For older adults — particularly those living alone or in residential care — the companionship of an animal can be genuinely life-changing, and it sits naturally alongside the day-to-day work of managing elderly care at home. Pet therapy, also known as animal-assisted therapy, is increasingly recognised as a powerful tool for improving emotional and physical wellbeing in the elderly.
What is pet therapy? Pet therapy involves guided interaction between a person and a trained animal — most commonly a dog or cat — to achieve specific therapeutic goals such as reducing anxiety, improving mood, or encouraging physical activity.
The proven benefits include:
- Reduced feelings of loneliness and isolation
- Lower blood pressure and heart rate
- Increased social interaction and communication
- Improved mood and reduced symptoms of depression
- Greater motivation to engage in daily activities
For dementia patients in particular, the calming presence of an animal can reduce agitation and trigger positive long-term memories, especially for those who owned pets earlier in life — one of many practical approaches when caring for someone with dementia.
How to access pet therapy in Ireland: Several organisations offer structured pet therapy visits to care homes and individuals. Assistance Dogs Ireland and various ISPCA programmes run volunteer schemes where trained animals visit residential facilities.
For families and home caregivers: If your loved one is well enough — and you know the signs an elderly parent needs more support — even a regular visit from a family pet or a neighbour’s dog can provide enormous comfort. Always check for allergies or any fear of animals first, and if a pet becomes part of the household, factor in the cost of a pet sitter for times when cover is needed.
The evidence is clear — for many elderly people, animals offer a unique form of connection that no medication can replicate.
Frequently asked questions
Q: What exactly is pet therapy?
A: Pet therapy, also called animal-assisted therapy, is guided interaction between a person and a trained animal to reach a therapeutic goal such as reducing anxiety or lifting mood. Dogs and cats are the animals most commonly used. Sessions can be structured visits arranged through a programme, or simpler time spent with a familiar, well-suited pet.
Q: How does pet therapy help older people with dementia?
A: The calming presence of animals can ease agitation and reduce behavioural disturbances in people living with dementia. For someone who owned pets earlier in life, contact with an animal can also reawaken positive memories and moments of connection. It offers comfort in a way that does not rely on words.
Q: Are there pet therapy programmes available in Ireland?
A: Yes. Organisations such as Assistance Dogs Ireland and ISPCA volunteer initiatives arrange structured animal visits to residential and care settings. These programmes bring trained animals and handlers to the person, which suits those who cannot keep a pet of their own. Care homes can often arrange visits on residents' behalf.
Q: Is keeping a pet a good idea for an elderly person living alone?
A: For the right person, a pet can reduce loneliness, encourage daily routine and activity, and provide companionship that eases isolation. A family pet or even a neighbour's animal can offer many of the same benefits without full-time ownership. The key is making sure the person is able and willing to care for or spend time with the animal.
Q: What should I check before introducing a pet to an elderly relative?
A: Always screen for allergies and any fear or discomfort around animals before arranging contact. Consider whether the person is physically able to interact with the animal safely and whether the pet's temperament is gentle and calm. Starting with short, supervised visits lets you see how they respond before going further.
