Pet-Friendly Senior Living in St. Louis
Senior living is more fun with a four-legged friend, and St. Louis has a reputation as one of the most dog-friendly cities in the US. The Gateway City leaves the welcome mat out for pets and their owners at more than a dozen well-kept dog parks, plenty of pup-friendly restaurants, dog-centric social clubs, and even canine fine art events. St. Louis has options to keep you and your pet as physically and socially active as you please.
Pet-friendly senior communities in St. Louis
The St. Louis Metro area is home to more than 30 assisted living communities that welcome residents’ pets. Among them are SeniorAdvisor.com Best of 2015 award winners Hallmark of Creve Coeur, Sunrise of Des Peres, and Sunrise on Clayton. All of these communities were rated highly by residents and their family members during 2014.
Arch City dog park options
St. Louis and its suburbs are home to 18 dog parks. Most dog parks in the area charge a membership fee for the first dog with a small additional charge for extra pets. Many of parks offer discounted membership rates for residents. Among the most popular are area parks are:
Creve Coeur Dog Park, a 2.5-acre off-leash zone with separate areas for small and large dogs. There’s a pond, walking trails, and well-maintained grass.
Southwest City Dog Park in Willmore Park, which features slightly more than an acre of fenced play space for dogs, separate areas for energetic and low-key dogs, and kiddie pools during the summer.
Frenchtown Dog Park- one of the biggest enclosed park areas within St. Louis city limits. Summer at Frenchtown means pool time for the dogs and cocktails for their owners at monthly Yappy Hour social events.
The art of the dog
The American Kennel Club Museum of the Dog, in a historic home in Queeny Park, houses more than 700 dog-centric works of art and a library of several thousand unusual and historic books about dogs. The museum’s popular Guest Dog of the Week lets the public meet and learn about individual breeds. Sunday Showcase events feature local artists producing dog-related art.
Doggie dining-out choices
Three Dog Bakery is a local favorite among canine and feline gourmands and their owners. The bakery turns out scratch-made dog and cat treats and custom cakes, and stocks pet food, toys, accessories, and furniture. Three Dog Bakery also sponsors Dog’s Night Out events with special tasting menus at local eateries to raise money for dog rescue groups.
For hungry humans, Russell’s on Macklind features American food sourced from local farms—and a patio seating area where dogs are welcome. Another farm-fresh option is Three Kings Public House, which serves “upscale pub food with a Mediterranean twist” and welcomes dogs. Mama Josephine’s turns out soul food and provides outdoor seating for diners with dogs.
Putting on the dog (and the cat, too)
St Louis All Dogs is a social group that touches on virtually all aspects of life with Fido. There are group practice sessions for obedience, conformation, and agility trials; group hikes and walks; pool parties; and fundraisers for local dog shelters.
One of their frequent hangouts is Purina Farms, a few minutes’ drive southwest of the city. Purina Farms hosts national and regional dog and cat shows throughout the year in its exhibit halls. The facility also has events in its outdoor arena, diving pool, sheep pasture, and flying disc field.
Whether you’re into fine dining, fine art, or a day out with friends, St. Louis offers lots of choices for people and their pets.
Learn more about St. Louis Senior Living here:
St. Louis Low-Income Senior Housing
Best of St. Louis Senior Living
How Much Does St. Louis Assisted Living Cost?
How Much Do St. Louis Nursing Homes Cost?
Find assisted living in Saint Louis near you.
Casey Kelly-Barton
Casey Kelly-Barton is an Austin-based freelance writer whose childhood was made awesome by her grandmothers, great-grandmother, great-aunts and -uncles, and their friends.