| No matter what age, every living being deserves to experience the special bond shared by animals and humans. We all share the need to love and be loved. Age should never be a barrier for pets looking for a home and it certainly isn't at Animal Aid. We know that they still have so much to offer and so much love to give.
The health benefits of sharing your life with a pet have been confirmed through research. They have been found to have significant impacts on lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which in turn reduces their risk of heart disease. Seniors who own pets even visit the doctor less often than non pet owners and have improved longevity.
One of the most important roles that pets can play in their lives is that they are the perfect antidote to one of the biggest threats to the elderly, loneliness. Senior citizens are often reluctant to replace a pet that has died after they themselves reach a certain age. They worry about whether they will outlive the pet or that they will have to go into care, what will happen to the animals.
That is why Seniors for Seniors is such a wonderful program - it aims to bring senior pets and senior citizens together. Evidence suggests that the care and attention required by pets really does help seniors to stay more active and healthier. Pets help establish routines and create a variety of opportunities for social interactions.
Pets not only provide companionship and well being, in the case of dogs, they can provide a sense of security. It is well known that in the majority of cases, if a burglar hears a dog bark behind the door or gate they will move to the next property that doesn't have a dog.
Pets are an integral part of the social network of our society and they come in many forms.
At Animal Aid we encourage senior citizens to keep a pet in their life for as long as they can. Some councils can provide you with support to help you keep your pet with you and stay independent, ask yours if they do and if they don't ask them why. Don't be afraid that you will outlive them. If your family or friends are not able to assist you can arrange to have them surrendered to Animal Aid. We will make sure that they get the best chance of being placed with an appropriate new family or person.
One of the best ways that your pets will be treasured for the rest of their lives, should they outlive you is to let Animal Aid care for your pet after you have gone. Make it legal and well known to your family and friends what your wishes for your pet are. If you would like more information on bequesting your animals or making a bequest to Animal Aid please
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All pets that are adopted through the Seniors for Seniors program have a 50% reduction in their shelter. Once you have adopted you will receive your pet's senior's card that will entitle you to a 50% discount on Animal Aid Veterinary Clinic fees and a 25% discount on shop items, Grooming and Boarding Services. If you are within a 50 km radius of our Coldstream facility, on mutually agreeable days and at no charge, you can take advantage of two pickup and delivery trips for your pet, to and from the shelter each year to use our services. Most importantly you will receive the gift of companionship and unconditional love and the security of knowing that your pet will be cared for, whether you are there for them or not.
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