Basic obedience training is required, with slow introduction into the nursing home. Veterinary examination, vaccinations, spay or neuter are required. One Cat per 10 residents, is allowed to run free and sleep on patients' beds, but not in the food area. Cats are very good for bed ridden patients who like to stroke and groom them. Veterinary check, vaccinations, spay or neuter, declaw and cats must be at least 8-10 months of age.
Birds live in every room unless the patient objects.
One bird in a room if there is good interaction with a patient and two birds in a room when minimal patient interaction. Parakeets and cockatiels are preferred since they stimulate patient communication. Obtain birds from a single breeder as the facility can be checked for psittacosis, otherwise each bird must have a psittacosis check. A bird care cart visits each room for cleaning and feeding each day. Ornamental Aquarium Fish in resident rooms or facility meeting rooms.