Companion animals in nursing homes: a right… with conditions

Cats curled up on laps, loyal dogs resting at the foot of an armchair, birds singing in the hallways… Pets have a natural place in the lives of older people. They soothe, comfort, and foster social bonds, playing a key role in residents’ well-being.

But in practice, can a pet really stay—or be brought—into a nursing home? What does the law say? And what can be done if admission is refused?

What the Law Provides

Since the Law of April 8, 2024 on “Ageing Well”, a clear principle has been established:
Residents of nursing homes (EHPADs) have the right to live with their companion animal.

This is a major step forward, aimed at preventing painful separations when entering a care facility.

However, this right remains subject to the opinion of the Social Life Council (CVS), a body made up of residents, family representatives, staff, and management.

In other words: a facility cannot refuse an animal without justification, but it may oppose admission if the CVS issues a negative opinion—for reasons of safety, hygiene, organization, and similar concerns.

The Decree of March 3, 2025

The implementing decree, published in the Journal Officiel on March 3, 2025 (in force since March 5), now sets out detailed conditions for admitting animals to nursing homes. Among the key requirements:

✔️ Presentation of a veterinary certificate upon admission of the resident or the animal, confirming:

• Identification
• Characteristics (species, breed, age…)
• Up-to-date vaccinations
• Possible sterilization
• Absence of danger or aggressiveness

✔️ Veterinary care to be paid for by the resident.
✔️ No dangerous behavior, even in private areas.
✔️ Compliance with facility rules on:

• Hygiene
• Safety
• Respect for other residents
• Restricted access to certain spaces

✔️ Use of appropriate restraint equipment if necessary (harness, cage, leash, etc.).
✔️ Permanent access to clean drinking water, in a regularly cleaned container.
✔️ Daily feeding and care to be provided by the resident or their entourage, in line with animal welfare standards.

Note: attack, guard, and defense dogs (categories 1 and 2) are excluded—even if they show no aggressiveness. In my view, this remains a significant limitation of the law.

A Decision That Can Be Challenged

A refusal by the CVS or the facility’s management can always be contested. Options include:

• Requesting a new meeting with stronger guarantees (veterinarian’s opinion, commitment by a third party, etc.)
• Seeking support from an attorney experienced in animal law, to check the legality of the decision and defend the resident’s rights.

No decision may be arbitrary or discriminatory. The key challenge is to preserve the emotional bond between an elderly person and their animal, while balancing the realities of community living.

How I Can Help

Are you facing a refusal from a nursing home or assisted-living facility regarding a companion animal?
Do you want to protect the rights of a resident close to you?
Are you a professional in the medical-social sector looking to ensure your internal policies comply with the law?

I can support you by:

• Assessing the legality of a decision or internal regulations
• Opening dialogue with the management and the CVS
• Defending both the resident’s rights and the animal’s welfare

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