Pets and Senior Citizens

I’m a dog lover. I grew up with dogs and have owned one most of my adult life. You know that warm fuzzy feeling most women get when they see an infant? Well, it happens to me when I see a puppy.

Research Says…

And guess what? Research shows that owning a pet can be good for you—mentally and physically. And that is especially true of senior citizens.

According to an article on Washingtonpost.com, researchers found that when older people spend just 10 minutes with pets, their blood pressure and heart rate can be reduced and finger temperature increased, both indicators of relaxation.

Petting a dog or cat can release endorphins, those hormones that make you feel good. Pets, especially dogs, give you an excuse to get out of the house and take a walk. Studies have found that seniors with pets are more active and healthy than those who don’t own a pet.

Studies have also shown that Alzheimer’s patients became less agitated and were more social when they interacted with therapy dogs. There’s even evidence of some dogs helping their owners recognize symptoms of illness, for instance low blood sugar or an impending seizure.

And, having a pet’s love and companionship can help with depression.

Unconditional Love

Whenever I leave my dogs at home, when I return, they greet me with so much enthusiasm I can’t help but feel loved. When I visit my mother in Sacramento, my husband sends me pictures of the dogs sitting on the porch, waiting, wondering, when will I be back.

Pets love you unconditionally. They can bring real joy to your life. Each animal has a unique personality, and that in itself is fun to observe. Talk about companionship—your pet will always be there for you, entertain you, snuggle with you and bring your spirits up when you’re feeling low.

And this is a good thing for senior citizens who perhaps live alone, recently lost a spouse or are confined to their home.

Finding Your Pet

I’ve never owned cats, but they can be a good choice for some seniors. They’re more independent than dogs, though they will still love to snuggle with you. I’ve known cats that are purely “indoor” animals. If you go that route, of course you’ll need some sort of litter box.

If you want a dog, depending on your age and physical condition, an older dog might be a good choice. Personally, I love getting puppies. Well, they’re so darn cute. But also I like to be able to train them so they fit into my lifestyle.

I am also a firm believer in adopting a pet. There are so many animals in the shelters that need a home—do we need to keep breeding them? I also believe that purebred dogs often have health problems as a result of over-breeding.

The has pets that are ready for adoption. They also have a program called Seniors for Seniors, which helps people 62 and up adopt dogs that are 6 years or older. The adoption fee is waived and includes the first set of vaccinations, spay/neuter, microchip, a collar and tag, a free vet exam, and educational literature.

Unfortunately, this service isn’t always available due to funding. The SPCA could use some donations specifically for the Seniors for Seniors program! The typical cost of adoption is $110, although those 65 and older receive a free license for their dog.

You can also find pets at the Santa Cruz Animal Shelter and .

Taking Care of Your Pet

Pet sitting and walking services are on the rise. Don’t think you can’t enjoy a dog’s companionship if you’re unable to walk it. Hire a dog walker! Overnight pet care services are also available—either at your home or at a kennel. Some of these “kennels” are pretty swanky!

Two pet sitting/walking services you might try are SuperDog Dog Walkingin Soquel and Diva Pet Sittinglocated in Ben Lomond, but serving the San Lorenzo Valley, Scotts Valley and Santa Cruz.

Linda Turner, owner of Diva Pet Sitting, says she’s had older clients “who have lost their spouses, but whose grief was ameliorated by having to care for puppies/dogs that their spouses had adopted before they died. Actually, I have three clients that had that experience, and they all agree that having those animals to care for helped them through those tough times.”

Volunteering at the Shelters

Another way to enjoy pets is by volunteering at either the Santa Cruz Animal Shelter or .

There’s no specific time requirement for volunteering--most volunteers go to the shelter for a 2-hour stay each week.

To volunteer, you’ll need to fill out an application, and then attend an orientation and a training session. The volunteer opportunities include providing cat and rabbit TLC: exercise, snuggle, brush and play with the animal. Or, if you prefer dogs, you can exercise, play with and socialize them. There are also foster care opportunities, and the shelters always need people to help clean kennels, wash dishes, feed the animals, etc.

To learn more about volunteering at a shelter, call 831-454-7202.