Why Having a Pet Benefits Seniors
For seniors in Orlando and across Central Florida, daily life often becomes quieter and more routine, and often more lonely. Companion animals can add meaningful enrichment to these years. Sharing life with a pet offers many potential benefits to seniors: emotional, physical, social, and cognitive.
A pet can support emotional well-being by offering steady companionship, helping older adults feel connected, grounded, and less lonely–especially those who live alone or spend a large part of the day alone while loved ones are at school and/or work. Animals are naturally responsive to their owners, which can lift mood and provide reassurance during otherwise lonely or difficult moments.
Caring for the needs of another, including an animal, keeps the mind productively engaged. Remembering the animal’s needs and routines and staying attentive to their behavior can offer cognitive benefits, supporting mental sharpness.
Considerations for Seniors and Caregivers When Choosing a Pet
Deciding whether a pet may be a good option for a senior in your life requires careful consideration of several practical factors. The foremost consideration is the senior’s overall lifestyle: activity level, physical ability, and personal interest all influence whether a pet would potentially be a positive addition or an unnecessary burden. The senior’s living situation is also relevant, not only in whether to have a pet at all, but also in which animals to consider bringing into the home if a pet is a good idea overall.. Do they have adequate space for the animal under consideration–both indoors and out? Do they live in a development or location with rules regarding animals? These questions shape the conversation. Another important consideration is the senior’s physical ability. It is also important to remember that tasks such as feeding, cleaning, walking, and/or grooming may become more difficult for the senior as time passes.
It is important to consider and plan for which tasks will fall to caregivers, as aspects of the pet’s care may fall primarily to a family member or professional caregiver. Think through how those logistics play out on a daily basis, who is expected to do what, and also what happens when out-of-the-ordinary circumstances come up such as travel or sickness. Clear expectations are essential.
The Best Pets for Seniors: A comprehensive ranking
Dogs
Over 55% of seniors ages 50 and up own a pet, and the majority of these pets are dogs (source) In addition to the overall emotional and mental health benefits there are to owning a pet as one ages, dogs specifically encourage higher activity levels. In fact, dog owners who are 65 and older may take thousands more steps per day than their peers who do not have a dog (source) This leads to potential decrease in the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and other cardiovascular concerns.
If a senior is a higher fall risk, it may be wiser to choose a different pet. Larger dogs might pull on walks or jump and smaller dogs may be a tripping hazard in the house.
For those who are agile enough for dog ownership, some breeds to consider might be:
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Bichon Frise
- Shih Tzu
- Maltese
- Pug
- French Bulldog
- Greyhound (surprisingly calm and low-energy indoors)
- Labrador Retriever (especially older/adult dogs)
- Golden Retriever
- Poodle (Miniature or Standard with moderate exercise needs)
These breeds are known to be calm and generally well-mannered; as with people, individual personality will play a role in their behavior!
Cats
Around 25% of adults over age 65 own cats. They are generally lower maintenance than dogs while still providing companionship and adding the routine of pet care to daily life. Since cats are able to exercise themselves inside, individuals who aren’t physically able to safely walk/entertain a dog may still enjoy the company of a cat. Interactions with a calm, friendly cat can decrease stress levels and promote a sense of calm. Elderly cat owners may have lower levels of depressive symptoms (source) and even decreased risk of cardiovascular disease according to some studies (source).
For those who want to move forward with cat ownership, here are some breeds to consider that are both known for being calm and well-behaved and also minimally allergenic (though keep in mind that there are no truly allergen-free cat breeds).
- Russian Blue
- Balinese
- Siberian
- Burmese
- Cornish Rex
- Devon Rex
Birds
There are not as many published studies on the health benefits of bird ownership specifically as there are of dogs and cats, however, birds do fall under the category of companion animals and as such offer many similar benefits with an overall more minimal care demand that dogs and cats present.
Birds do add the activity and routine of regularly maintaining their cages and providing food and water. They also support cognitive function with their interactiveness. Specific to birds are the stress-reduction benefits of listening to birdsong throughout the day, potentially improving mental-wellbeing and reducing anxiety.
One important consideration with pet birds is their lifespan, as some birds can live as long as 80-100 years. Since they are likely to outlive their owners, it is important and helpful to have a plan in place for their care following the owner’s passing. Options often include a family member or a bird rescue.
There are not very many breeds of bird that are relatively low maintenance, interactive (can be taught to talk etc), AND have a reasonable lifespan (5-15 years as opposed to those that live longer than most humans) include:
- Budgerigar (Budgie/Parakeet) – possibly the best combination of low-maintenance, interactive, and shorter lifespan. They do have the need for daily interaction with their owner, or the presence of a second bird to interact with.
- Cockatiel – Does not quite check all the above boxes, as they can live up to 20 years, so they would possibly outlive an elderly owner. Otherwise, they are a fun, interactive, and relatively low maintenance pet bird option.
Fish
Perhaps a less considered option is the humble pet fish. They do not interact like the above animals, but there are well-studied benefits of lowered heart rate and blood pressure and thus potentially lower the risk of cardiovascular disease in seniors who have pet fish (source). Observing fish is also shown to reduce stress and anxiety.
Additional pros:
- Low daily demands – While occasional tank clean-out is necessary (and may require the help of a family member or care-giver), the daily maintenance for many pet fish consists of just feeding them once or twice per day. Fish food can be purchased in pre-measured containers to add ease to the task of feeding them.
- Fish are quiet, allergy-friendly, and space efficient, making them especially ideal for individuals in a shared living situation.
The following breeds are inexpensive and considered to be generally low maintenance:
- Betta Fish – one fish per tank, simple set-up
- Goldfish – hardy, need more space than Betta fish
- Guppies – small, active, low-maintenance
- White cloud minnows / zebra danios – hardy, forgiving of minor mistakes
Hamsters
Hamsters are much more interactive than fish and generally enjoy some handling from their owners, which may be enjoyable for some individuals and can provide a stronger sense of companionship than watching fish. They do also generally require a little more maintenance than fish as their bedding has to be changed frequently, and they need to be fed and watered. Some may enjoy the added routine, as with cats and dogs, if they are physically able to keep up with it.
Cons:
- They are nocturnal, which may lead to noise at night
- They can bite, which can be especially problematic for seniors with thin skin
Other pets
Other pets that may be worth considering include: reptiles such as geckos and other lizards, snakes, and turtles and small mammals such as guinea pigs and rabbits. All come with pros and cons and should be carefully researched and considered before moving forward.
Adopting a Senior Pet: A mutually beneficial relationship
Adopting a senior animal as a pet can be a beautiful option. Generally speaking, older animals are going to have a calmer disposition than younger ones, and come into the home with a level of existing training. The main drawback is that as they age they may become higher maintenance and struggle with things like incontinence and the need for more vet visits, which can be more than some elderly pet owners are up for taking on.
Essential Resources for Pet-owning Seniors
Seniors and caregivers can find reliable pet care support through organizations like ASPCA and Meals on Wheels America, which offer guidance and programs that help older adults keep beloved pets healthy and at home. Some communities provide affordable pet food through pet pantries, AniMeals programs, and local humane societies. Low-cost vaccination clinics and discounted veterinary services are often available through shelters and nonprofit organizations. These resources can reduce financial stress while preserving the emotional benefits of pets for seniors. If pet care, errands, or daily tasks become overwhelming, a Senior Helpers caregiver can also assist.
How Senior Helpers Orlando can assist seniors with pet care
Senior Helpers provides in-home care for seniors, allowing them to maintain independence in the comfort and familiarity of home. A Senior Helpers caregiver can also assist with companion care, transportation, feeding routines, and personal support for both the senior and pets for seniors. If this seems like a service that would be of help, please reach out and schedule a no-cost in-home assessment with one of Senior Helpers’ care experts today!
Finding the Perfect Pet for You or Your Senior Loved One
The companionship and routine of pet ownership can add so much richness, joy, and meaning to a person’s life–and to the life of their pet–at any age! This is especially true for seniors who benefit from the reduction in stress, lessened loneliness, and the emotional connection they experience with their pets. There are so many options for low maintenance pets for elderly individuals–from certain breeds of dogs, cats, and birds, to small mammals, fish, and reptiles. If you, as a senior or loved one of a senior, have been considering adding a pet to the family, perhaps now is the time to explore the options and make a choice about what the best pet would be.
Low-maintenance pets such as cats, fish, or small birds are often easiest for seniors to care for. They require minimal grooming and provide companionship without demanding daily walks.
The 3-3-3 rule refers to the common adjustment period for adopted pets — 3 days to decompress, 3 weeks to learn routines, and 3 months to feel fully comfortable in their new home.
Cats, fish, and smaller pets like hamsters or rabbits make great companions. They bring comfort and routine without requiring strenuous activity or large spaces.
Yes, as long as the dog’s temperament and energy level match the person’s lifestyle. Breeds like Pugs, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, or Shih Tzus are friendly, calm, and great fits for older adults.