Animal Welfare Professionals

Hi there! We are a small, foster-based kitten rescue and we would love to get more plugged in with our community. Has anyone had experience with engaging with Senior Living Facilities or Nursing Homes? It seems like a wonderful potential for a partnership that would benefit both parties, but from research, it seems there could be some regulation hurdles. 

#CommunityPartnerships*

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Bethany Decossas
Co-Director
Miss Dixie's Kitten Rescue
SC
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I can't speak about cats, but in the dog rescue world, nursing homes are notorious for making the dogs extremely obese -- every single resident will give them food off their plates and treats, and the animal becomes ginormous.   A very picky cat who doesn't eat anything but one specific food (because they hate all other food) might be a better choice than one that will eat all of the left over bits of chicken that they off from the dinner plate.

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Maggie Thomas
President
Red Stick German Shepherd Rescue
LA
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Hi there!

It's fantastic that you're looking to connect with Senior Living Facilities and Nursing Homes-it really could be a rewarding partnership for both the residents and the kittens! While there may be some regulatory hurdles (like health and safety regulations or pet care guidelines), there are programs specifically designed to help foster these kinds of partnerships, such as Neurox's Senior Living Program . This program helps bridge the gap between senior living communities and pet care initiatives, providing guidance on how to navigate regulations and create beneficial programs for everyone involved.

You might consider offering pet therapy sessions, kitten visits, or even organizing opportunities for residents to help care for the kittens. Always check with the facility to ensure compliance with any rules, but your idea could truly help bring joy and companionship to both the residents and your adorable foster kittens.

Best of luck with this incredible initiative!

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Ali Murtaza
Student
NA
FL
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We have done several events with local nursing homes or assisted living facilities! Here's a few:

• Pet Visits: We have a couple therapy dogs who volunteer for us and do nursing home visits. They enjoy getting to pet and hang out with the dogs. We have a couple places that the same dog visits monthly, and they really build a bond! One location had a birthday party for "their" therapy dog.
• Craft activities: We have come in with supplies for craft afternoons before and worked with the residents to make toys or treats for the animals in our care. This worked best one time when we partnered with a local high school club and we had close to a 1:1 ratio with volunteers and residents. We have done "braided dog toys," "No bake dog treats" (safe for people to eat too - especially in memory care units, they may want to sample any food), and blankets with the tied fringes. 
• Educational - 55+ Independent Living Facility Only: Educational visit where we introduced them to our organization and programs we offer that could benefit them (pet food pantry, volunteering, TNR)

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Erin Dams
Operations Director
Roanoke Valley SPCA
Roanoke VA
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