Seniors and Seniors

Pets can be a boon for seniors, and vice versa! Research shows that having pets in your life can be great for mental health, and can help people live longer. Not only are they great companions, providing affection and company, companion animals are thought to reduce stress, promote healing, and can give their person a sense of purpose when they take on the responsibility of pet ownership. If adopting a pet is out of the question for an individual, there are volunteer opportunities at most rescues and shelters where people are welcomed to interact with the animals at various levels of contact. 

Cats and dogs need people too! They are social animals, and companionship is often one of the things that shelter pets miss the most. Benefiting animals in a shelter can be as simple as just talking to them, reading to them, or interacting with them in their cages. Of course they also benefit from human touch, getting out of their cages, and being given treats, among other things. Many of the animals that come through shelters are scared and skeptical of what is happening to them. Volunteers are crucial for helping to show them that they are safe and cared for. 

Meera, a senior cat who came to Sarge's when her adopters could no longer care for her

We often see pets in animal shelters simply because their person can no longer care for them, either physically or financially. These animals are among the many who are happy and healthy in a home, and then find themselves uprooted and living in a shelter situation through no fault of their own. No matter how much the shelter staff and volunteers love them, being in a shelter is a rude awakening for many beloved pets, and heart breaking for their guardians. We advise that people make a plan for their animals well ahead of time, for their own peace of mind in an emergency, as well as the benefit of their pets. If there is no option to make a plan with friends or family, we advise folks to come talk to us at Sarge's and see if we can help find a safe place for your pets to land in the event of your absence. Well-adjusted and taken-care-of pets are easily adopted into good homes, and making a plan ahead of time can help speed up that process, providing better well-being for beloved pets, and peace of mind for animal owners.

Betsy, a senior who came to Sarge's when her owner passed

To adopt or volunteer at Sarge's, reach out to us at 828 246 9050, or go to our website at sarges.org. 

*The original version of this text was a part of an article on seniors and pets, written by Carol Viau as an article in the WNC Senior Resource Guide for February 2025.