Australia has one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world, with millions of people benefiting from the companionship, physical activity and emotional support that animals provide.
Yet, for many older adults – whether living at home, in a retirement village or in an aged care home – access to pet companionship remains a challenge.
According to Companion Animal Network Australia’s (CANA) 2023 Aged Care Survey: Status of Pets in Aged Care, while 86 per cent of older adults reported enhanced wellbeing due to pet companionship, only 18 per cent of aged care homes allow residents to keep a pet.
The gap is even wider for those receiving in-home support. An alarming 91 per cent of older adults with pets who rely on government-funded Home Care Packages (HCPs) receive no assistance with their pet’s care. As a result, many are forced to surrender their beloved animals to shelters, adding distress to an already difficult transition in life.
“Older adults often face loneliness and isolation and rely on their furry, finned or feathered friends to thrive,” says Trish Ennis, chief executive officer of Companion Animal Network Australia (CANA), which represents companion animal welfare organisations across Australia.
“Through our Pet-Friendly Aged Care program, we work to preserve this critical bond, keeping people and pets together for as long as it benefits people’s health and wellbeing.”
Benefits of pets in aged care
For many older adults, the ability to bring a beloved pet into their residential aged care home is life-changing.
Karen Meyer, a resident at Lifeview Argyle Court in Victoria, knows this firsthand through the companionship provided by her six-year-old dog, Pip. Since moving to the residential aged care home mid-last year, Pip has been her constant companion, bringing joy to the entire Lifeview community.
“Pip has truly enriched my life – she’s a beautiful little gem,” Karen says. “She gets me out walking and loves all the pats she gets from residents and staff. The moment someone approaches her, she flops onto her back, ready for a tummy tickle!”
Karen firmly believes in the importance of allowing pets in aged care. “Pets become part of the family, and it’s wonderful to have the opportunity to bring them with you,” she explains. “I love Pip to bits, and I can’t imagine life without her.”
The support pets provide their owners living at home is also important.
After a long illness, Pauline Freeman and her husband John adopted Daisy in the last months of her John’s life. Pauline’s family was concerned that after nearly 63 years of marriage, John’s passing would prove too much for her. Two years later, the comfort that Daisy has brought to Pauline’s life has been wide-reaching.
“I feel that I need my dog, Daisy, for emotional support, fitness and a sense of purpose. Having her is so significant in my life – I’d be a much sadder and incomplete person without her. Daisy brings me joy and happiness. She’s with me all day, loving me as much as I love her. The sensory comfort I gain from patting and cuddling Daisy helps me enormously” says home care recipient Pauline.
More support needed
Numerous studies highlight how pet ownership and animal-assisted therapy reduce loneliness, stress, pain and anxiety in older adults. Animals encourage physical activity and social engagement, significantly enhancing the quality of life.
Yet, despite these proven benefits, the aged care sector remains largely unequipped to support older adults in caring for their pets.
Amanda Grimmer, client relationship manager with home care provider SereneCare says, “We know that people prefer to remain in their homes, and to do so successfully, they often need help with their beloved pets.
“The Support at Home program can be a game-changer if it enables older adults to continue caring for their pets while receiving the support they need.”
Get involved
CANA is calling on aged care providers, policymakers and community members to take part in the 2025 Pet-Friendly Aged Care Survey, to help inform their advocacy on policy reform.
Your input will help shape a future where older adults – whether in residential care, retirement villages or receiving in-home support – can continue to experience the companionship of their beloved pets.
By participating in the survey, you are advocating for policies and programs that keep people and pets together, improving the mental and physical well-being of older Australians.
We are also calling for people to sign our petition calling on Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler and Minister for Aged Care Anika Wells to increase the number of pet-friendly aged care support services.
Take the survey: petfriendlyagedcare.com.au/surveys/
Sign the petition: change.org/p/demand-for-the-australiangovernment-to-support-older-pet-owners-in-home
Trish Ennis
Chief Executive Officer
Companion Animal Network Australia