Pets Benefit Seniors Too

Pets can help seniors’ health by lowering blood pressure, boosting their moods and keeping them active.

Puppies and kittens need lots of attention, so seniors should consider adopting older animals. They’re often litter box trained or housebroken, and accustomed to living with people. It can also be easier to tell if you’re a good match with an older animal’s personality, which becomes more consistent with age.

Seasonal residents can consider fostering animals that aren’t quite ready for adoption. Seniors who can’t have a pet in the home can volunteer at their local shelter or donate needed items to nearby shelters.

– Brent Bardell, SPCA Tampa Bay