Senior pets face many of the same challenges as their human counterparts. Common physical ailments include arthritis, high blood pressure and the loss of hearing and/or sight. One potentially devastating problem faced by senior citizens and senior pets alike is the loss of the person closest to them. The loss of a lifetime partner for a senior citizen can be an overwhelming shock, leaving the surviving partner feeling lost and lonely. The loss of an owner can be equally as devastating to a canine senior, who is not only forced to live without their companion, but can unfortunately end up in a shelter all alone.

Animal Shelters across the country recognized the shared needs of senior citizens and senior pets; each other. Both are in need of a companion and can provide love and care to one another. Senior pets are calmer, less demanding and if they had a precious owner, usually already house broken and trained. While puppies can be fun, they are an enormous amount of work, requiring constant attention and lots of patience. Senior pets are simple and lead happy and uncomplicated lives in senior homes.

Studies have consistently shown that pet companions can help senior owners live longer, healthier lives. Pets can help to lower blood pressure, reduce the need for medication and prevent depression. Companionship can give both parties a reason to live, enriching each others lives with light and love.

Many animal shelters offer incentive programs for potential adopters over a certain age (usually seniors are classified as persons over the age of 55). Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter in East Hanover, New Jersey will be conducting a Senior Adoption Weekend from April 29 to May1 through the Purina Pets for Seniors Program. The program entitles seniors to half-off all adoption fess for the adoption of a dog or cat over the age of 2 and a special free care-package from Purina filled with toys, food coupons and other items to help start a new owner/pet relationship. Other programs, like Young at Heart Rescue in Illinois, use all funds and volunteer power to rehabilitate senior pets and place them in a senior home.

Photo Courtesy of seniorpet2.senior.org