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Adopting a Pet, Programs for Older Adults
Date: March 10, 2006
Author: David Smidt, SeniorDiscounts.com

Pets make great companions and research has shown that pets can increase the quality of the lives of their owners. A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society concluded that independently living seniors with pets tend to have better physical health and mental well being than those without pets. Seniors with pets are generally more active, cope better with stress, and have better overall health. Another study showed that elderly pet owners have significantly lower blood pressure overall than their contemporaries without pets. In fact, a US survey of 1,000 Medicare patients indicated that the 40% of the elderly with pets sought the services of a doctor much less frequently than those without animal companions.

Having a pet can be expensive, but there are numerous ways to save money while caring for a pet or looking for a new one. Adopting pets from shelters is a great way to help animals that need a home and there are various services that provide assistance to older adults looking to take in a pet. These organizations can help with some or all of the adoption costs and may provide assistance with necessary vaccinations.

The Pets for the Elderly Foundation is a non profit organization that "makes donations to animal shelters throughout the United States to enable them to provide elderly persons a companion pet at no charge." This foundation will cover fees charged by the shelter which may include: the adoption fee, spay or neuter cost, immunization shots, and follow-ups to make sure the relationship is thriving. Currently over 55 shelters participate in the program. The Foundation has found homes for over 4,500 pets. For more information, visit their web site, click here:http://www.petsfortheelderly.org

PAWS (Progressive Animal Welfare Society) provides a "Seniors for Seniors" program where mature cats and dogs (typically over 7 years of age) are placed with qualified senior citizens who are 60 years of age or older. The PAWS "Seniors for Seniors" program offers a special reduced adoption fee of $35, and includes many benefits to help seniors who are living on a fixed income. New pets will be spayed or neutered and will receive their first set of vaccinations. Participants will also receive a certificate for a free health examination by a veterinarian of the participant's choice. For more information, visit their web site, click here:http://www.paws.org/cas/adopt/seniors.php

Springer for Seniors is a program sponsored by the English Springer Rescue America organization. This program matches older Springer Spaniels with seniors across the US. The organization waives the normal adoption fee of $250 and provides support for the new owner. For more information, visit their web site, click here:http://www.springerrescue.org/springers_for_seniors.html

There are dozens of other local programs to help older adults find a new pet. The Senior Dogs Project has a useful list of some of the local organizations around the country. Click here:http://www.srdogs.com/Pages/agencies.sr.html#Senior Citizens

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