Did you know there are mental and physical health benefits obtained from animal  companionship?  Extensive research shows a pet can fill the loneliness void, making us feel needed and loved when family and human friendships are scarce.   Studies also show slowly petting an animal can lower blood pressure and soothe anxiety. 

But before heading out to your local pet shop, stop and give some thorough thought to the commitment you are about to make.

There are some things you need to consider before adding a furry friend to your life.  First, if you are unable  to care for your new pet, is there someone who will take care of it for you?  Or, do you like to travel?  Bringing a pet along with you can be difficult, especially if you choose a larger pet.

Dogs need to be taken out for a walk, or if you have a fenced yard, let out throughout the day.  If the weather is cold or wet and your joints are aching and sore, your dog wont be able to wait for you to feel a bit better.  He still needs to go out.  There are walking services you can hire, but that will add to your expenses.  Neighbors will often lend a hand, but you may exhaust their good will with ongoing needs or extended care request.  Even if you decide a cat is a better fit  for you, the litter box needs daily attention and food and fresh water needs to be provided. 

Before choosing your pet give some thought to its size, age and exercise needs.  We all love a cute floppy eared puppy or furr-ball of a kitten.  But that cute puppy will need housebreaking and training, and depending on its breed, may grow  too big for you to manage.  Kittens have energy to burn, climbing and knocking things over which can cause household damage or trip hazards for you.  

If you are leasing your home or living in a condo, you need to check with your landlord or Association to assure pets are permitted.  You may find specific breeds are not allowed, or size restrictions are in place.  To be certain you are complying with the rules, maybe adopting an older pet is a better solution.  This allows you to assess  size and energy given the animal is fully grown, but keep in mind older pets often require more frequent vet visits. While there is health insurance available for pets, the premiums will add to  your monthly costs, and the coverage will not be as extensive as you may like. 

Now that you have given  pet-parenting a bit more thought you may be feeling a bit overwhelmed, but please don’t give up. 

There are some wonderful programs that may help assure the right match is made, with care provisions built in.

PROGRAMS THAT MAY HELP

PETS FOR THE ELDERLY (http://petsfortheelderly.org):  In addition to providing funding for pet adoptions, the Pets for the Elderly program also includes financial support for veterinary services, pet retention/maintenance assistance and food shortage support, just to touch on a little bit of what they do.  Their services are for adopters age 60 or over.  They work with 58 shelters in 38 states currently. Click on the PARTNER SHELTERS button at the top of their website to find a participating shelter in your area.  You can find some research articles on the health benefits of pet parenting under the OUR WORK tab as well.

FOSTER CARE: 

• SHELTERS:  Check with your local rescue organizations or shelters.  Quite often they have foster programs which involve placement of animals in homes while permanent families are found.  Some animals need a less hectic, quieter environment than a kennel or shelter can provide, or, the shelter may not have enough space to house all of the pets waiting for a home of their own.  A foster home allows pets in need to be cared for until a home or shelter space becomes available.  Many rescue organizations cover the medical expenses your foster pet incurs.  They will take the animal back if you are unable to care for it either due to a planned vacation or unexpected long-term illness.  The downside is this pet has the potential to be adopted by someone while you are providing a foster home.  But  look at the love and hope you were able to give this animal, and the joy they brought to you along way.
• OPERATION FOSTER (https://pactforanimals.org):  is an organization that finds foster homes for pets when Military pet parents are deployed.  The pet owner is held responsible for all food, supplies, and medical care while you are caring for their pet. 

STATE ORGANIZATIONS:  There are State specific  organizations that assist Seniors with both adoption and care support.   Pennsylvania for example offers the PA Caring Hearts program (https://pacaringhearts.org/), while The Pet Alliance of Orlando Florida (https://petallianceorlando.org/pet-services/adopting-pet/seniors-for-seniors/) offers the Seniors for Seniors pet adoption program, pairing older pets with older adopters.  Do a bit of research for your specific area.

Many veterinarians will discount their fees for Senior owners if asked.  They may be able to give you additional information on adoption programs, families that need to rehome a pet and cost saving discounts available in your area too.