07/30/2026

Survey Tip of the Week: Resident and Facility Pets

Pets can enhance quality of life, reduce loneliness, and contribute to a more homelike environment for nursing home residents. Facilities that allow resident or facility pets must ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect the health, safety, and rights of all residents. The Ohio Administrative Code 3701-17-09(D) requires facilities that allow resident pets or maintain facility pets to consult with the medical director and a licensed veterinarian and develop a written protocol. At a minimum, the protocol must address:

• Annual physical examinations, including parasite screening;
• Vaccinations, including rabies;
• Preventive veterinary care;
• Procedures for animal bites, illness, or injury;
• Care of resident pets when the resident is transferred, discharged, or otherwise unable to care for the pet;
• Designation of staff responsible for facility pets and maintenance of veterinary records; and
• Evaluation of residents' medical needs related to the presence of animals.

In addition to meeting Ohio requirements, facilities should ensure their pet program addresses the applicable federal requirements found in the CMS State Operations Manual (SOM), Appendix PP, including:

• F550 – Resident Rights, supporting resident choice and quality of life;
• F584 – Safe, Clean, Comfortable, and Homelike Environment, ensuring pets do not detract from a clean, comfortable living environment;
• F689 – Free of Accident Hazards, ensuring animals do not create risks such as bites, scratches, falls, or other safety concerns; and
• F880 – Infection Prevention and Control, ensuring appropriate vaccination, hygiene, waste disposal, and infection prevention practices are implemented.

LeadingAge Ohio reminds members to review the pet policy annually to ensure it complies with Ohio requirements and reflects current practices. Verify veterinary records are current, staff understands their responsibilities, residents' medical needs (such as allergies, immunocompromised conditions, or fear of animals) have been considered, and infection prevention and emergency procedures are incorporated into the facility's overall safety program. A well-managed pet program can support resident quality of life while demonstrating compliance with both state and federal expectations.