Seniors for Seniors
Our staff realizes that companion animals are essential to keeping people healthy, vibrant and to reducing blood pressure and stress. Often times older people need and want animals to give them love and companionship throughout their golden years.
Benefits of adopting
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Research tells us that companion animals, such as cats, can help improve our physical and mental health. By adopting and spending time with an animal friend, you can experience the benefits of lowered stress levels and blood pressure.
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Cats provide friendship for lonely individuals, and open opportunities for interacting with others which an older person may miss if family is far away.
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The company of a beloved pet has been proven to reduce depression.
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The quiet and doting home of a senior citizen is the perfect match for an older animal looking for a new home.
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Senior animals are often gentler, calmer companionship.
Because SHS recognizes that pets can be expensive if one is on disability, Social Security or limited income, we have come up with the Seniors for Seniors program.
The shelter will offer a reduced adoption fee of $100 for a QUALIFYING cat that is 8+ years to a qualifying adopter 65 years+. (NOTE: This program does not include cats coming to our shelter on any of our transport programs – due to the high expenses of transporting, health certificates, medical costs, etc.… if you should have a question relating to which pet/s may qualify please call or email our shelter for details.) The pet will also receive any necessary medical care PRIOR to going home including spay/neuter, appropriate vaccinations, vet check, and any other necessary medical care deemed necessary by our staff veterinarian (some examples would be dentals or bloodwork).
The average cost of medical care / services provided for these pets prior to adoption is worth several hundred dollars! The adopting family is adopting a healthy, friendly companion and saving the initial cost of any medical care AND adoption fees. This program is a win/win situation for both the adopter and the pet.
Often times older animals are overlooked when potential adopters aren’t realizing the average lifespan of a cat can be 15-20+ years. YOUNGER animals, especially kittens require multiple vaccinations and vet visits to have various vaccination boosters that can average $1,000 for the first year!