Pet-Friendly Retirement Communities in Denver
If there is one thing that Denverites love more than the outdoors, it’s taking their dogs along for a fun outing. The Mile High City is one of the most pet-centric around, with numerous parks and trails to explore, two local dog magazines, and clubs for dogs, cats, and bird fanciers. There are also several dozen senior communities that offer pet-friendly living in and around Denver.
Pup-friendly parks in Denver
Denver is rich in parks, mountain trails, and urban trail ways. Among the city’s 200-plus parks are 11 dog parks that are open every day from sunup to sundown. Leashed dogs are also welcome in other city parks, on Denver’s mountain park trails, and along neighborhood and creekside trails.
One of the most popular dog parks is Stapleton, on Denver’s east side. The large, fenced space features sand rather than soil, so dogs have fewer chances to get dusty and muddy while they play, although long-haired and curly-coated breeds will need a good brushing when they leave.
Dock jumping and dog swimming
Denver-area Canine Rehabilitation and Conditioning Group offers fun swimming and dock-jumping exercise for healthy dogs through its Club Fetch and recreational swim programs. Club Fetch dogs can swim for up to an hour daily and receive a complimentary canine massage each month. CRGG’s Broomfield clinic is an official DockDogs International affiliate where dogs can train and compete in distance, vertical jump, and speed retrieval dock-jumping events.
Dogged journalism
“Mile High Dog” and “Denver Dog” magazines offer coverage of canine events around town. “Denver Dog” is published quarterly and features profiles of local dog lovers, famous area dogs, health and diet news, and write-ups of especially dog-friendly neighborhoods. “Mile High Dog” publishes six issues a year that provide lists of area meet ups, park days, and happy hours for dogs of all kinds. Other topics include canine first aid, training tips, and book reviews.
Cool cat happenings around town
The Foot of the Rockies Cat Club has been bringing feline friends together for more than 40 years. The Denver-based group produces two shows yearly, a large event in April and another show in September. Both shows are licensed by the national Cat Fanciers Association, and they draw exhibitors from around the country.
Denver for the birds
For seniors who prefer feathered friends, the Rocky Mountain Society of Aviculture hosts monthly meetings, adoption opportunities for RMSA members, and the annual Rocky Mountain Bird Expo. The expo is a good place to see different varieties of birds, pick up cage bird supplies, and learn more about bird care.
Pet-friendly places to call home
The Denver metro area has lots of independent and assisted living communities that are open to pets. Options range from urban apartment towers like Brookdale University Park to suburban campuses such as Springwood in Arvada.
Denver and environs are also home to more than 60 restaurants, coffee houses, and pubs that welcome dogs in their outdoor seating areas. Because the city recently revamped its rules to let more restaurants host dogs on their patios, there may be even more dog dining options coming soon.
Learn more about Denver Senior Living here:
Denver Low-Income Senior Housing
LGBT Senior Services in Denver
Catholic Health Care in Denver
Best of Denver Senior Living 2016
How Much Does Denver Assisted Living Cost?
How Much Do Denver Nursing Homes Cost?
Find assisted living in Denver near you.