Five Great Reasons Furry (or Fishy) Friends Make Life Better
How Pet Ownership or Animal Therapy Can Lead to a Better, Happier Life
Anyone who owns a pet knows how rewarding it can be. From the wet nose kiss of a cat to the head-to-toe wag of a dog, to cuddles at bedtime, the unconditional love and companionship of a pet can't be beat. Whether engaging in pet therapy or having a pet of your own, the benefits of engaging with pets are proven.
Studies have been conducted to research how pets improve the quality of life of their owners, and there is medical evidence that shows there are numerous physical and mental benefits to engaging with animals. Thats especially true for seniors. Here are five great reasons that prove engaging with pets leads to a happier life.
1. Pets help lower your heart rate and blood pressure.
Petting, playing with, and watching animals have been shown to lower your heart rate and blood pressure, and reduce the occurrences of chronic conditions. The American Heart Association confirmed that owning a pet can lower cholesterol, lessen your response to stress or reduce obesity. It also confirmed dog ownership could lengthen the lives of those with cardiovascular disease. For Seniors dealing with chronic conditions, reducing these risk factors can lead to better quality of life.
The physical action of petting an animal releases serotonin, which soothes the person doing the petting. Interacting with a pet (even a fish or guinea pig) can decrease cortisol, a stress-related hormone. For those who can't own a pet themselves, pet therapy can provide this soothing stress-reduction. And we all know most interacting with animals smile and laugh more, which is always good for the heart.
2. Pet ownership leads to increased exercise.
A dog that needs to be walked outside for bathroom breaks and play time is a great motivation for people to get outside for some fresh air and exercise, to go for walks or throw a ball. Playtime also becomes an opportunity to socialize, as well as petting or talking to someone else's pet. Cats require regular litter box maintenance, which means getting up and getting moving. In contrast, people without a pet are less likely to self-motivate toward physical activity.
And for many relying on pet therapy for their animal fix, animals are better motivators than people when it comes to encouraging them to move. Seniors with mobility limitations in particular benefit physically when they find themselves engaging with a pet. Doctors have even found that having a pet can lead to a reduction in pain medication for patients who are undergoing pain management therapy. Pain management experts also cite the power of movement in reducing pain. So, get walking little Augustus or cleaning Alfie's litter box to help you stay pain free!
3. Owning a pet instills a sense of purpose.
Seniors who participated in studies about the benefits of pets for humans often described feeling a sense of purpose when caring for their pet. The routine of feeding, cleaning, brushing and all the activities around caring for a pet who depends on them become reasons to get up in the morning, and incentives for owners to stay healthy. They feel needed, valued, and rewarded for the care they give with the cuddles and undivided attention they receive from their pets.
As humans, were also wired to seek attachment whether thats to other humans or to our furry friends. An animal's unconditional love feeds that need for attachment both with our own pets and with therapy animals. Staring into the eyes of our pets can release oxytocin, the chemical that makes us feel happy and connected, in our brains. And even better, it stimulates oxytocin in our pets, too.
4. Pets reduce stress.
Having a furry or feathered friend by your side can also reduce the risk of depression and loneliness. Watching fish swim in a tank or birds hop from swing to branch has a similar effect, in addition to stimulating the mind as the watcher follows the animals around their environment. Seniors also say that their pet becomes a confidante, someone to talk to and share secrets that they won't tell anyone else.
Pet therapy is also shown to help people struggling with Alzheimer's Disease or dementia to reduce stress and agitation. Studies have shown that just5 to 20 minutes of interacting with an animal can reduce fear and anxiety. And animals can provide emotional stability in times of stress.
5. Pets give us comfort and sense what we need.
It is well-documented that animals have an ability to sense the emotions of humans. A dog sensing sadness might lay its head in your lap or bring you a ball and nudge your hand with its nose, asking to play. A cat might curl up beside you, with a paw on your hand, or a nudge looking for affection. An animal's sensitivity to a person's mental state can be an especially dear blessing for someone with limited speaking or ambulatory ability, by providing them comfort those other humans can't sense.
Dogs especially are known for sensing medical needs. Some help those with epilepsy avoid seizures. Others know when their owners are sick and push them to take care of themselves (sometimes by literally pushing them to bed until a fever has broken). Some doctors even report better memory recall in Seniors when engaging in pet therapy.
Considerations for Pets and Seniors
Though there are many benefits to having a pet, there are also some things to keep in mind when considering a pet companion for a senior.
A dog requires physical activity and care, being taken outside for bathroom breaks. A larger or more active breed of dog might need outdoor space, like a backyard, to roam in, or a higher level of activity that a senior could not keep up with and would not be suited to the living arrangements in a senior living community.
Cats are more independent and require less physical investment from its owner; except for keeping your lap clear for frequent naps.
Younger dogs, cats and birds can be very energetic and quick, and are more prone to getting into mischief. A fish tank or bird cage will need to be kept clean.
All pets require a financial commitment for food and supplies and veterinary care, and senior animals tend to require more frequent veterinary care.
If it's not possible to have a pet of your own, consider pet therapy as an option to reap all the benefits of interacting with animals.
Pets Welcomed at Cadence Living
Cadence Living communities are pet friendly. We welcome newcomers to our communities and encourage them to bring their pets along. We also encourage residents to consider adopting a pet when it makes sense for them to do so. We are proud to participate in much loved and welcomed pet therapy programs for our residents who are unable to care for an animal on their own. There's a pet policy and rules to follow for the benefit of all residents, but most dogs, cats, birds and fish are welcome to become pet residents alongside their favorite human.
Though we've limited our list to five reasons animal friends make our lives better, we know from experience they bring even greater enrichment to our lives than we've listed here. To find out more about how pets and pet therapy have been integrated into your Cadence Living communities, contact your local community director. And whatever animal friend you choose, we wish you good health and joyful living!
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Pet Care Services in Denver, CO
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Another person may want help selecting a calm adult cat that fits comfortably into an apartment or senior living community.The right service depends on the owners health, housing arrangement, finances, transportation options, and the animals needs.Who Can Benefit From Pet Care and Support Services?Pet care resources may be helpful for seniors who: Live alone and rely on a pet for companionship Are preparing for a hospital or rehabilitation stay Have difficulty affording routine veterinary care Are moving into a smaller home or senior living community Need help locating a lost pet Can no longer safely care for an animal Want to adopt a pet with a manageable activity level Are making an end-of-life decision for a seriously ill pet Want to create a future care plan for their animals Adult children, caregivers, case managers, social workers, and senior living professionals may also contact pet care organizations when helping an older adult through a transition.Humane Colorado Leslie A. Malone CenterPhone: 303-751-5772Located at 2080 South Quebec Street in Denver, the Leslie A. Malone Center is a full-service animal shelter operated by Humane Colorado. The center provides pet adoptions, pet admissions, lost-and-found assistance, euthanasia services, animal protection, humane education, and other community resources.Humane Colorado was previously known as the Dumb Friends League. The organization adopted its current name in March 2025 while continuing its longstanding work to address pet homelessness, animal suffering, and barriers faced by people caring for animals.Adoption Support for Older AdultsAdopting a pet can bring companionship and structure to retirement, but the decision should be based on more than appearance or an emotional first meeting.Humane Colorados adoption counselors help prospective adopters understand an animals background, personality, experiences, and care needs. Adoptions are completed in person, and family members or others who will help care for the pet are encouraged to participate in the process. A mature cat or lower-energy adult dog may suit some seniors better than a young animal requiring extensive training and activity. However, age alone does not determine whether an animal is a good match. Temperament, health, size, energy level, and the adopters daily routine should all be considered.Temporary Pet Housing Through Pet AssistA sudden health event can create an urgent question for a senior pet owner: Who will care for my animal while I am away?Humane Colorados Pet Assist program provides temporary foster placement for animals whose owners cannot care for them because of difficult circumstances and have no other assistance available. Each request is evaluated according to the owners situation and the organizations available resources. Because placements depend on foster availability, Humane Colorado advises applicants that finding a placement may take time.This type of program may help an older adult who is: Entering a hospital or rehabilitation facility Temporarily displaced from home Experiencing a personal or family crisis Working through a housing transition Unable to provide care for a limited period Pet Assist is intended as a short-term resource, not permanent boarding. Seniors and families should submit an application as early as possible and maintain a backup plan whenever circumstances allow.Lost-and-Found and Pet Admission ServicesA missing pet can be especially distressing for an older adult who depends on the animal for daily companionship. The Leslie A. Malone Center provides lost-and-found services and maintains resources designed to reunite animals with their families. The center also accepts pet admissions for people who can no longer care for their animals.Before surrendering a pet, families may want to explore whether the problem can be resolved through temporary foster care, veterinary assistance, help from relatives, pet-friendly housing resources, or changes to the pets daily care plan.When surrender is unavoidable, contacting the shelter before arriving can help families understand the admissions process, required information, current hours, and available options.Affordable Veterinary ResourcesHumane Colorado offers community veterinary resources intended to reduce financial barriers and help pets remain with their families. These services include wellness programs, low-cost spay and neuter clinics, vaccine clinics, urgent care, surgery, and dentistry.Not every veterinary service is performed at the Leslie A. Malone Center. Many medical services are provided through Humane Colorados Veterinary Hospital at CSU Spur or through scheduled community clinics. Families should verify the appropriate location, eligibility requirements, appointment availability, and pricing before traveling.The Veterinary Hospital at CSU Spur provides urgent care for owned cats and dogs by appointment, although it is not equipped for critical cases requiring overnight hospitalization. The hospital also offers surgical and dental services within its stated scope of care.End-of-Life SupportSaying goodbye to a longtime pet can be one of the most difficult experiences an older adult faces. The Leslie A. Malone Center offers pet euthanasia services, with additional end-of-life care available through other Humane Colorado locations.Families may wish to call before visiting to discuss scheduling, fees, transportation concerns, aftercare options, and whether the senior would like another trusted person present.Planning ahead does not make the loss easier, but it can reduce confusion during an emotional time.Why Senior Pet Care Services Matter in DenverDenver offers many opportunities for pet ownership, from neighborhood walks and parks to pet-friendly housing communities. At the same time, local conditions can make pet care challenging for some older adults.Snow, ice, summer heat, traffic, transportation limitations, and rising household expenses may affect a seniors ability to take a pet outside, purchase supplies, or attend veterinary appointments. A move from a longtime home into an apartment, assisted living community, or rehabilitation setting may also create new pet policies and space limitations.Local services matter because they give families a place to turn before a temporary problem becomes a permanent separation. Access to adoption counseling, foster placement, affordable veterinary resources, and shelter support can help seniors make thoughtful decisions based on both their well-being and their pets needs.How to Get Started1. Identify the Immediate NeedDecide whether the senior needs adoption assistance, temporary pet housing, veterinary care, lost-pet support, surrender information, or end-of-life services.2. Gather Important InformationBefore calling or applying, collect: The owners contact information The pets age, breed, size, and medical history Vaccination records Medication details Behavior information The reason assistance is needed Relevant dates, such as a scheduled surgery or move 3. Contact Humane ColoradoCall the Leslie A. Malone Center at 303-751-5772 to ask which service, program, or location is appropriate. The center is located at 2080 South Quebec Street, Denver, CO 80231. Because hours, clinic schedules, fees, and program availability can change, confirm current details before visiting.4. Apply Early for Temporary PlacementPet Assist placements depend on available foster homes and an assessment of the owners circumstances. Submit the online inquiry as soon as an upcoming hospitalization, rehabilitation stay, or housing disruption becomes known.5. Create a Backup Care PlanEvery senior pet owner should identify at least one trusted person who can help during an emergency. Write down feeding instructions, medication information, veterinary contacts, preferred boarding arrangements, and authorization details.6. Reevaluate the Plan RegularlyA pet care plan should be reviewed after a medical change, move, financial shift, or change in the animals health. Small adjustments made early can prevent a crisis later. Related CategoriesTransportation Ambulance Non-Medical Home Care This article was researched and written by Seniors Blue Book. Seniors Blue Book connects seniors, families, and caregivers with trusted local senior care resources across the country. Browse local listings, read expert articles, and order a free printed guide at seniorsbluebook.com.