for entomology. He proposed creating a space for his favorite colorful insects, and the community team eagerly partnered with him and the University of Missouri to develop a professional butterfly garden.
This project has become a community-wide opportunity to engage, with residents helping to raise caterpillars in their own apartments. Every day at 4 p.m. during the warmer seasons, neighbors gather for a lighthearted butterfly release. It’s a beautiful example of how Cedarhurst supports the unique interests that help residents live life to the fullest.
Choosing a senior living community shouldn’t mean leaving a piece of your family behind. Your furry companion has been by your side through life’s transitions, and they belong by your side for this one too.
At Cedarhurst, we believe that pets support your sense of calm, cognitive health, and physical wellness. To learn more about the services available to support you on your holistic wellness journey, explore our holistic approach to aging and health.
This post was originally published in Oct. 2021 and updated in April 2026.
