Owning a pet can provide many health benefits for elderly people, such as increased exercise, lower blood pressure, and reduced feelings of loneliness and depression. Pets also give their owners a sense of purpose and responsibility. While pet ownership requires financial costs and a commitment to care, adopting a pet from a shelter can be more affordable initially than other sources. Local organizations also provide resources to help offset costs for low-income elderly pet owners.

1. You’re Never Too Old To Fall In Love!

2.  Exercise Motivation
 Lower Blood Pressure & Cholesterol Levels
 Cardiac patients have increased longevity: odds
of survival increase from 1:15 to 1:87
 65+ with pets 21% fewer trips to the Dr.
 Less need for prescription drugs
 Some pets can predict seizures or alert
to hypoglycemia

3.  Less depression, especially following serious
illness or death
 Lower anxiety & stress
 Physical contact (petting) = emotional stability
 Alleviate loneliness
 Something to care for
 Consistency/Routine

4.  Create a sense of closeness and well-being
 Offer a topic of conversation and shared
interest with others
 Promote interaction

5.  95% of seniors talk to their pets
 82% said the pet helps when they feel sad
 71% claim their pet makes them feel better
when they are in physical pain or ill
 65% say touching their pet makes them feel
better
 57% confide in their pet
"How Community-Based Elderly People Perceive Pet Ownership," New J.,
Wilson C., Netting F., 1986.

7.  Cost: Adoption fees,
regular vet care,
emergency vet care,
boarding, food, toys,
kennel/crate, training,
etc.
 Age of pet
 Mobility – yours vs. the
pet’s
 Training Needs
 Size of pet – what if you
have to carry it?
 Type of pet

8.  Shelter vs. Breeder vs. “Free”
 Spay/neuter
 Vaccinations
 City License
 Deworming
 Microchip
 Vet Check
 Pet Insurance
 Boarding for vacations

9. Initial Cost (Ave. Est.) Cat from ACS “Free” Cat
Adoption Price $34.00 $0.00
Spay or Neuter Included $40 - $150
City License Included $5.00
Bowls $10.00 $10.00
Carrier $25.00 $25.00
Bed $15.00 $15.00
Vet Health Exam $25.00 $25.00
Vaccinations Included $50.00
De-worming Included $10.00
Microchip Included $25.00
Flea Protection (1 mo.) Included $15.00
Toys $10.00 $10.00
FELV/FIV Test $15.00 $15.00
Litter Box & Litter $30.00 $30.00
TOTAL INITIAL COST $145 $275 - 425

10.  Requires exercise or at least walks/let outside for
restroom 2-3 times a day
 Need consistent social interaction
 Size: 3 lbs. to over 100 lbs.
 Lifespan: 10-14 years (some up to 20)
 Excellent companions:
obedient, comforting,
playful, loyal,
motivation to exercise

11.  Very little training required
 Can be destructive to furniture, carpets, etc.
without proper training or supervision
 Lifespan: 15-17 years
 Size: 6-11 lbs. (sometimes larger)
 Personalities will vary from cuddly to aloof.

12.  Guinea Pig, Rat, Ferret, Rabbit, Hamster, etc.)
 Require minimal care, but each has specific,
unique needs for physical and
emotional/behavioral health.
 Lifespan: 3-9 years (rabbits & ferrets living
longest)

13.  Can vary from small finches needing minimal care
and socialization to larger birds (parrots,
cockatoos, etc.) requiring significant social
interaction.
 Cage needs vary, but all need room to fly and
stretch their wings.
 Very specific dietary and health needs,
which vary among species.
 Lifespan: 3-80 years,
depending on species

14.  Lizards
 Snakes
 Turtles
 Fish
Just because it’s not a dog or cat doesn’t mean
there aren’t social benefits!
•Marine Aquarists Association of South Texas
•South Texas Herpetology Association
•San Antonio’s Feathered Friends Coffee Club
•Rat Association of Texas

16.  ACS Pet Pantry
 Free Pet Food, Cat Litter & Treats
 Low Cost Spay/Neuter Clinics
 SNAP, SpaySA, ADL, SAHS, PetShotz
 Low Cost Wellness Clinics
 SNAP, SpaySA, PetShotz, ACS Vaccination Clinic, Vanguard
Vet Clinic Vaccinations, Mobile Pet Care Clinic of Texas
 Animeals
 Meals on Wheels Pet Food Delivery
 Daisy Cares
 Financial Aid for Veterinary Emergencies
 TVMA & TVMF P.A.L.S.
 Financial Aid for Vaccinations, Prevention Services and
Emergency Medical Needs for Seniors

17.  Organization may pay for food, vet care and
supplies
 Foster provides inside home, daily care,
socialization and some training
 Must help market pet to potential adopters
 Most pets adopted in 2 months or less
 Pick from special needs, puppies/kittens or
healthy adults

18.  Animal Care Services: 4710 Hwy 151
 Animal Defense League: 11300 Nacogdoches
 S.A. Humane Society: 4804 Fredericksburg
 San Antonio Pets Alive:
 4710 Hwy 151
 210 Tuleta
 9107 Marbach Rd. #109