Which Pets are Good For Seniors?
Every pet guardian has personal reasons for sharing home and hearth with a four-legged companion. According to the Insurance Information Institute, 67% of American families own pets. Pets can be excellent companions for people of any age, whether they are just starting out on their own or they are newly retired and looking for a furry BFF. But how do you choose the right pet for you? Keep in mind a few things as you start your search for the perfect furry companion, not least of which is the cost involved. (Should you find yourself in need of help when faced with an unexpected emergency veterinary bill, however, Waggle can help.)
What Are the Benefits of Pets for Seniors?
In addition to love and friendship, pets can improve your quality of life. The Human-Animal bond is age-old, and recent studies have backed the benefits of this unique relationship. Health care professionals have found that simply petting an animal can lower blood pressure, which contributes to cardiovascular health. There are also mental health benefits to owning a pet, like a reduction in stress. Caring for a pet can provide mental stimulation, as well, and take the edge off of loneliness, a common complaint among elderly people. For those reasons alone, seniors who enjoy caring for others should consider finding a pet, whether a companion dog, cat, hamster, fish, or bird.
Which Kinds of Pets Are the Right Choice for Seniors?
Dogs and cats are the most popular pets, but they're not the only choice for seniors. From birds to lizards to gerbils and more, every pet has something to offer. However, some are better species and breeds for seniors than others.
Before looking at the specific kinds of pets that make excellent companions for seniors, keep the following in mind:
- Are you an active senior? Are you getting daily exercise currently? Do you enjoy brisk walks outdoors?
- How much space do you have in your living quarters?
- What kind of temperament in a pet do you prefer? Do you want a canine companion with a high energy level that would require a great deal of exercise, or would your ideal companion be more chill and laid back?
- Do you or anyone you live with suffer from allergies? (If so, seek out a hypoallergenic dog breed!)
"Remember that if you live in an assisted living residence or community, you’ll want to check out the specific rules the facility might have regarding which kinds of pets are permitted on the premises. If there are breed or weight restrictions, factor this in before getting your heart set on an animal."
Which Are Better for Seniors: Dogs or Cats?
Both cats and dogs of all ages have a lot to offer a senior pet owner. Here's the long and short of it, so you can decide which furry friend is right for you:
Cats are easier to take care of generally. They use a litterbox, are less likely to make a mess with their food and water, and typically keep to themselves. They need less attention, don't require daily walks, and can make do with a smaller living space. If you have limited mobility issues, it's easier to own and care for a cat than it is to care for most dogs.
However, cats are also known for choosing what they want to do and when they want to do it. This means that the breed and temperament of the cat you select can have a significant impact on your quality of life. For example, a snuggly cat might want to follow you everywhere as the perfect companion, but a more aloof or skittish cat might avoid social interaction and make a cameo appearance only at feeding times.
Dogs tend to have more excess energy and require more one-on-one care with daily walks, regular brushing, and routine exercise. Of course, different companion dog breeds will have different levels of energy. Likewise, the amount of attention you will need to lavish daily on a dog will vary by breed and temperament.
"If you have an active daily life, a dog that needs several walks a day might be the perfect choice for you. On the other end of the leash, so to speak, if you’ve got limited space in an apartment or an assisted living arrangement, a smaller breed might be a better option."
What Are Good Breeds of Dogs for Seniors?
If you're looking for low-maintenance dogs for seniors that fit a retiree's lifestyle well, here are some popular breeds:
- Boston terriers
- Pugs
- Miniature schnauzers
- French bulldogs
- Poodles
What Does It Cost to Own a Pet?
There are both startup and initial costs to owning a pet. When you first adopt a pet, consider:
- Adoption fees
- Expenses for an initial visit to the veterinarian
- Supplies (like a litterbox or dog bed)
When looking for a pet, consider adopting from one of the many animal shelters and rescue organizations that take in animals who need a human companion. Many pets up for adoption are already house-trained and comfortable with other pets. Plenty of these adoptable pets also have an easygoing temperament, and so they are gentle with children, a particularly important consideration if young grandkids are frequently present.
"Adoption is a mutually beneficial way to add a new pet to your home and family: Adoption not only saves lives and fights back against the 'assembly-line production' of pets at puppy mills, but it also presents an opportunity to get a rockstar, four-legged friend at a modest price, particularly when you consider what obtaining a pet through a reputable breeder might cost."
According to veterinarian Claudine Sievert, adoption fees for cats and dogs can start at $50 and go up from there. An initial visit to the veterinarian to confirm overall health, to learn about the proper care routine, and to establish a relationship with the veterinary practice will vary, based on your region, but usually starts at a minimum of $75 for the visit alone, not including tests or medications.
Ongoing expenses most likely will include boarding (if you travel), regular vet visits, grooming, dog-walking service (if you're unable to do it yourself — say, if you are ill), toys, and food.
Waggle Is Here to Help
Long-term and emergency medical costs are another expense to consider when determining the best pet for you. Waggle is here to help with those emergency vet costs should that need arise. If you’d like to contribute to help other pet guardians in need, you can support the Waggle FurEver Fund!