What are the Best Pets for Seniors?
Let’s take a look at some of the best pets for seniors and the pros and cons of each one.
Best Pets for Seniors: Finding the Perfect Companion
For many seniors, having a pet brings love, companionship, and a sense of purpose to daily life. Whether it’s a good dog for seniors, a low-maintenance cat, or a relaxing fish tank, choosing the right pet can significantly improve an older adult’s quality of life.
However, selecting the right pet requires careful consideration of a senior’s lifestyle, mobility, and living environment. Some pets need frequent care, while others require minimal upkeep, making them good pets for elderly individuals with limited mobility.
Let’s explore some of the best pets for seniors and the pros and cons of each one.
Dogs
Loyal and Loving Companions for Seniors
Dogs have long been known as man’s best friend. They are loving, loyal, protective and wonderful companions. Dogs are one of the best pets, but they do need to be walked, bathed, groomed, fed, and sometimes require medical attention.
For active seniors, dogs can be a wonderful choice, offering both emotional support and a reason to stay physically active. When considering a good dog for seniors, it’s important to choose a breed that matches the person’s energy level and lifestyle. Some of the best dog breeds for seniors include:
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – Affectionate and easygoing
- Poodle – Hypoallergenic and intelligent
- Shih Tzu – Small, friendly, and low-energy
- Bichon Frise – Low-shedding and easy to train
Cats
Independent and Affectionate Pets for Elderly
Cats make great pets for seniors who may not have the energy or ability to care for a high-maintenance pet. They require less daily attention than dogs but still provide plenty of companionship. However, cats also need to be fed, groomed, taken to the Vet, and have a litter box maintained. Shedding can be an issue with some cats, so a senior needs to know what is involved with various breeds. Consider these friendly and low-maintenance cat breeds for seniors:
- Ragdoll – Gentle, affectionate, and relaxed
- British Shorthair – Calm and independent
- Maine Coon – Large but friendly and intelligent
- Persian – Quiet and enjoys lap time
Fish
A Calming and Low-Maintenance Pet
For seniors who prefer a low-maintenance pet, fish can be a great option. Watching fish swim in an aquarium can reduce stress and create a peaceful environment. There are many sizes of fish tanks available, from small to very large. Fish come in many different varieties and colors, so the choice of which types to have is virtually unlimited.
Watching fish swim in a tank is very calming, and can provide a sense of comfort for an older person. The one possible downside to keeping fish is that their tank must be cleaned on a regular schedule to keep them healthy. If a senior is not able to do that themselves, there might be a family member or service that can perform that task for them. Consider best fish pets for seniors:
- Betta Fish – Requires a small tank and little maintenance
- Goldfish – Classic and easy to care for
- Guppies – Colorful, lively, and low-maintenance
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Guinea Pigs
Fun, Easy-to-Care-For Pets for the Elderly: A Calming and Low-Maintenance Pet
While certainly not for everyone, another pet option for seniors is a guinea pig. These animals are extremely easy to take care of, and can provide many hours of entertainment. Guinea pigs love to be handled, and only require a small amount of space for their cage and supplies.
Their living area does have to be cleaned on a regular basis, but the process is not physically exerting. Guinea pigs don’t need to be walked or cleaned up after in the yard, so they can be an ideal pet for those with mobility issues. Some of the best guinea pig breeds for seniors are:
- Abyssinian Guinea Pig – Playful and social
- American Guinea Pig – Easy to care for and friendly
- Peruvian Guinea Pig – Requires grooming but is affectionate
Birds
Chatty and Entertaining Pets for Seniors
Birds can be an exciting and interactive pet choice, especially for elderly individuals who enjoy companionship and a bit of activity in their home.
There is a seemingly endless variety of birds to choose from. Some require very little maintenance, while others require more hands on contact. All bird cages need to be cleaned on a regular basis, but it’s often not an overly taxing activity.
Birds such as canaries sing, while others like parrots can talk. Before choosing a bird for a pet, a senior should clearly understand the animal’s feeding and care requirements, lifespan, and other important factors to ensure compatibility in their home. Here are some birds that are good choices to keep seniors entertained:
- Canary – Low-maintenance and sings beautifully
- Parakeet (Budgie) – Friendly and can mimic words
- Cockatiel – Playful and affectionate
Seniors & Pets: Making the Right Choice
Choosing a pet for an elderly loved one is a personal decision that depends on their lifestyle, abilities, and needs. Whether it’s a good dog for seniors, an affectionate cat, or a low-maintenance fish, the right pet can offer companionship, reduce stress, and bring happiness to a senior’s life.
Many senior living communities allow pets, so if you’re considering a move, be sure to check their pet policies. At Frontier Senior Living, we understand the importance of pets in seniors’ lives and welcome furry companions in many of our communities.
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Nearby Communities
Keepsake Village of Columbus Memory Care
2564 Fox Pointe Drive Columbus, Indiana 47203 (812) 900-4936 Levels of Care:Assisted Living, Memory Care
The Landing on Dundee Senior Living
156 West Dundee Road Wheeling, Illinois 60090 (224) 313-4547 Levels of Care:Assisted Living, Memory Care
The Auberge at Naperville
1936 Brookdale Road Naperville, Illinois 60563 (331) 305-6175 Levels of Care:Memory Care
