GITNUXREPORT 2025

Seniors And Pets Statistics

Seniors benefit emotionally, physically, and socially from pet companionship.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

Around 55% of senior pet owners have adopted their pet from a shelter or rescue

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Senior pet owners are more likely to adopt small or medium-sized breeds, about 68%, compared to younger owners

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Nearly 60% of senior pet owners have pets with special needs, including medical or mobility support needs

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The majority of senior pet owners (about 60%) are women

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The average age of senior pet owners is 67 years

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Compassion fatigue in senior pet caregivers is reported by 15%, which is lower than younger pet owners

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About 45% of seniors with pets have delayed or avoided medication or healthcare appointments to stay with their pets, prioritizing their pet’s needs

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45% of seniors say their pet helps them stay active and engaged

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Over 65% of seniors who own pets reported they improved their mental health

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Approximately 72% of seniors with pets report that pets help reduce stress levels

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52% of seniors over age 65 have experienced a decrease in blood pressure after interacting with pets

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Seniors who own pets are 30% more likely to engage in regular physical activity than those without pets

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74% of senior pet owners find that pets improve their overall well-being

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65% of senior pet owners walk their dogs daily, improving their physical health

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58% of seniors with pets have avoided hospital visits because they felt better emotionally due to pet interaction

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30% of senior pet owners have reported an improved sleep pattern due to pet companionship

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50% of senior pet owners have used pet therapy as part of their mental health coping strategies

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38% of senior pet owners report reductions in anxiety levels after bonding with their pet

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70% of seniors admit their pets help them maintain a routine, contributing to better mental health

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65% of senior pet owners report feeling less depressed after adopting a pet

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Nearly 50% of senior pet owners say their pets help them stay physically active, regardless of health limitations

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29% of senior pet owners report that their pets have helped them recover from illness faster, according to recent surveys

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67% of seniors express that their pets have improved their quality of life during aging

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29% of senior pet owners reported that their pets helped reduce their feelings of anxiety

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65% of seniors say their pet helps them maintain a daily routine that keeps them active

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73% of senior pet owners find caregiving to be a rewarding experience that enhances their physical and emotional health

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Approximately 70% of senior pet owners consider their pets as part of the family

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40% of seniors with pets experience a decrease in feelings of loneliness

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Nearly 80% of seniors note that caring for a pet gives them a sense of purpose

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60% of seniors with pets report that their pets offer emotional comfort during difficult times

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35% of seniors cite pets as their primary source of companionship

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82% of senior pet owners feel that their pet makes them happier

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About 55% of seniors say they prefer animals over humans for companionship

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The percentage of seniors volunteering at animal shelters increased by 20% over the past decade, highlighting a proactive role in animal welfare

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33% of seniors consider their pets as their main social connection, reducing feelings of social isolation

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87% of seniors with pets report that they would feel lonely without their pet companions

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54% of senior pet owners with mobility issues rely on their pets for emotional support and motivation

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Among senior pet owners, 44% report that their pets have helped reduce feelings of grief after losing loved ones

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33% of seniors adopt pets specifically to combat loneliness, with many reporting improved mood and emotional stability

Statistic 40

58% of senior pet owners participate in pet-related community activities or events, fostering social engagement

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Sources

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Key Highlights

Approximately 70% of senior pet owners consider their pets as part of the family
45% of seniors say their pet helps them stay active and engaged
Over 65% of seniors who own pets reported they improved their mental health
40% of seniors with pets experience a decrease in feelings of loneliness
The majority of senior pet owners (about 60%) are women
Approximately 72% of seniors with pets report that pets help reduce stress levels
Nearly 80% of seniors note that caring for a pet gives them a sense of purpose
Around 55% of senior pet owners have adopted their pet from a shelter or rescue
52% of seniors over age 65 have experienced a decrease in blood pressure after interacting with pets
Seniors who own pets are 30% more likely to engage in regular physical activity than those without pets
74% of senior pet owners find that pets improve their overall well-being
60% of seniors with pets report that their pets offer emotional comfort during difficult times
The average age of senior pet owners is 67 years

For many seniors, pets are more than just animals—they are lifelines that boost health, combat loneliness, and bring undeniable joy into everyday life.

Adoption and Ownership Trends

Around 55% of senior pet owners have adopted their pet from a shelter or rescue
Senior pet owners are more likely to adopt small or medium-sized breeds, about 68%, compared to younger owners

Adoption and Ownership Trends Interpretation

Given that over half of senior pet owners embrace shelter or rescue animals, with a penchant for small to medium breeds, it seems our seasoned guardians prefer pets with a little less bark and a lot more heart—proof that wisdom often comes with a soft spot for rescue stories.

Health and Caregiver Challenges

Nearly 60% of senior pet owners have pets with special needs, including medical or mobility support needs

Health and Caregiver Challenges Interpretation

With nearly 60% of senior pet owners caring for pets with special needs, it's clear that their dedication transforms caregiving into an act of unwavering compassion—proof that love and resilience often go paw in paw.

Health and Caregiving Challenges

The majority of senior pet owners (about 60%) are women
The average age of senior pet owners is 67 years
Compassion fatigue in senior pet caregivers is reported by 15%, which is lower than younger pet owners
About 45% of seniors with pets have delayed or avoided medication or healthcare appointments to stay with their pets, prioritizing their pet’s needs

Health and Caregiving Challenges Interpretation

Despite their own health risks, nearly half of senior pet owners are brave enough to delay healthcare for their own well-being, prioritizing their pets—highlighting both their deep compassion and the silent toll it may take on their own health.

Health and Wellness Benefits

45% of seniors say their pet helps them stay active and engaged
Over 65% of seniors who own pets reported they improved their mental health
Approximately 72% of seniors with pets report that pets help reduce stress levels
52% of seniors over age 65 have experienced a decrease in blood pressure after interacting with pets
Seniors who own pets are 30% more likely to engage in regular physical activity than those without pets
74% of senior pet owners find that pets improve their overall well-being
65% of senior pet owners walk their dogs daily, improving their physical health
58% of seniors with pets have avoided hospital visits because they felt better emotionally due to pet interaction
30% of senior pet owners have reported an improved sleep pattern due to pet companionship
50% of senior pet owners have used pet therapy as part of their mental health coping strategies
38% of senior pet owners report reductions in anxiety levels after bonding with their pet
70% of seniors admit their pets help them maintain a routine, contributing to better mental health
65% of senior pet owners report feeling less depressed after adopting a pet
Nearly 50% of senior pet owners say their pets help them stay physically active, regardless of health limitations
29% of senior pet owners report that their pets have helped them recover from illness faster, according to recent surveys
67% of seniors express that their pets have improved their quality of life during aging
29% of senior pet owners reported that their pets helped reduce their feelings of anxiety
65% of seniors say their pet helps them maintain a daily routine that keeps them active
73% of senior pet owners find caregiving to be a rewarding experience that enhances their physical and emotional health

Health and Wellness Benefits Interpretation

These compelling statistics reveal that for seniors, pets are not just furry companions but vital partners in maintaining physical health, reducing stress and anxiety, and enriching daily life—proving that in the sacred rhythm of aging, a wagging tail or gentle purr can be as therapeutic as any prescription.

Social Engagement and Emotional Support

Approximately 70% of senior pet owners consider their pets as part of the family
40% of seniors with pets experience a decrease in feelings of loneliness
Nearly 80% of seniors note that caring for a pet gives them a sense of purpose
60% of seniors with pets report that their pets offer emotional comfort during difficult times
35% of seniors cite pets as their primary source of companionship
82% of senior pet owners feel that their pet makes them happier
About 55% of seniors say they prefer animals over humans for companionship
The percentage of seniors volunteering at animal shelters increased by 20% over the past decade, highlighting a proactive role in animal welfare
33% of seniors consider their pets as their main social connection, reducing feelings of social isolation
87% of seniors with pets report that they would feel lonely without their pet companions
54% of senior pet owners with mobility issues rely on their pets for emotional support and motivation
Among senior pet owners, 44% report that their pets have helped reduce feelings of grief after losing loved ones
33% of seniors adopt pets specifically to combat loneliness, with many reporting improved mood and emotional stability
58% of senior pet owners participate in pet-related community activities or events, fostering social engagement

Social Engagement and Emotional Support Interpretation

For seniors, pets are more than companions—they're the furry antidote to loneliness, the source of purpose, and in many cases, the only friends they prefer over humans, proving that sometimes, the best therapy comes with fur and a wagging tail.