Top 10 Benefits of Pet Ownership for Seniors
Author: Debbie Humphrey
My family loves dogs. My husband and I have dogs, and my adult children have dogs that we affectionately consider our grandpups. Our pets are integral members of our family, and they play an important role as amazing companions and living examples of unconditional love.
At Home Helpers, many of the seniors we assist also have pets. Some have dogs and others have cats, but whether canine or feline, our clients have benefited from pet ownership.
August is National Dog Month, making it a great time to explore and review the top 10 benefits of pet ownership for seniors, thanks to research provided by U.S. News and World Report.
Companionship
Loneliness can be common among seniors who live alone, and this can lead to physical and mental health conditions. Pets provide companionship and unconditional love 24/7/365. “Dogs mold their schedule and personality to you. They are never unavailable or off-duty. Smaller dogs, in particular, can easily travel with you wherever you go.”
Having a Routine
Pets help us stay on track and keep regular routines because they require regular feeding and care. “The routine of caring for a pet can give structure and purpose to daily life. Maybe you don’t always want to get out of bed, but your pet wants you to, and isn’t that a good thing?”
Exercise
We all know that regular exercise is necessary at any age, but it’s not always easy to get motivated. “Having a dog can be a great way to make walking a regular part of your permanent daily plans.”
Reduces Stress
“Older people with pets exhibit less stress than their pet-less counterparts. Maybe it’s those regular walks or the sense that you have a friend to share life’s challenges. Or maybe it’s that tail wagging every day when you wake up.”
Improves Socialization
Dogs require regular exposure to the outdoors to do their business and exercise. They also need regular vet care and grooming, which are opportunities to connect with others. “You need to be involved in social activities. Having a pet is a good way to stay involved.”
Helps in Making New Friends
Many activities connect people and their pets with others, like regular walks and charitable events hosted by animal shelters and environmental groups. “It can be hard to meet new people, but pets are a great icebreaker.”
Creates New Interests
“Having a pet can expose you to a lot of new interests and activities. Maybe it’s cleaning up the neighborhood park where you walk your dog. Some hospitals seek pet owners who will volunteer to bring in their pets to spend time with patients.”
Provides Protection
Dogs can be a deterrent to thieves and scammers because they usually bark incessantly when they see strangers or hear a knock at the door. This provides a measure of protection for their humans. “Now, maybe your watchdog weighs only 12 pounds soaking wet. But the person on the other side of the door doesn’t know that.”
Taking Care of Something
Pets need humans to care for them because they can’t feed themselves or take themselves to the vet or groomer. “The desire to be useful and of value doesn’t magically disappear when your career ends or your kids grow up and build their own independent lives. It is very satisfying to take care of another living thing.”
Investing in Life
“At the end of the day, having a pet means that you have made a promise to continue being involved in another life. This commitment is one of the most positive decisions you can make as you grow older.”
While pet ownership offers many benefits for seniors, it can also present challenges. Health issues may make it difficult for older adults to maintain daily routines or care for their pets as they once did. This doesn’t lessen the love or sense of responsibility they feel for their furry companions; it simply means that keeping up can become more difficult over time.
The compassionate caregivers at Home Helpers® not only step up to help seniors with activities of daily living through in-home care services, but they also assist with the care of our clients’ pets.
If you or a senior loved one could use a compassionate helping hand with activities of daily living that includes pet care, I offer a FREE consultation to assess your needs and create a personalized care plan that supports both the individual and their beloved furbabies.
We, at Home Helpers® Clearwater, are honored to have been ranked among the Activated Insights Top 100 Leaders in Experience for home care providers in 2025 and to have received the Best of Home Care® Provider of Choice, the Best of Home Care® Employer of Choice, and the Best of Home Care® Leader in Experience Awards in 2025, along with the Caring Super Star 2025 Award.
Home Helpers Clearwater proudly serves male and female seniors, veterans, and differently abled individuals in Bayonet Point, Clearwater, Clearwater Beach, Dunedin, Gulfport, Holiday, Hudson, Largo, Madeira Beach, New Port Richey, North Redington Beach, Oldsmar, Palm Harbor, Pass A Grille, Pass A Grille Beach, Port Richey, Redington Shores, Safety Harbor, Saint Petersburg, Seminole, South Pasadena, Tarpon Springs, Tierra Verde, Treasure Island, Trinity, and surrounding areas. Home Helpers®…we are Making Life Easier® 727.942.2539