Pets play important roles in many senior’s lives
The pro’s and con’s of pet ownership for seniors are important when 
considering a new dog or cat to join the household because each family and pet is different in many ways. A good fit makes for a good outcome, a happy life together for the pet and everybody involved.
Cats, dogs, and birds often provide companionship and emotional support to their human family members. Seniors are no different from younger pet owners who live with pets as members of the family because of love and companionship. Often the pet fills an empty nest or empty heart in a senior’s life when a partner or child is no longer here.
Pets come with responsibilities like other family members. These pro’s and con’s can help seniors and pets be a good fit for a long happy life together.
Pro’s for pet ownership for seniors
1. Pets provide companionship to seniors who spend long hours alone in their homes.
2. Pets provide seniors with something to do during the day and exercise.
3. Pets and seniors enrich each other’s lives.
Con’s for pet ownership for seniors
1. Seniors who are use to living alone may not adjust to the demands and noise pets make on a daily basis. Some dogs bark to much when visitors come by and some cats require more attention than other cats.
2. The pet overburden the senior owner with responsibilities, such as the daily potty walk or clean-up, unexpected veterinary bills or regular grooming visits.
3. Some pets do not fit well in senior households due to the pet’s temperament, training or bad habits.
One of the best ways to decide if a pet is the right choice for senior ownership is to discuss the pro’s and con’s with the senior so they can decide if a pet is best for their lifestyle.