Support for senior pet owners

They are by our side, ready to comfort us when needed, and there to listen in tough times.

Animal Welfare League Queensland (AWLQ) recognises how beneficial pet companionship can be for older people and has developed Golden Hearts, a free support program for people aged 65 and over.

Sharing your life with a companion animal is proven to have many benefits, particularly for mature-aged people.

Dog walking and even the simple act of patting provide an increased physical activity that strengthens the heart and improves blood circulation. A pet’s calming influence can also lower blood pressure.

Companion animals also decrease feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Furthermore, many older adults who own a pet sometimes feel in need of extra support in caring for their animals but are unsure who they can turn to for help.

Golden Hearts Seniors’ Pet Support Program has been designed to break down the barriers that stand in the way of senior people owning pets.

It helps make pet ownership as stress-free as possible and gives those aged 65 and older the peace of mind and support they need to enjoy the many benefits of animal companionship.

A barrier to pet ownership for many older people is the concern that no one will be there to care for their pets in the event of an emergency situation, hospital stay or during a bout of ill-health.

Boarding kennels can be expensive and most elderly pet owners would not like their pet alone in a kennel.

An older person suffering from ill-health does not need the added stress of worrying about their pet.

AWLQ understands this concern and offers all our Golden Hearts members our Short-Term Emergency Pet Care Service.

If you should need a stay in hospital and have no one else to look after your pet, they will ensure your pet is well cared for. This service is available exclusively to Golden Hearts members.

If AWLQ is given enough notice of your hospital stay, they can arrange to have your pet stay in the home of one of their long-term foster carers.

 Alternatively, if it is an emergency and you are already in the hospital; your pet will spend a short time in one of our offices with staff until a suitable carer can be found.

Learn more about RACQ Pet Insurance