Pet Benefits for Ogden Seniors: Considerations for Adopting a Pet

In part one of this two-part blog series, we went over some of the major and important ways that the presence of pets may benefit many people as they age. Pets carry a number of direct benefits to seniors, from help with stress reduction to themes like companionship, increasing physical activity and more. 

At Avamere at Mountain Ridge, we’re happy to accommodate the needs of any of our assisted living community guests in Ogden, including those who have pets they want to bring with them. In today’s part two of our series, we’ll shift gears a bit and look at some important considerations to keep in mind if you’re a senior looking to adopt a pet, or a family member or caregiver assisting with this decision.

Consider your space

First and foremost, it’s important to remember that pets need space to move around, and this may not always be possible in a smaller assisted living community apartment. If you’re considering adopting a pet, make sure you have enough room for them to comfortably move around as needed.

For instance, a small dog or cat may be just fine in a smaller space, but if you’re considering a larger animal like a dog, you’ll want to make sure they have room to run and play both inside and outside.

Think about your schedule

Pets need attention and care, so it’s important to make sure you have the time needed to commit to their needs before moving forward with adoption. For instance, dogs need to be walked multiple times per day, and they also need time for play and socialization. If you work long hours or are frequently away from home, it may not be the best idea to adopt a dog at this stage in your life.

Cats are generally a bit lower maintenance than dogs, but they still need regular feeding, litter box care and attention. Consider your current schedule and make sure you have enough time to commit to a pet before moving forward with adoption.

Finances

Pets also come with financial considerations that need to be taken into account. For instance, you’ll need to factor in the cost of food, toys, regular vet checkups, and any other necessary supplies.

If you’re on a fixed income, it’s important to make sure you can afford the additional costs that come with pet ownership before moving forward with adoption.

These are just a few of the important considerations to keep in mind if you’re a senior looking to adopt a pet.

Bring your new furry friend home with you to Avamere at Mountain Ridge! Schedule your personal tour of our assisted living and memory care community at AvamereAtMountainRidge.com/tour.