The Dilemma of Elderly Pet Owners
"I want to keep it, but I'm afraid I'll leave before it does."
For many elderly pet owners, the desire to have a furry companion during their later years is both heartfelt and sincere. Pets bring comfort, warmth, and a sense of purpose to lives that might otherwise feel lonely or uncertain. For some, their animal friends become their only source of emotional support and daily motivation.
However, under the growing social pressure of the belief that "if you can't care for a pet for its whole life, you shouldn't own one," that love comes burdened with guilt. Many seniors hesitate to adopt because they fear the possibility of not being able to outlive their pets or provide long-term care. What begins as compassion and companionship is often shadowed by anxiety and moral conflict.
As society continues to age, this dilemma calls for more empathy and practical solutions — such as fostering programs, shared adoption systems, or care plans — that allow seniors to experience the joy of companionship without the constant fear of abandonment or judgment. Love for animals should not have to end where uncertainty begins.
Elderly Pet Ownership: A Compassionate Dilemma
Japanese veterinarian Dr. Junji Okuda has observed that whenever the topic of elderly individuals keeping pets arises, many animal welfare groups take a firm stance: "If you cannot commit to lifelong care, you shouldn't adopt in the first place."
Dr. Okuda admits that this perspective is reasonable and plays an important role in protecting the lives of animals. After all, responsible ownership ensures that pets are not abandoned or neglected if circumstances change.
However, he also points out a troubling side effect of this belief. Many older adults, fearing they may one day lose the ability to care for their pets, decide against adopting altogether. This hesitation can deprive them of companionship that often brings comfort, emotional support, and purpose in later life.
Okuda encourages society to explore more flexible solutions—such as fostering programs or community-based support systems—so that both animals and the elderly can benefit from the deep and healing bond between humans and pets.
Japan's Seniors and Their Desire for Pets
In Japan, among people aged 60 and older who currently do not own a dog or cat, a notable number still dream of having one. Surveys show that 5.9% of seniors aged 60 and above wish to keep a dog, while 4.4% would like to own a cat. Among those 70 and older, the desire remains, with 5.0% hoping for a dog and 3.3% for a cat.
However, many hesitate to take that step. The most common reasons include worries such as "I might not be able to care for the pet until the end," "I'm concerned about financial costs," and "I'm not confident in my physical strength or health." These concerns reveal the inner struggle many elderly people face—the yearning for companionship clashing with the realities of aging and limited resources.
Age Shouldn't Be the Only Label
To reduce the risk of pet abandonment, many animal shelters have introduced age restrictions for potential adopters. For instance, some require that applicants over 65 years old either cannot adopt or must provide a guarantor. Although well-intentioned, such rules may backfire.
When older adults repeatedly face rejection from shelters, they might instead turn to pet shops to purchase puppies or kittens. Ironically, pairing senior owners with young animals that have much longer life expectancies could actually increase the likelihood of abandonment in the future.
Age Shouldn't Define Who Can Own a Pet
If the requirement for keeping a pet is that one must be able to "absolutely care for it until the end," then even young people might not qualify. After all, anyone could face unexpected changes in life — accidents, illness, or sudden shifts in living circumstances — that make continuing pet care impossible.
Therefore, age should not be the sole factor used to exclude older adults from having pets. In fact, seniors in good health still have a strong chance of accompanying their pets through their full lives. What truly matters is compassion, responsibility, and the willingness to provide love and care — qualities that have no age limit.
Ensuring Elderly Pet Owners Can Plan for the Future
We should consider how to ensure that elderly pet owners can provide proper care for their beloved animals, even when unexpected life changes occur. The concept of a "pet trust" offers a thoughtful solution—it allows owners to make care arrangements for their pets while they are still healthy and capable.
Rather than discouraging seniors from adopting pets due to potential risks, society should support them with practical planning tools. After all, companionship from a pet can greatly enrich an elder's well-being and sense of purpose. It's not fair to take away their dream of sharing life with an animal simply because the future is uncertain.
