Furry friends can make life wonderful at any stage of life. For many older adults, pets offer companionship, daily structure, and opportunities for connection. At the same time, every pet comes with unique needs. The right match between pet and older pet owner often depends on the person’s lifestyle, mobility, and available support.
Taking the time to understand what animal companion is a good match can improve quality of life for human and furry (or scaly or feathered) friends.
Benefits of Pet Ownership for Older Adults
- May reduce feelings of loneliness
- Can encourage daily routines and a sense of purpose
- May support social interaction with others
- Can offer opportunities for light physical activity
- May provide comfort during life transitions
10 Great Pets for Older People
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have a gentle, affectionate nature. They tend to enjoy spending time with their owners and often adapt well to quieter living situations.
Pet Needs:
While individuals of this dog breed makes for great companions, they require regular grooming and moderate physical activity, such as short daily walks.
Who They’re Good For:
This breed may be a good fit for prospective pet owners who want a social, people-oriented companion.
This Pet May Not Be the Right Fit For:
This breed may not be ideal for someone who prefers a very low-interaction pet or cannot assist with grooming and other routine care.
2. British Shorthair Cat
British Shorthair cats are typically calm and independent. They often enjoy companionship without requiring constant attention.
Pet Needs:
Their grooming needs are relatively minimal, and they are generally content indoors. They require annual vet visits and litter box maintenance.
Who They’re Good For:
This breed may suit individuals looking for a quieter pet.
This Pet May Not Be the Right Fit For:
They may not be the best fit for someone who wants to maintain a litter box.
3. Shih Tzus
Shih Tzus are small dogs known for their friendly and affectionate personalities. They often enjoy close companionship and can adapt well to apartment living.
Pet Needs:
They require consistent grooming and regular care like daily walks.
Who They’re Good For:
This breed may be a good match for individuals who enjoy spending time with a pet daily.
This Pet May Not Be the Right Fit For:
They may not be ideal for individuals with limited mobility who are unable to support regular walks.
4. Guinea Pigs
Guinea pigs are social small animals that can be enjoyable to observe and interact with. They tend to have gentle temperaments and can recognize their caregivers over time.
Pet Needs:
They require a clean habitat (minimum 7.5 square feet of floor space for a pair), a buddy (i.e., do not house alone), regular feeding, and regular handling.
Who They’re Good For:
Guinea pigs may be a good option for individuals who prefer a smaller pet.
This Pet May Not Be the Right Fit For:
They may not be suitable for someone unable to maintain a consistent cleaning routine or who cannot commit to having at least two at a time.
5. Bichon Frises
Bichons are small, cheerful dogs that often form strong bonds with their owners. They are known for their playful and affectionate nature.
Pet Needs:
They require frequent grooming, daily walks, and regular attention.
Who They’re Good For:
This breed may be a good fit for individuals who want a social and engaging companion.
This Pet May Not Be the Right Fit For:
They may not be ideal for someone looking for a more independent pet.
6. Hamsters
Hamsters are small pets that can be affectionate and fun to watch. They are often active at night and require a contained habitat.
Pet Needs:
They need regular cage maintenance. While hamsters are small themselves, most breeds need, at minimum, 450 square inches of floor space (although more is always better), plus plenty of substrate for burrowing.
Who They’re Good For:
Hamsters may suit individuals looking for a smaller, contained pet.
This Pet May Not Be the Right Fit For:
They may not be ideal for someone who prefers daytime interaction with pets (as hamsters are primarily nocturnal) or who cannot commit to regular cage cleaning.
7. Canaries & Parakeets
Birds like canaries and parakeets can provide companionship through sound and visual engagement.
Pet Needs:
Both species require regular cage cleaning. Canaries can live alone in a cage that is no smaller than 24″ L x 18″ W x 18″ H. Parakeets are social animals that do well in pairs or larger groups, with a cage that’s at least 30″ L x 18″ W x 18″ H (for one pair, with more birds requiring more space).
Who They’re Good For:
These pets may be a good fit for individuals who enjoy a more observational relationship with animals.
This Pet May Not Be the Right Fit For:
They may not be suitable for someone seeking hands-on interaction with their pet or who do not have the space or time to properly care for animals that require consistent care and attention.
8. Maltese
Maltese dogs are small, affectionate companions that often enjoy being close to their owners.
Pet Needs:
They require frequent grooming, walks, and attention.
Who They’re Good For:
This breed may be a good fit for individuals who want a close, companion-style pet.
This Pet May Not Be the Right Fit For:
They may not be ideal for someone unable to maintain grooming routines or who want a larger dog.
9. Ragdoll Cats
Ragdoll cats are known for their calm and relaxed temperament. They often enjoy being held and spending time with their owners.
Pet Needs:
They require regular grooming, litter box maintenance, and indoor living spaces to thrive.
Who They’re Good For:
This breed may suit individuals looking for a gentle and affectionate cat.
This Pet May Not Be the Right Fit For:
They may not be ideal for someone seeking a highly independent pet.
10. Betta Fish
Betta fish are vibrant animals that require less physical interaction than other types of pets.
Pet Needs:
They require consistent tank maintenance and monitoring. Betta fish, both males and females, are solitary animals that do best when living alone in a tank that is at least 5 gallons with an appropriately sized filter and plenty of hiding spots.
Who They’re Good For:
Betta fish may be a good option for individuals looking for a low-interaction pet.
This Pet May Not Be the Right Fit For:
They may not be ideal for someone seeking companionship through touch or interaction or who cannot commit to keeping the tank clean.
Considerations When Getting a Pet
Choosing a pet involves more than selecting an animal that looks appealing; even “low-maintenance pets” are still living, breathing animals that deserve quality care.
Several practical factors can influence whether a pet is a good long-term fit:
- Lifespan of the pet: Some pets live for many years, which may require long-term planning.
- Daily maintenance: Feeding, cleaning, grooming, and exercise needs vary by animal.
- Veterinary expenses: Routine care can be part of pet ownership.
- Emergency care needs: It is helpful to consider who can assist if the owner becomes ill or unavailable.
- Future living arrangements: If a move to an assisted living community or another care setting becomes necessary, it’s important to confirm each community’s pet policies and any related requirements.
FAQs
What do people consider to be the easiest pet for a senior?
There is no single “easy” pet for older adults. Each animal has its own care requirements (even “easy” pets), and the best choice of a pet depends on lifestyle, personal preferences, and available support system.
Will Medicare pay for an emotional support animal?
An emotional support animal is distinct from a service animal. Medicare does not cover the cost of either service animals or emotional support animals.
What are some low-maintenance pets for elderly people?
While some pets may require less hands-on care than others, no pet is completely maintenance free. Which option is “best” depends on an individual’s daily routine, mobility, and ability to meet the animal’s needs.
Are there pet programs for older adults?
Some communities and organizations offer pet-related programs for older adults, such as pet therapy visits, foster opportunities, or assistance with pet care. Be sure to ask the senior living community you’re interested in to discover any potential animal-based programs at that location.
Pet-friendly Senior Housing at Avista
Many senior living communities recognize the value pets can bring to residents’ lives. Some Avista communities offer pet-friendly assisted living options; we invite prospective residents with beloved pet companions to get in touch with the community they’re interested in to learn more about that community’s specific pet policies.
Disclaimers: This article is for informational purposes only. It does not provide medical, veterinary, financial, or legal guidance. Individual needs and circumstances may vary, and it may be helpful to speak with qualified professionals when making decisions about pet ownership.
Wendy Gores, RN