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Key Facts and Figures

 

The benefits of pets for older people

Research from the past 20 years shows there are many benefits of interacting with companion animals throughout our lives, but particularly as we grow older. The general benefits of pet ownership include:

• companionship and loyalty
• reduced stress
• better immune system
• improved health
• better social skills
• For older people in particular, pets can:
• alleviate loneliness and depression
• provide the stability of a daily routine
• speed recovery from illness
• motivate them to remain independent for as long as possible

Pets in residential care – the research

The need for recognition of the importance of pet ownership to older people was highlighted by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation in 1993, in a project that surveyed the relationship between older people and their pets, and the possible distress caused should owners be forced to part with their pets when entering residential care. This project, along with the Anchor Housing Trust 1997/8 survey of vets, animal sanctuaries and older people proved highly influential in bringing the issue of pet ownership to the attention of policy makers, home managers, care staff and residents.

The recently published study, Pets and older people in residential care, commissioned by the Society for Companion Animal Studies (SCAS) and the Pet Food Manufacturers' Association (PFMA), provides crucial evidence about the current pet-keeping practices and policies in residential care homes, and their impact on older people and animals.

Key findings include:

Distress in older people

• Nearly 40% of elderly people in care facilities show noticeable symptoms of distress because they have been parted from their pets.

Lack of formal policies

• 65% of care homes still have no formal written policies on pets.
• Just 29% of UK facilities permit pet ownership as a matter of policy and, of these, over half (54%) specifically exclude cats and dogs.

Lack of understanding

• There is a lack of understanding about the bond between people and their pets. Many vets highlighted their concern that well-meaning relatives may dispose of an animal without the consent of an elderly owner who is moving into residential care.
• Communal or visiting pets in care facilities are enjoyed, but are not the same as a personal pet that is often the repository for memories of a deceased spouse, family ties, and a previous lifestyle.

Confusion amongst staff

• Interviews with care home staff showed a lack of communication between managers and carers – both thought the other would not like pets.
• Many homes have concerns about admitting pets, particularly in relation to zoonotic diseases and allergy problems.

Further information

Visit the Key Research Findings section for further information on the new SCAS/PFMA study, Pets and older people in residential care survey, plus two previous surveys commissioned by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (1993) and the Anchor Housing Trust (1997/8).

Download the full report

Click here to download a pdf copy of the full SCAS/PFMA report

Statistics about older people in the UK

• National Statistics (2005) indicate there are currently approximately 11 million older people (over State Pension Age) living in the UK, representing 18.5% of the total population
• This figure is estimated to rise to almost 14 million by 2026
• According to figures collated by Age Concern England in 2004, a majority of these people will eventually require some form of residential care
• About 21% of men and 31% of women aged 65 to 74 live alone, as do 32% of men and 61% of women aged 75 and over. (Source: Age Concern England)
• Approximately one quarter of all people over retirement age own pets

Statistics about pets in the UK

• In 2008 there were 27 million pets in the UK
• Around 43% of the UK population currently own a pet
• Dogs and cats are the animal of choice for the majority of pet lovers – see below
• 21% of owners nationwide bought their pet for companionship (39% in London), compared to only 5% who have their pet for security
• 60% of single people in the UK bought their pet for companionship – 39% of whom have replaced their partner with a pet

Source: PFMA www.pfma.org.uk (2008)

There are currently more than 18 million pets in the UK.The top ten most popular pets in 2008 were:

1. Dogs (7.3M)
2. Cats (7.2M)
3. Rabbits (1.4M)
4. Birds (0.8M - Indoor)
5. Hamsters (0.5M)
6. Horses/Ponies (0.3M)
7. Snakes (0.2M)
8. Gerbils (0.14M)
9. Tortoises/Turtles (0.12M)
10. Rats (0.10M)

Source: PFMA www.pfma.org.uk