There is plenty of research that demonstrates the benefits of allowing pets in affordable housing complexes dedicated to older adults. Yet, many landlords and organizations do not allow pets.
The Alberta SPCA’s Pet Safekeeping and Crisis Care programs routinely care for pets of seniors for many weeks because those older adults cannot find suitable housing that allows them to take their pet(s) with them.
Caring for an animal gives older adults daily structure and purpose while helping alleviate feelings of isolation and loneliness. It also provides senior animals with more options for finding a home at a time when there are more animals than families who can care for them.
Allowing older adults to have pets also helps keep seniors from developing unhealthy human relationships with people who may take advantage of or abuse an isolated senior looking for companionship.
SAGE Seniors Association and the Alberta SPCA encourage landlords to look at the benefits of allowing tenants to have pets. Sage Seniors Association can work with landlords to help manage risks that come along with having pets in affordable housing complexes.
To learn more about the Alberta SPCA’s Pet Safekeeping and Crisis Care programs, head to our One Family Welfare website.
