Upper Credit Humane Society aims to connect seniors with foster pets

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Some shelters and rescues have strict age limits that deny seniors the opportunity to own a pet, advocates say

According to the Upper Credit Humane Society, some seniors hoping to adopt or foster animals are being turned away from shelters that impose strict upper age limits. It’s a policy some advocates argue may limit access to the proven benefits of pet companionship.

The Upper Credit Humane Society is among the groups working to bridge that gap. Its Caring Companions program pairs seniors with shelter animals through either temporary or long-term foster placements.

The organization said the initiative is designed to give older adults access to the companionship of pets while creating opportunities for animals that may be overlooked in the shelter environment.

The program highlights several benefits of pet ownership for seniors, including increased companionship, reduced loneliness and improved emotional well-being.

To join the program, seniors can submit a Caring Companions profile online or in person at the shelter. A foster counsellor then reviews the application and conducts a home visit before matching applicants with an appropriate pet.

Participants cover daily care expenses such as food, litter and supplies, while the humane society pays for medical care as needed. If at any point a senior can no longer care for their animal, the pet is returned to the shelter.

Staff said the program aims to ensure that seniors are not excluded from the benefits of pet ownership while also helping animals find supportive environments outside the shelter.