Fetch Your Perfect Companion: Pet Picks for Your Retirement Lifestyle
Harold, an 85-year-old widower, found a new sense of fulfillment with Max, a lovable rescue beagle. Their daily park walks became the highlight of his days. Eleanor, 78, felt lonely after her grandchildren moved away, but adopting Peppy, a lively blue parakeet, brought laughter back into her life with his playful antics. George, 82, welcomed stray cat Daisy into his yard, who became his constant gardening buddy, making his hobby even more enjoyable.
Seniors and pets make the perfect pair: Pets help older adults maintain a sense of responsibility by providing love and making their owners feel needed, fostering connections with others, alleviating loneliness, encouraging mindfulness, speeding up recovery and improving fitness.
It’s tough to measure how much joy and companionship furry, feathery or even scaly friends bring into our lives. Research consistently highlights the positive benefits of the pet-human bond — for both pets and people.
If you’re considering getting a pet, spend time with your potential new family member before welcoming them into your home to ensure they fit well with your lifestyle and energy level.
10 Best Small Dogs for Seniors
When you’re ready for a loyal canine companion, choosing a dog under 25 pounds is an excellent option for older adults. Here are 10 of the best small dogs for seniors, known for their friendly temperaments, manageable size and moderate exercise needs.
- Cavalier King Charles spaniel: Friendly and affectionate, they enjoy daily walks and playtime. Regular brushing manages their grooming needs.
- Shih tzu: Loyal and friendly, these dogs are content with short daily walks and indoor play. Regular grooming is necessary to maintain their long, flowing coat.
- Pug: Playful and good-natured, pugs require low-to-moderate exercise, including short walks and indoor play. They’re also low maintenance in terms of grooming.
- Bichon frise: Cheerful and affectionate, they thrive on daily walks and play. Their curly coat requires regular grooming.
- Maltese: Gentle and affectionate, these dogs are happy with short walks and indoor play. Their long, silky coat needs regular grooming.
- Miniature schnauzer: Friendly and intelligent, miniature schnauzers enjoy daily walks and playtime. Regular grooming and trimming are required.
- Toy poodle: Intelligent and easy to train, they need daily walks and playtime. Their curly coat requires regular grooming.
- Yorkshire terrier: Energetic and affectionate, they enjoy daily walks and play. Their long, silky coat needs regular grooming.
- Chihuahua: Loyal and energetic, these small dogs are content with short walks and indoor play. They are low maintenance with occasional brushing.
- French bulldog: Affectionate and easygoing, they require low-to-moderate exercise with short walks and indoor play. Grooming needs are minimal.
Other Small Pets That Offer Big Benefits
English philosopher Bernard Williams said, “There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face” and Charles M. Schulz said, “Happiness is a warm puppy.” But there are other types of pint-sized pals who make great company and can even help chase away the blues.
If you live in a senior community or apartment building, it’s best to find out if there are restrictions on the types of animals permitted as pets, and you’ll want to ensure you’ve paid the additional pet fee outlined in your housing or rental contract.
Here’s our list of the best small pets for depression for those looking to boost their mood and enrich their life.
- Cats: These purring pals strike the perfect balance between independence and affection, making them ideal for cozy snuggles and comforting companionship. British shorthairs are low-maintenance and easygoing, while rag dolls are gentle, friendly and love a warm lap. With their unique folded ears, Scottish folds have a calm demeanor and enjoy human company, making them affectionate companions.
- Birds: Intelligent and social, birds can imitate sounds and even talk, providing unique and engaging companionship that can brighten your day. Budgies are small, colorful and can mimic speech. Canaries sing beautifully and are low-maintenance, perfect for those who enjoy watching from a distance. Finches are quiet, easy to care for and thrive in the company of other finches, making them ideal for older adults seeking a calm and serene pet.
- Fish: Watching fish glide gracefully through the water is incredibly calming and stress-relieving, creating a tranquil and serene home environment. With their vibrant colors and flowing fins, betta fish are captivating to watch and easy to care for, requiring minimal space and maintenance. Guppies are small, colorful, active and entertaining to watch. They thrive in small tanks, making them ideal for seniors who live in cozy spaces. Known for their bright colors, neon tetras are peaceful, easy to care for and do well in small community tanks.
Each of these pets for seniors brings something unique to the table and can provide emotional support, a sense of purpose and a routine, all of which are beneficial.
Paws, Play and Pet Perks at Casa de las Campanas
Casa de las Campanas welcomes dogs, cats, birds and fish. We know life is better with furry, feathered and fluffy companions, so we’ve created a pet-friendly paradise that pets and residents love. There are two fenced-in areas where dogs can romp and play off-leash. Throughout campus, staff members keep pet treats handy for dogs that visit their offices. Across the street, the city maintains three more dog-run areas in the park, making it a true pet haven.
The benefits of the pet-human relationship complement our community’s lifestyle focused on health and well-being. Some Casa residents arrange for their dogs to provide comfort and emotional support to those receiving health services.
Karen Ruiz’s labradoodle, Casey, is certified by the American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Program and is part of the Love On A Leash® pet therapy program. Casey has calmed weary travelers at airports, de-stressed convention center attendees and encouraged shy children in schools. Rosie, the pet of retired airline pilot Buz Rufe, interacts with memory care residents through petting, grooming and playing, which helps stimulate cognitive function, improve memory and enhance problem-solving skills.
Want to learn more about seniors and pets at Casa de las Campanas? Contact us to learn more about our pet-friendly policies and community.
Featured Image: Ground Picture / Shutterstock
