Senior for Seniors
HSMC’s Senior for Seniors Program was created in hopes of marketing our senior pets in a positive way by promoting the emotional and health benefits of owning a mature cat or dog. Senior animals in our care are classified as six (6) years or older and senior citizens can qualify for this program once they are 65 years or older. We believe matching a senior pet with a senior citizen enhances the lives of both animals and humans. Adoption fees are waived for members of our community’s senior population, (heartworm prevention and county tag fees still apply).
There are numerous scientific (and not-so-scientific) studies and conclusions that clearly show the emotional and health benefits of seniors owning companion animals. Senior pet owners lead healthier lives because of the increased physical activity and benefit from the social and emotional advantages of being responsible for the care of their companion animals. Loneliness and depression are serious issues facing many seniors and having a loving companion is just what the doctor ordered. Companion animals also lead to increased socialization for senior pet owners who spend more time outside and gather in dog parks or at animal-related community events with other pet owners.
So, while our senior pets truly need their senior humans to provide a loving home, it also looks like seniors need the amazing benefits provided by their more mature animal companions to live happier and healthier life. This partnership of Seniors for Seniors is truly a golden year’s moment.