Companion animals in nursing homes: a right... with conditions

Good news: since 2024, residents have the right to keep pets in nursing homes, subject to hygiene and safety conditions.

A decree dated 3 March 2025 sets out the specific requirements (veterinary certificate, non-dangerous nature, daily care, access rules, etc.).

Key points: The principle is to allow pets in nursing homes, but this right is subject to strict hygiene and safety conditions.
‍

1) What the law says: the right to have a pet in a nursing home

‍
The “Ageing Well” Act No. 2024-317 of 8 April 2024 recognizes the right of residents to keep their pets, “unless otherwise advised by the Social Life Council” (CVS) and subject to being able to meet their needs and comply with the hygiene and safety conditions laid down by decree.

My opinion: This right marks a symbolic and practical step forward for quality of life in nursing homes, but its implementation requires legal vigilance.

‍

2) Admission requirements (operational checklist)

‍
The decree of March 3, 2025 details eight obligations to be met by the resident (and, in practice, to be verified by the establishment upon admission):

- Veterinary certificate < 3 months old upon arrival (identification, characteristics, vaccinations if applicable, sterilization if applicable, required treatments, non-dangerousness and ability to cohabit).
- Resident responsible for veterinary care.
- No dangerous behavior (even in the room).
- Compliance with internal rules set by management: areas where animals are prohibited/restricted (e.g. treatment rooms, meal preparation areas, certain units, etc.).
- Equipment to restrain the animal if necessary (leash, crate, harness).
- Clean water at all times, clean container.
- Appropriate food provided by the resident.
- Daily care to ensure the animal's well-being.

3) Who does what? Division of responsibilities

‍
The resident (and/or their family): takes responsibility for the animal's care, organises its needs (feeding, hygiene, veterinary care), ensures its safety and compliance with the establishment's rules.

In the event of temporary incapacity (hospitalization), it is strongly recommended to have a designated contact person (family member, friend, association) and a “plan B” (pet sitting, boarding).

‍
The nursing home management: sets out, in the internal regulations, the areas of access, the rules (e.g. keeping animals on a leash, visiting hours, cleaning up accidents), the admission procedure (checking certificates), and preventive measures (allergies, phobias, infectious risks), and preventive measures (allergies, phobias, infectious risks).

The aim is to allow animals in nursing homes without creating risks for residents and staff.
‍

Key point: Legal custody of the animal remains with the resident or their representative: the nursing home is not intended to replace the owner.

4) Upon Admission: The Animal File

‍
Resident side:

- Veterinary certificate dated less than 3 months prior to arrival (see mandatory information).
- Identification card (I-CAD), up-to-date vaccination record (if applicable), current treatments.
- Contact details for a vet and a trusted contact person (in case of problems).
- Signed care agreement (see below).

‍
For the establishment:

- Animal file in the resident's file (species, size, size, diet, habits, potential risks).
- Information for the CVS and coordinating doctor on the “animals in nursing homes” protocol.
- Reminder of prohibited areas and rules of movement (discreet signage).
- Incident management procedure (bites, damage, soiling): reporting, cleaning, traceability.
‍

My advice: Set out the division of responsibilities in black and white in a tripartite agreement (resident/contact person/facility).

5) Useful clause templates (rules of procedure & convention)

Template extract : Internal regulations (access & hygiene)

“Animals in nursing homes are authorized subject to compliance with the health and safety conditions set out in the decree of 3 March 2025. Animals must be manicured, not show dangerous behavior, and do not access the following areas: [list of areas]. In the event of contamination, the resident or his referent organizes immediate cleaning according to the protocol in force.”

Template extract :  agreement between resident/nursing home/referent

“The resident is committed to ensuring the animal's needs (water, food, daily care, veterinarian). It provides the appropriate restraint equipment. In case of hospitalization or incapacity, Mr./Mrs [Name] (referent) ensures the care and transport of the animal. The establishment may temporarily restrict the animal's access to certain areas for reasons of hygiene, safety or the tranquility of residents.”

To remember: The more written and clear the rules are, the less room for disputes.

6) What animals, what limits?

• Pets allowed : dogs, cats, non-dangerous and controllable "NAC" (e.g. small rodents), domestic birds, fish... subject to non-danger, possible cohabitation and compliance with internal rules.
• Animals not allowed : category 1 and 2 dogs

My opinion: This bias of the legislator on category dogs is questionable because no dog should be considered categorically rather than individually.

7) Animal mediation, “collective” animals and visits

The 2024—2025 law first targets the resident's animal.

This does not prevent animal mediation projects that are already encouraged by the recommendations for quality of life in nursing homes when they are supervised: choice of animals, hygiene, consent of residents, monitoring of interactions.

This is a plus for social ties and well-being, provided it is formalized (procedures, responsibilities, referring veterinarian).

8) Prevention & hygiene: points of vigilance

• Allergies/phobias : map situations, adapt floors/areas, suggest traffic slots.
• Cleanliness & infections : protocols for cleaning dirt, hand hygiene, food and care areas forbidden to animals (reminder in the regulations).
• Signage : simple pictograms, information for staff and service providers.
• Team training : actions to adopt, who to call in case of an incident, where is the equipment (gloves, bags, products).

‍
A sheet “Presence of animals in EMS and infectious risks” (CPIAS) can usefully complement institutional protocols.

9) Practical examples (fictional cases)

• Mrs. R., 86 years old, young sterilized cat : admission with certificate < 3 months, designated referent for vacations. House rules updated, no-go areas clarified. No incidents, strong morale improvement.
• Mr. D., elderly dog with noise anxiety: sensitivity to workshop noises → adapted exit times (excluding noisy slots), absorbent carpet in the room, cleaning protocol with the hotel team.
• Protected unit (residents with cognitive disabilities) : supervised “collective cat” project (vet certificate, follow-up, shelter area, animal referent, hygiene protocol). Weekly brushing workshop validated by the CVS.

My opinion: These cases show that with flexibility and foresight, we can reconcile animal welfare and collective organization.

10) Ready-to-use checklists

For the management of nursing homes

• Update the rules of procedure (forbidden areas, traffic, incidents)
• Create a Admission procedure (animal file + vet certificate)
• Expect a resident/referent/EHPAD agreement
• Show the essential rules (using pictograms)
• Train teams (prevention, cleaning, incident reports)
• Inform the CVS and track your opinions

For the resident/family

• Veterinary certificate (< 3 months) with required information
• identification card, vaccination record, possible treatments
• Restraint equipment (leash, crate) and neatness
• Referent available + emergency custody solution
• Respect for zones and agreed schedules

The reception of animals in nursing homes is a new law, bringing real benefits for residents, but which requires a solid legal and practical framework.

My advice: Don’t leave it to chance — get expert support to tailor your regulations and agreements. This not only protects your institution legally, but also enhances residents’ well-being and peace of mind.

‍

‍

‍