Getting a Pet in Later Life: Benefits and Questions to Ask

Yes, a pet can be a wonderful addition to life after 60, as long as you choose an animal that fits your health, budget and daily routine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says pets come with many health benefits, including company on lonely days. They also bring real responsibilities. This guide walks you through both sides so you can decide with confidence.

What a pet can add to your days

The CDC states that pets can help manage loneliness and depression by providing companionship. A dog that needs a morning walk or a cat that waits at the door gives your day a rhythm and someone to talk to.

Pets can also nudge you to move. According to the CDC, regular walking or playing with pets can decrease blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and triglyceride levels. Pets also create chances to meet people: neighbors stop to say hello to a dog, and a cat can start a conversation on a video call with family.

A pet is not a replacement for people, and it will not fix every hard feeling. If loneliness or low mood is weighing on you, see our guides on easing loneliness in later life and caring for your mental health in retirement. A pet works best as one part of a connected life.

Health and safety questions to ask first

Before you fall for a face at the shelter, think about your own health and home. Two issues matter most for older adults: germs and falls.

Germs animals can carry

The CDC explains that adults 65 and older are more likely to get sick from germs some animals can carry, even household pets, and the illness may be more severe. As people age, their immune systems and organs don't clear harmful germs as well as they once did.

This does not mean you must go without a pet. It means choosing wisely and keeping up good habits:

• Reptiles and amphibians (lizards, snakes, turtles, frogs), backyard poultry, and small rodents are more likely to carry germs that make people sick. The CDC says adults 65 and older might consider other animals as pets.
• Wash your hands with soap and running water after touching your pet, handling its food, or cleaning up after it.
• Keep up with your pet's vaccines and checkups. A healthy pet helps keep you healthy.
• If you have a weakened immune system, ask your doctor and a veterinarian which pets are safest for you. Some medicines and conditions, such as cancer treatment or kidney disease, can weaken immunity.

Falls

The CDC reports that more than one out of four older people falls each year, but less than half tell their doctor. Pets can add to that risk. AARP notes that pets are a leading cause of falls for older adults.

A few simple steps lower the chance of a tumble:

• Pick an animal you can physically manage. A very large or high-energy dog that pulls on the leash can be hard on your balance.
• Use a well-fitting harness and a standard leash rather than a retractable one, which AARP's trainers say can cause injuries.
• Keep pet toys, bowls and cords out of walkways, and watch for a cat weaving between your feet on stairs.
• Build your leg strength and balance. Our guides to balance exercises that help prevent falls and a safe start with strength training can help.

Choosing the right pet for you

The CDC points out that different pets require different time commitments and forms of care. Before adopting, it suggests thinking about the animal's lifespan, size, food, housing and exercise needs, and veterinary care costs.

Ask yourself some honest questions:

• How active am I now, and how active do I expect to be in five or ten years?
• Do I want a pet that sits beside me, or one that needs long walks every day?
• Does my home, apartment or retirement community allow pets, and are there size limits or extra fees?
• Do I travel often, or spend long stretches away from home?
• Who will help if I'm sick or in the hospital?

Consider an adult or senior animal

Puppies and kittens are adorable but demand training, patience and energy. AARP's adoption guide notes that a senior dog or cat may need much less maintenance when it comes to training, playtime or long walks, and some are already trained. The trade-off is that an older animal may have health needs sooner, so ask the shelter about its medical history.

Shelter staff and volunteers have spent time with their animals. Tell them what you want, such as a lap cat or a calm dog, and let them help match you.

What a pet really costs

Pets are rewarding, but they are not cheap. AARP, citing a 2024 survey, reports that yearly costs for a dog range between $1,270 and $2,803, and for a cat from $961 to $2,487. That covers food, health care such as vaccinations and medications, and supplies like toys and grooming items.

Other costs can surprise you:

• Adoption fees. Rescues charge fees that AARP says can range from $50 to $2,000. These often include an exam, vaccinations, spay or neuter surgery and a microchip.
• Help with walking or travel. A professional dog walker can cost between $20 and $30 per half hour, on average, plus the cost of boarding when you're away.
• Emergency vet bills. Some people look into pet insurance. If you do, read what it excludes, especially for older animals with existing conditions. Ask your vet about payment plans, too.

If you're on a fixed income, write the numbers into your plan. Our simple retirement budget guide shows how to add a new regular expense without squeezing out essentials.

Try fostering before you commit

AARP describes fostering as a test run for adoption. You care for a shelter animal in your home for a time, which shows you whether the animal and your routine fit together. Fosters often get the first chance to adopt.

Fostering also suits people who travel or who aren't sure they want a pet for many years. Some shelters even have programs where an animal with health issues or older age lives permanently in your home while the shelter continues to provide food and medical care. AARP says this can help seniors on a limited budget or worried about their pet's future. Ask local shelters and rescues whether they offer it.

Watch out for pet adoption scams

Scammers post photos of cute animals and ask for money for shipping, fees or "vet care" for a pet that does not exist. AARP cites the Better Business Bureau's advice: meet the pet in person before any payment, or arrange a video call to see the animal. Search online for the person or group offering the pet.

For more warning signs, read our guide to common scams targeting older adults.

Plan for your pet's care if you can't

It's not pleasant to think about, but a plan protects your animal and your peace of mind. AARP recommends having a support system for pet care when you're away, such as a pet sitter, friend or family member. It also advises that you establish an emergency contact for your pet.

Give that person your vet's name, your pet's medical records and any special care instructions. Talk with family now about who would take your pet if you could no longer care for it, and get their agreement. If you live where hurricanes or other disasters happen, AARP suggests an emergency kit with a two-week supply of food, water and your pet's medications.

Need help finding local services? The Eldercare Locator, a public service of the Administration for Community Living, connects older adults and families with local services. You can reach it at 1-800-677-1116.

Your next-steps checklist

1. Talk with your doctor about any health concerns, such as a weakened immune system, balance problems or limited strength.
2. Decide what level of care you can manage every day, in bad weather and when you don't feel well.
3. Check your lease, community rules and your budget.
4. Visit a local shelter or rescue, and ask about senior animals and foster programs.
5. Consider fostering first.
6. Name a backup caregiver and write down your pet's care instructions.
7. Schedule a first veterinary visit soon after the animal comes home.

If you decide a pet isn't right for you, there are other ways to enjoy animals. You could volunteer at a shelter, or walk a neighbor's dog. Our guide to volunteering in retirement can help you find a good fit.