Senior Pet Fostering Programme Launched

27/10/2009 09:00:00

Senior Best Friends Pet Fostering Programme Launched

Friday, 16 October, 2009: Dublin SPCA & Home Instead Senior Care today announced details of a unique pet fostering service for senior citizens which enables them to foster a cat or dog for a number of weeks.

Extensive scientific research has proven that having a pet helps older people maintain a sense of purpose, feel less lonely and depressed, and encourages seniors to be healthier. Pets even reduce stress and blood pressure in seniors and increase longevity in those who have suffered heart attacks.

Scientific research also reveals that pets provide a calming and comforting influence on those who suffer from Alzheimer’s - a disease which affects 38,000 people in Ireland. They also help older people recover from personal trauma such as loss and bereavement.  Pet fostering is ideal for those that love animals but  may not be able to commit to owning a pet full-time but would like to avail of the many benefits of pet ownership.

Dublin SPCA receives hundreds of orphaned kittens and puppies and must find temporary foster homes for them until they are ready to be placed up for adoption. The length of stay in a foster home varies from 1 to 7 weeks and on occasion longer depending on the circumstance of the animal.

As well as conducting a home assessment and full briefing, the Dublin SPCA provide the ‘foster parents’ with all of the leads, water-bowls, kitty-lits, beds and food – with thanks to supporters Nestle Purina – that are required so that there is no cost at all to the foster parent.

“Home Instead is proud to be working with the Dublin SPCA on a programme that will give older people a greater sense of purpose and meaning, and animals a second chance,” said Ed Murphy, Chief Executive of Home Instead Senior Care which provides non-medical support allowing seniors to remain living independently in their own homes. 

Commenting on the research findings, Ed Murphy, Chief Executive of Home Instead Senior Care said: “Pets possess a great healing power and can really improve the mental and physical health of older people. For an older person whose loved ones have passed away, having an animal around can provide a real sense of companionship and intimacy. Many older people do not have someone to talk to or cuddle throughout the day and a pet can help fill this void”. 

"At Home Instead Senior Care we encourage seniors to foster a pet and enjoy the health benefits of taking care of a cat or dog while also helping a homeless animal. It's a win-win situation for all" continued Ed Murphy of Home Instead Senior Care.

Lori Davis, Dublin SPCA explains: “Animals can have a profound and positive impact on people. As an  organisation, we look for ways in which we can help animals and improve people’s lives. Through our Senior Pet Fostering programme, we will save the lives of orphaned, abandoned and forgotten animals and provide meaningful experiences for seniors. This programme fulfills our core philosophy that by fostering a compassionate relationship between humans and animals, we create a kinder and more caring society.”

Please download the brochure for more information on this unique programme and spread the word.  DSPCA - Senior Fostering Programme.pdf

You can also visit the Dublin SCPA website on www.dspca.ie for further information.