Having a pet can benefit older adults for many reasons. Still, there are significant safety and other considerations for your care receiver regarding pet ownership. Considerations include the older adult’s health status, level of independence, safety needs, lifestyle, and abilities. There are pros, cons and many factors to consider when deciding if a dog or cat is a good fit for an older adult.
The pros of pet ownership
- A pet can enhance overall well-being and a person’s quality of life
- Provide companionship
- Reduce loneliness
- Increase physical activity, especially a dog, by encouraging regular walks and playtime, thus improving physical fitness and helping to avoid sedentary lifestyles.
- Lower stress levels, provide relaxation and improve mood by petting and interacting with a pet.
- May improve mental health. Studies have shown that pet owners tend to have lower rates of depression and anxiety compared to those without pets.
- Offer a sense of purpose by caring for another being
- Linked to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, contributing to better heart health.
- Reduce loneliness and social isolation.
- Provide constant companionship, especially for those living alone, and can even facilitate social interaction with other pet owners during walks
In addition, having a pet may help with cognitive benefits: Some research suggests that interacting with pets can enhance mental function and memory, keeping the mind active and engaged and providing intellectual stimulation for older adults. This can be particularly beneficial for older adults, helping to keep their minds sharp and engaged.
The cons of pet ownership
Understanding the Challenges of Pet Ownership
An important factor is whether the older adult can independently care for the pet. If the pet’s needs exceed what the older adult can provide, the benefits of pet ownership may be diminished.
Some reasons why an older adult may not be able to handle the responsibility include:
- Financial strain.
- The cost can be high, with ongoing expenses for food, grooming, veterinary care, and more.
- Having a dog or cat may increase the risk of falls.
- Physical demands of walking a dog can be demanding and increase the risk of injury, especially for seniors with limited mobility.
- Dogs require a lot of time and care.
- Cats require daily cleaning of their litter.
- All pets need regular check-ups, vaccinations, and preventative medications.
- Some dog breeds require more maintenance, such as brushing, and can shed heavily at certain times of the year.
- The person might be unable to give your dog the attention it needs due to their health or abilities.
- The size of the home and physical abilities may limit the size of the dog your care receiver can accommodate.
Often, family caregivers consider having a pet a low priority as the older person’s health and lifestyle changes. However, pet ownership may be a very important part of an older person’s life. The caregiver and the person they care for need to have an open discussion, including reviewing this or some other article about pet ownership. For many older adults who already have a pet, they are family to them. If they have to give up a pet, it is another loss and grief for them.
If placement is necessary, perhaps you, a friend, or a relative can adopt the pet so that the care receiver knows it is safe, loved, and cared for. Dogs, especially, may sense the loss of their friend, and they need time, comforting toys, and attention to help them adjust to a new home. Visits in person or via Zoom may be possible, especially at the beginning. Even if the pet stays with the older adult, have a plan for what happens to that pet if the care receiver can no longer stay at home or when they pass away.
Choosing the right pet
The older person may already have a dog or cat that has been with them for many years. If the older adult and family (especially the primary caregiver) decide to get a pet, selecting a pet that fits the owner’s lifestyle and ability to care for it is crucial. This careful selection can help older adults and their caregivers feel confident and prepared for the responsibilities of pet ownership. It’s important to consider the pet’s size, energy level, grooming needs, and the owner’s living situation and physical abilities.
Ensure the older adult can handle the pet’s needs, including feeding, grooming, and veterinary visits. Consider the financial costs of pet ownership, including food, grooming supplies, and potential medical expenses.
Some families hire caregivers to include pet care along with their responsibilities of helping the older adult. This extra task typically results in a higher fee. Hired aregivers should be informed about any pets in the home and understand their specific duties related to pet care. able to help make the home safer with a pet living with an older person.
Instead of pet ownership, consider joining pet-friendly groups or community activities to enhance social interaction further. Consider a low-maintenance pet like a cat, bird, or fish.
Pet ownership and care are not to be taken lightly and need thought, communication, and compassion.
Edited by Zanda Hilger, LPC
Sources: Celebrating National Pet Day! and Pets for the Elderly
We hope this information is helpful to you in the important work you do as a family caregiver.
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