by Debra Frank

Created on: November 13, 2008   Last Updated: December 28, 2008

Finding homes for elderly pets with elderly owners can be a win-win situation. Studies have shown that seniors with pets cope better with stressful life events than their non-pet owning counterparts. Older pets win because often when they are surrendered to shelters, they are deemed unadoptable or are not chosen by a new family because of special needs or a shorter time left to the animal's life.

For the aging person, pets can lessen the feeling of social isolation that sometimes occurs. Pets are an excellent source of companionship. Pets encourage playfulness, promote laughter, increase physical activity, and may even accelerate recovery from illness. It is fact that elderly pet owners go to the doctor less frequently than those of a similar age without pets. One study showed pet owners have lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels.

For the aging pet, a senior citizen often has the time to devote to their needs of aging. Older dogs require more frequent short walks to limber tired muscles and provide for the more frequent bathroom breaks now needed. Senior housing often is set up to accommodate a lesser mobile person and this helps the less mobile older pet as well. Senior citizens households can also provide a more peaceful and restful setting for older pets than a young family's home.

Older pets can often live with seniors in group setting or retirement facilities. Colonel, a graying Cocker Spaniel, was proof of that. Within days of his moving in to a Wisconsin retirement facility, even the most outspoken resident against living with an animal was calling his name and petting him. He lived several more years and brought smiles to many.

There are some concerns to be considered before placing an older animal with a senior owner. Older animals and seniors are more susceptible to mental conditions. This should be evaluated before an animal is placed in a home or facility. Another very common and frustrating problem for aging pets is incontinence. Pets with this problem must have a home in which their older person can clean-up these accidents or a senior has regular help to care for the aging pets needs. Sometimes a pet incontinence problem can have a simple solution, such as making a litter box more accessible to an arthritic cat.

Another concern can be the need for more regular veterinarian checkups, since older animals are more susceptible to ailments. Transportation to these appointments as well as expenses incurred with the veterinarian, pet medications, and sometimes special diet may be overwhelming for some seniors. This should be considered before an elderly pet is taken in by a senior citizen and unless finances or adequate financial aid is available, the placement should be reconsidered.

Some elderly pet owners express concern about what would happen to their animal friend if something should happen to them. A plan for the pet's placement in case of emergency or death should be in place before taking the senior pet in. Also, researching health care facilities that allow pets can prevent a tragic separation later.

Senior pets and senior citizens have a lot to give to each other. Increased happiness and healthy benefits for the elderly pet owners have been shown in studies. Older animals are worthy of love and are more than capable of returning it. With thoughtful consideration and planning before adoption, the aged person and aged pet can make wonderful companions.

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