Pets and their powerful role for older Australians in aged care
Share
A growing body of research and advocacy is shining a spotlight on the powerful benefits that pets can bring to older Australians in residential care. From brightening residents’ moods to providing meaningful engagement, companion animals are increasingly recognised for their crucial role in enhancing mental health and wellbeing.
Under the proposed Aged Care Bill, older individuals have the right to remain connected with their pets, reflecting updated Aged Care Quality Standards that prioritise Person-Centred Care. The goal is to ensure older people can continue to benefit from the unconditional support and comfort that animals provide.
“We cannot underestimate the health benefits of human-animal relations, particularly for frail, older people in aged care,” says UniSA researcher and project lead, Dr Janette Young. “There’s no doubt that Australians love their pets. In fact, we have one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world.”
Dr Young emphasizes that pets can have a profoundly positive effect:
“The great thing about pets is that they can help us feel happier and healthier. And they can do this in different ways… But most importantly, they’re always there to give us unconditional love and companionship.”
Reducing Stress and Easing Loneliness
For many older people, simply petting or caring for an animal can help reduce stress, anxiety, and feelings of loneliness. Dr Young explains how one of her projects involves integrating cats directly into aged care facilities:
“By living with the residents, the cats would help ease residents’ loneliness, as well as relieve stress, anxiety, and depression. They’d be there to pat, to talk to, to care for and love, and to provide that special sense of companionship.”
Such initiatives speak to a broader shift in acknowledging that improved emotional support is just as important as physical care. “Older people in residential care need and deserve a supportive, healthy environment. This is a moral imperative,” Dr Young says.
Keeping People and Pets Together
Meanwhile, a new report from Companion Animal Network Australia (CANA) highlights the importance of preserving the human-animal bond. In its 2023–2024 Impact Report, CANA’s member agencies facilitated 15,619 pet adoptions, while continuing to raise awareness about the advantages of pet-friendly aged care.
“In 2023–2024, we brought critical issues like pet-friendly aged care, rental housing and workplace policies into the national spotlight,” says CANA CEO, Trish Ennis. She explains that when people have to give up a pet for housing or care-related reasons, it can lead to deep emotional distress:
“The Impact Report also shows that too many people are having to make the heartbreaking decision between secure housing and their much-loved companion.”
However, Ennis remains optimistic: “Our goal is to keep people and pets together—not only to reduce surrenders and euthanasia but also to support the mental health and wellbeing of pet owners.”
A Shared Vision for Positive Ageing
Despite only 18 per cent of aged care facilities allowing residents to keep a pet, momentum is building. Advocates say that companion animals can enrich everyday life for seniors, offering affection, reducing isolation, and enhancing a sense of purpose.
“Positive aging is not just about living a long life. It’s about aging well, enjoying your older years, and having purpose and comfort in your life. Pets can provide this,” Dr Young says. “Just like exercise facilities have become a core part of aged care facilities – and are proven to boost movement capabilities and wellbeing – so too should pets be considered an essential part of aged care.”
Ritchelle is a Content Producer for Healthcare Channel, Australia’s premier resource of information for healthcare.
