Seen At 11: Furry Friends Live Out Their Golden Years In Style At Animal Retirement Centers

NEW YORK(CBSNewYork) -- Most everyone wants to live out their golden years in style and comfort, but that hasn't always been possible for aging pets.

Now, a growing number of assisted living and retirement homes are popping up to care for dogs in the twilight of their lives.

"This is like a hotel for dogs. Their every need is taken care of," Sher Polvinale explained.

Polvinale runs 'House With A Heart' a senior pet sanctuary in Maryland that cares for dogs in their golden years.

"They come here to live out their lives," Povinale said.

As CBS2's Kristine Johnson reported, 'House With A Heart' isn't the only retirement home for pets.

All across the world similar senior centers are popping up. One in Japan comes complete with a hair salon, 24 hour medical care, and a swimming pool.

Caretakers said the dogs come to the homes for many reasons. Some come from families who can no longer care for their needs.

Others had owners who passed away, but most have little chance of being adopted because of their age.

Polvinale and a team of nearly fifty volunteers are currently taking care of two dozen seniors, many of whom need constant medical treatment.

Like most of the homes it runs on donations and grants.

"It's hard when we lose them, just have to stop and remember we fulfilled our mission, and we help them pass and cross over," Polvinale said.

Dr. Ann Hohenhaus with Manhattan's Animal Medical Center, said as pets age there are many things you can do to keep them healthy, like managing their weight, taking care of their teeth, and giving them plenty of exercise. It's also important to leave directives for who will take care of your pet if you no longer can.

"As pets become more and more an integral part of the family, we have to think about how we're going to handle their aging process, just like we worry about our aging process," Dr. Hohenhaus said. "For some people, retirement homes are going to be wonderful opportunities."

Wonderful opportunities, and not just for the dogs.

"It's not just the most astounding experience to be here with them," Harriette Sackler, VP, House With A Heart, said.

The retirement homes are not adoption centers, but animal experts urge people to take home an elderly dog or cat, many of whom are already house broken, and make great family pets.