Some people have lived with pets all their lives, while others are considering having pets as companions in their golden years. Living with pets comes with many benefits, especially for seniors who are considering adopting a pet. A study on how pets contribute to healthy aging, conducted by the University of Michigan in 2018, found that pets reduced the stress of 79% of the respondents, increased the activities of 64% of those polled and gave 73% of them a purpose in their lives. If you are a retiree living in a senior apartment in League City, TX and considering if you should adopt a pet, here are the five questions to ask yourself before visiting an animal shelter to adopt a furry companion.
Have You Owned a Pet Before?
Many people love to play with animals, but not necessarily to care for them. Based on estimates by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), approximately 6.3 million companion animals are sent to animal shelters nationwide every year. One key reason owners abandon their pets is the lack of experience. New pet owners lack the knowledge of how to care for their pets and may become overwhelmed.
What Is Your Lifestyle?
Adopting a pet that suits your lifestyle is very important. Are you very active and often out and about? Or do you prefer to spend time in your home honing your skills in sudoku or crossword puzzles? Dogs are great companion animals but they do need attention. While cats are more self-sufficient, they require their litter boxes changed regularly.
How Stable Are Your Finances?
In your senior years, you may be living on a fixed income and savings that can be depleted quickly with the needs of your pet. Owning pets goes beyond providing them with food and shelter. Dogs and cats need to be neutered or spayed and they also require vaccinations and annual checkups. At the same time, dogs and cats that spend a lot of time outdoors will need yearly prevention for fleas and ticks.
Is Your Senior Apartment in League City, TX a Pet-Friendly Community?
Does your senior living apartment come with a no-pet rule? If you are living on a high floor, it may not be suitable for dogs as they need to go for their daily walks. While indoor cats are generally easier to care for, they may have the propensity to scratch and claw even when provided with scratch posts. If there are limitations in your living space, you can consider smaller animals like hamsters or birds.
Do You Have any Functional or Mobility Issues?
If you have mobility issues, adopting a pet may not be a practical idea, especially if you are looking to own a pet that requires daily walks and exercise. Also, if you are experiencing certain cognitive challenges, it may be hard for you to properly care for your pet.
Adopt a Pet from Your Local Animal Shelter
Once you have answered all the above questions and feel confident in your ability to be a caring and responsible pet owner in a pet-friendly retirement community in Texas, the next step is to visit your local animal shelter and start the search for your new companion.
