We just got two new puppies and we’ve enjoyed them so much. My mother loved animals, but she didn’t have the time (or later the energy) to care for them, though she would loved to have had one. There’s a lot of literature about the physical and psychological benefits of pets companions for the seniors, but the decision about pets and seniors depends on individual circumstances as well as the type of pet.

Some things to consider for older people who are thinking of becoming pet owners are housing, contingency plans, transportation, medications and a good veterinarian.

Be sure to check the rules regarding pets in senior housing communities, and always have a contingency plan for pet care in case the senior owner becomes unable to care for the pet. It’s also important to consider transportation to make trips to the veterinarian, to the store to get pet food, or to the groomer.

Many pets have to take medication, so it’s important to factor in those costs, ability to give a pet medications, and medication safety. A relationship with a good veterinarian is also important. It’s vital that a pet owner understand and be able to manage a pet’s health condition.

The personality and needs of a pet are usually easier to establish when they’re older, so older animals, particularly dogs and cats (usually real, but not always) are often a popular choice for senior pet owners.

Animal shelters are often full of older cats and dogs who would make great companions for seniors, and the Pets for the Elderly Foundation helps pay the fees to participating animal shelters throughout the United States for senior citizens (age 60 and over) who adopt a companion dog or cat from a participating shelter. The Anti-Cruelty Society even matches senior citizen with more mature animals through their Pets for the Elderly adoption program.

Pets and the seniors can give a lot to each other. Research and experience has shown that animals and older people can share full and happy lives. Though pets can’t and shouldn’t replace human relationships for seniors, they can certainly augment them, and they can fill an older person’s life with years of love and companionship.

– Elizabeth Thielke