Urban legend has it that people with pets live longer than those who choose not to have animal companionship.
The Central Pennsylvania Humane Society has taken notice of this legend and has designed a program that will bring older Pennsylvania residents together with more mature animals – all free of charge.
“We actually get a lot of older pets in here,” said Ingrid Bilotto, CPHS director of operations. “More than you would expect. But we’re hoping with this program, we’ll not only be able to find some of these animals deserving homes, but also provide some companionship to some people who may not have anyone else at home.”
The new “Seniors for Seniors” program will allow CPHS to waive the normal adoption fees for older Pennsylvanians over the ago of 60 who adopt animals that are at least seven years old. The cost of the program is just a little love.
“It’s a great opportunity for both the senior and the animal,” said Bilotto. ”They get a loving companion at no charge and we have the satisfaction of placing an older pet in a good home with someone that will care for them. Everyone wins!”
CPHS officials say older pets are often harder to place. Potential adopters may have to face the health concerns or hard-to-break habits.
“They still need homes,” said Bilotto. “And many times, an older pet can be very comforting to an older person. They often have more ‘mellow’ personalities that work well with senior citizens.”
The program is open to all people over the age of 60 regardless of income, according to CPHS. The agency will waive the normal fees of $35 to $45 for a canine adoption and $25 to $35 for a feline. In many cases, the animals have been owned and already have been spayed or neutered.
Those that have not may be required to undergo the procedure unless ruled out for health concerns as determined by a veterinarian.
On average, the shelter takes in several hundred animals yearly that may qualify for the “Seniors for Seniors” adoption program.
“We envision the ability to provide any area senior citizen that’s interested with a companion animal,” said CPHS Executive Director Dave Hopkins. “Pets can be great therapy for people and senior citizens are typically very loving toward animals. We think it will be a symbolic relationship of the first degree.”
The program will be offered by the shelter beginning Feb. 1 and interested seniors can get more information by calling CPHS at 942-5402 in the afternoons. Seniors who have access to the Internet are encouraged to go online at www.altoona.net/cphs and check for available animals old enough to qualify for the free program.
CPHS officials say seniors who qualify will still have to meet with the shelter’s adoption counselor to determine a “quality pairing” with an animal.
