CHOOSING THE RIGHT PET FOR SENIORS

You’re Never Too Old To Fall In Love!

Physical Benefits of Pets 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

Emotional Benefits of Pets Less depression, especially following

serious illness or death Lower anxiety & stress Physical contact (petting) = emotional

stability Alleviate loneliness Something to care for Consistency/Routine

Social Benefits of Pets Create a sense of closeness and well-

being Offer a topic of conversation and shared

interest with others Promote interaction

What Senior Pet Owners Say

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.

A Match Made in Heaven

Things to Consider 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

COST Shelter vs. Breeder vs. “Free”

Spay/neuter Vaccinations City License Deworming Microchip Vet Check Pet Insurance Boarding for vacations

Initial Cost (Ave. Est.)

Cat from ACS “Free” Cat

Adoption Price $34.00 $0.00Spay or Neuter Included $40 - $150City License Included $5.00Bowls $10.00 $10.00Carrier $25.00 $25.00Bed $15.00 $15.00Vet Health Exam $25.00 $25.00Vaccinations Included $50.00De-worming Included $10.00Microchip Included $25.00Flea Protection (1 mo.)

Included $15.00

Toys $10.00 $10.00FELV/FIV Test $15.00 $15.00Litter Box & Litter $30.00 $30.00TOTAL INITIAL COST

$145 $275 - 425

Dogs 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

Cats 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.

Small Mammals 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)

Birds 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

Even More Pet Options 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

Which is the right pet for YOU?

Pet Resources for Seniors 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

Fostering: All The Love, Without the Commitment 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

Where Do You Go From Here?

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

Who Will You Choose?