Animal Update: Senior Pets For Seniors

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS)— Animal shelters tend to get a lot of elderly cats and dogs in their facilities and the San Francisco SPCA is no different. According to the the facility's co-president, these animals happen to make great companions for senior citizens.

Dr. Jennifer Scarlet said an older, mature healthy cat or dog is usually in pace with the lifestyle of older adults, according to. "Most are already house-trained, ready to sit on your lap and hang out," she said.

Many of these older animals end up in the shelters due to housing issues.

"Sometimes they belong to older people who have been admitted into homes that don't allow pets. Fortunately we're beginning to see a trend where more and more assisted-living facilities are allowing pets to come live with their people," she said.

Scarlett said the human-animal bond is incredibly strong, particularly for older people. "Companion animals can increase our Oxytocin level or feelings of love, lower our stress level and increase our brain activity," she said.

It sounds like a win-win situation if you're an elderly person that's ready for a pet. Dr. Scarlett said the SF SPCA has plenty.