Keeping Pets Kendal

The starting point for keeping a pet is to decide what sort of pet would suit you. The most common types of pets are cats and dogs, but other options include rabbits, birds, fish, hamsters and gerbils. Which you choose will depend upon which type of animal you find most appealing, the amount and type of interaction you want to have with it, and the time and energy you have for looking after it.

Dogs require exercising on a daily basis. If you are still fully mobile they can be a superb means of encouraging you to improve your fitness. They are also a good way of reducing loneliness – dog owners are generally very sociable and you can build up some great relationships with people you meet while you are out walking. Of all pets, dogs are possibly the most demonstrative and affectionate, offering unconditional love. However a dog is a considerable commitment and may not be suitable if you are often away, or if your health is declining.

Cats are more independent although they can provide great companionship, particularly in situations where people are less mobile and have no partner, family, or friends. Many elderly people get particular comfort through stroking and touching them and find that they can be remarkably intuitive, communicative, and entertaining. If provided with the right facilities, cats can be kept entirely indoors if necessary and are remarkably adaptable, so they can be good choice for flat dwellers or those in sheltered accommodation.

If you own your own house, there should be no difficulty with keeping whatever type of pet you prefer although you should be aware that the neighbours may be disturbed by a noisy dog, or one which frequently escapes into their gardens. If you live in rented or sheltered accommodation you will need to check if there are restrictions on keeping pets. In many cases you may be allowed a cat, but not a dog. If neither, you may be able to keep a small caged animal or bird, or fish.

Most animal shelters and rescue homes are full of every type of pet that needs re-homing so if at all possible make this your first point of call if you are looking for a new pet. Older animals are not as cute as puppies and kittens but they can be calmer, better behaved and less destructive. Contact the centre and tell them what you are looking for. They will want to know about your circumstances and the type and standard of accommodation and care you can provide for the animal. After this, they will try and find a pet with the right sort of temperament for you that also meets any other preferences you may have expressed.

There are a huge number of benefits to pet ownership when you are older, but of course, there are disadvantages too. There is the expense of pet ownership – food, vaccinations and vet bills. You may wish to consider taking out pet insurance to cover these. If you do want to go away you will need to either take your pet with you or find someone to look after it – often easy with a cat or small animal, but more difficult with a dog. If this isn’t an option you will have to finance kennel or cattery costs.

A final issue is what will happen to your pet if it outlives you. As we are all living longer, this may not happen – and arrangements can be made just in case. Certainly this shouldn’t dissuade you from enjoying the many years of pleasure and satisfaction that owning a pet can bring.


. Click here to access more useful information for the over 50s from in my prime.