Reading thru the comments. I too am an animal lover and had 3 kitties and a little Chi in the past. I'm still in mourning. Step in the pandemic and a plethora of people dumping kittens and cats along the side of the road. It's cruel. But I realize now I need to be less judgmental and here's what happened to make me stop and think. During our two year shut-in we rescued a desperate feral cat and her 3 babies. It was heartbreaking and we knew we needed to step in to help them. In my head I'm thinking how do you trap kitties? Will the Humane Society take them? What will it cost? I must have called 6 or 7 agencies and rescue organizations and no one, I mean no one, could offer advice or assistance. Not to mention I had always contributed to our local humane society and other pet rescue organizations. When you need them, meh, don't get me started. All anyone could tell me is "don't bring them here." So with the aid of a friend who had a trap cage and alot of googling, we finally were able to catch the little mama and her babies. Not all at once. Two little ones were relinquished to local humane society not without a lot of pleading and a generous donation. The mama and her male kitten were subsequently caught a week later and we rejoiced. (I will spare you the heartbreak of hearing that little mama calling for her two girl kittens.) We suspected the mom was feral and we took them both to the Vet and he confirmed that. It was then and there that we made the decision to keep 'mama'. Spent $1200 getting them spayed, vaccinated, dewormed, blood tests...etc etc. After literally crying on the vet he talked the humane society into taking the male kitty as I had already provided all his upfront care. We spoke to our daughter out of state and asked her if anything happens to us will you take her? She is a big city condo dweller and young. We didn't want to burden her but she loves cats too and said absolutely. The funding would be there and we know our cat will be in good hands. We are older and fully expect this cat could outlive us. But assuring back up was critical to our decision. By the way, she has been a wonderful indoor kitty. She went from being extremely fearful to a loving and happy little cat. I guess the crux of my story is this: More people could adopt cats if it wasn't so darned expensive. And the reason they dump them outside rescue organizations is because (well at least where we live) if they do it the honorable way they are turned away. Back up plan #2 if she didn't adapt to indoor life would be as a resident barn cat with a farmer. We already had one lined up. I wish more pets could have loving homes. It kills me that people don't put more thought into ownership other than junior needs a pet. But seniors should be able to have a companion without the worry of 'what it'? In that regard I would like to advocate older people getting an older pet from a shelter. There are so many loving older pets that are traumatized and don't know what happened to their mommy or daddy. Our daughter adopted an older cat and she gave him a loving home for the last 4 years of his life. Animals understand when they are rescued. Our cat absolutely knows we saved her. They are kinder and smarter than most people.

I've owned many dogs over the years and have always designated a friend, as "Dog God Mother" to care for my pets should my husband and I die. I now have one dog, my husband is recently deceased. My dog just loves the vet and she and her son adore him so I asked my vet should anything happen to me would she take my beloved dog and she said yes. This is a great relief for me. I have made this arrangement known in my Will and to the executor of my Will.

my brother is 73 and in rehab. i am 76 and independent. His 8 year old akita is not with him, right now he is with me. I love the dog but I don't have a dog bc i don't want the full time responsibilty, i'm a person who comes and goes as i please and like it, at this time i feel tied down. we don't know if my brother will go to a facility and i'm hoping to find a place where he will be along with his dog. losing your house, pet and freedom is bad enough, so that's why my brother keeping his dog is important. i have been taking Kaz two nites a week for two years now. that's all i'm willing to do. friends ask me to do things and i can't because i have that responsibility, events are overnite or all day. getting someone to be here is expensive. so if anyone has suggestions please tell me. i am checking with a nephew who has a dog but idk. also my neighbor who loves dogs, i will ask him.. don't think this is easy for me. I'm upset about it but i have to do what's right for me at my age. whatever time i have left, i want to be free to do it.

Having worked in a veterinarians office, I would suggest that they reach out and ask their veterinarian if know of anybody who would adopt them. Sometimes they may be able to help - they will definitely ask around for them and know most of their clients well enough to know who would be a good fit. Some have connections in rescues and shelters that they can contact as well.

Following because my 87-year-old MIL/92-year-old FIL have a 60-pound senior dog with urine retention problems/medication. We have asked three or four people if they would be able to adopt her when my MIL goes into MC. So far it's a hard pass from everyone - and we cannot adopt her either. I hope my in-laws remain independent long enough to outlive the poor dog. (They never should have adopted her four years ago!!)

When I was searching for assisted living for my brother, I was surprised at the number of facilities that did allow one small pet. A family member would have greatly benefited from having her cat but her niece assumed that wouldn’t allow it. Turned out they did. Instead she went to ALF way past when she should have. It was really sad. I’d never consider a facility that didn’t allow my little dog.

A friend in her 60s recently died unexpectedly with no will or provisions for her dog and cat. Fortunately between Facebook and a network of friends they were re-homed. Very shortly afterwards I asked my neighbor if she wanted my dog if I passed. She was thrilled to be asked since she’s taken care of him and they adore each other. I’ve put this in my will, along with an excellent breed rescue as a backup. I know no family members would want him. Planning works!

We have 11 cats of our own. There is no way we can adopt my parents' dog and cat. They have no friends who can take the animals. We don't know what our options are at this point.

Let's include cats. It seems cats, like women in general, are often treated like 2nd class citizens. Cats are miniatures of their big cousins in the wild. I have 2 indoor cats. They give so much love and joy. If you engage with your cats, they will respond. They come when I call them and the understand many words and commands. A purring cat has a calming effect that reduces stress.

Great article...are there any statistics on how many residents in assisted living have pets nationally? I am doing some research for my company. Thanks!

As the owner/operator of a pet waste removal company I do not just provide poop removal for my senior clients. I scoop cat boxes, deliver food and litter and even arrange for the local dog walking service/daycare to provide discounts. Giving up or euthanizing your pet are no longer the only options. Pet care services have come a long way.

One way families can insure an elder's continued connection with their pet is to step up to the plate and agree to adopt the elder's pets if they can no longer care for them. Have this conversation early, so that the elder is clear on whether you will do this - they often assume, and are surprised to find that you cannot or will not help their beloved pet when a crisis occurs. Be aware that most rescue groups are already stressed from a lack of foster homes for pets that need help, and may not be able to take your folks' pet in at the time of need. Veterinarians get many such requests and are often unable to help as well, although it's always worth a try, in case someone at the practice is fond of the pet, or knows someone who is seeking a pet. Open admission shelters must take all pets, but will likely euthanize any animal not deemed quickly adoptable. Be honest with your elder about the possibility, as they have a right to make an informed choice to euthanize the pet in a loving situation, if necessary, versus having it dropped off to a stressful and frightening environment, only to have the same outcome in a less ideal place. Large shelters often suffer from lack of space or lack of resources to treat any physical or behavioral issues that the animal comes in with. Cats are especially in danger, as are any aged pets. If you think your parent needs a pet for company now, think twice about what happens to that animal then, when mom or dad can't cope any more. It's not fair to sentence an animal to death for being a loving companion, so do please plan ahead for their care!
Anne S.
Program Manager
SeniorCare Pawsitive Connections
Gloucester, MA

I was born into a family that rescues animals and finds homes or rescues for them and am very active in this work to this day. I see this kind of thing all of the time and it makes me furious. Seniors need their pets for love and comfort and have made a commitment to their pets. I would suggest not moving into any place that will not allow your pets. I was caretaker for both of my parents and for my grandparents and for an inlaw. I always take in the pets too. In fact, we recently took in a relative's dog who could not care for her (relative has cancer).

Another thing to think about is the possibility of setting aside some money for the pet' care.
Some money can be set aside for the care of the pet informally or formally through a pet trust.
This isn't intended as legal advice but I'm a pet loving lawyer and caregiver.

Great article with some very good advice. Every situation is different and pets do play such a special part in a senior's life. As we celebrate Independence Day, don't forget the opportunity to take a close look at in-home care options for your loved ones to help with their daily activities and take care of their pet too!

Nothing is more importance than one's independence. Check out the home care options in your area.