Pets are a beloved member of our families, offering us companionship, unconditional love, and a sense of purpose. However, as we age, we may reach a point where we need to move to an assisted living community which could mean leaving our pets behind. This can be a heartbreaking decision, but it’s sometimes necessary for our safety and well-being. In this blog post, we’ll explore what seniors can do when they are faced with giving up their pets and what resources they can use to handle the problem.
Talk to Family and Friends
The first step you should take when considering giving up your pet is to reach out to your loved ones. They may be able to adopt your pet or know someone who would be willing to take on the responsibility. With your pet under the care of somebody you trust you will be reassured that they are living their best life possible.
Utilize Online Resources
There are online resources that can help you rehome your pet. Websites like www.petfinder.com, www.adoptapet.com, and www.getyourpet.com have the ability to help seniors find new homes for their pets. If you need to surrender your pet for any liability issues, you can simply search for animal rescue and rehoming sites in your area including The SPCA (https://yourspca.org), or White Whiskers Senior Dog Sanctuary (https://whitewhiskerswny.org). These resources are here to help make the process of finding your pet a new home as easy as possible.
Reach out to Local Shelters
Another option is to contact local shelters, rescue organizations, and animal welfare groups in your area. Many have programs in place that can help rehome pets, including foster homes, temporary boarding, and adoption programs. They can evaluate your pet’s personality and match them with prospective families. If your pet is a purebred, contact the breed rescue organization to see if they can help rehome your pet.
Find a Pet-Friendly Assisted Living Community That Is Right For You
You can also seek out assisted living communities that allow pets. More assisted living communities are becoming pet-friendly and have special programs in place meant to accommodate your pets. Ask your chosen assisted living community what their pet policies or services are. This way, you can keep your pet through this transitional stage.
Seniors who need to give up their pets as they transition to assisted living have several options to consider. These options include talking to family and friends, utilizing online resources, reaching out to local shelters, and seeking out assisted living communities that allow pets. By considering these options, seniors can help ensure their pet’s safety and well-being even if they are not able to care for them personally. Transitioning smoothly will give seniors an opportunity to move forward in life, knowing that their pet still has a loving, happy home.