Dog days: Homebound seniors often putting pets’ needs before their own, research finds

A third of homebound seniors recently polled by Meals on Wheels and PetSmart reported foregoing personal care in the past two years to provide for their pet. More than 1 in 5 clients reported going without food to feed their pets.

The survey also found 81% of respondents living alone and lonely reported high levels of bonding with their pets.

The survey is part of a three-year, $3 million effort by PetSmart Charities to enable nearly 17,000 older adults to keep and care for their furry companions, as well as develop more successful pet programs for seniors. The collaboration helps seniors feed, groom and provide preventive veterinary care.

One in 4 seniors lives alone. Research shows that those living with pets are less likely to exhibit depression, feeling of social isolation and related illnesses.

Meals on Wheels said many of its clients rely on its services to help care for pets, yet there were significant gaps in what the program offered and what clients needed. Some respondents noted significant costs and transportation barriers to access needed preventive, sick and emergency veterinary services.

Meals on Wheels and PetSmart said the survey highlighted the need to possibly combine services and connect seniors to other services that may be available elsewhere in communities.