Most Canadian seniors recognize pet benefits but under half have one

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Despite a recent Ipsos poll showing that 84% of Canadians aged 55 and older acknowledge the mental health benefits of owning a pet, only 44% actually own a furry companion, and 21% cite age as a barrier to finding a forever friend.

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“One of the concerns that many older adults face is that they are concerned that if they are hospitalized or die, or even in another absence such as just traveling, they may have difficulty caring for these animals properly,” said Philip Tedeschi, a professor at the University of Denver and founder of the Institute for Human-Animal Bonds.

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“So one of the things we've noticed, which is a pretty interesting trend, is that we've seen older people sharing a pet with another friend so they have a safety plan in case they can't care for their pets, and feel a little more confident as a result.”

There are also physical risks.

“Another well-documented reason is that some pets increase the risk of things like spills and falls. And so dogs are a little bit riskier in that regard than cats,” Tedeschi said.

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However, the professor said pets offer comfort, companionship and a renewed sense of purpose, especially for seniors who want to stay active and connected in retirement.

Physical health benefits, including increased exercise and reduced stress, are vital for 49% of pet owners over 55, according to an Ipsos survey.

“These include everything from lowering blood pressure, lowering cortisol levels, increasing physical activity and improving cardiovascular health,” Tedeschi said.

“For example, people who have a dog are much more likely to get up and out of the house and move around. In fact, we know that these people have a longer life expectancy in most cases.”

SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL BENEFITS

According to an Ipsos survey, 80 percent of Canadian pet owners over 55 also report social and emotional gains, increased socialization and emotional support.

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“So someone is much more likely to have social interaction with other people when they have a dog with them,” Tedeschi said.

“That's why many of us like to know what our neighbors are saying. dogs names before we know our neighbors. Companion animals have a role to play. This is a kind of measurement of social connections. People who have a dog with them always have something to talk about, and they often share these interests and communicate twice as often as those who walk alone.”

And choosing a dog over a cat can make all the difference for an older pet owner, who Tedeschi advises starting by contacting a local shelter specialist.

“Dogs may require more intensive care,” Tedeschi said. “Yet the cats live comfortably and in good shape in relatively small apartments.”

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For older Canadians aged 55 and over: expenses (25%) is the leading reason for not having a pet, according to an Ipsos survey.

“Shelters also often provide support in the form of veterinary care and ongoing transportation back and forth,” Tedeschi said.

Seniors who aren't ready for the constant companionship of animals can also enjoy them while earning extra money by pet sitting in places like Roverdubbed the largest community of pet lovers in Canada.

“One of the things the Rover program does is it provides reassurance and support so that we can safely have a companion animal and care for it properly,” Tedeschi said.

“And often they just come and support them by doing something like a walk. It doesn't necessarily include a sleepover. It's possible, but not always.”

The Ipsos poll was conducted on behalf of HomeEquity Bank from July 30 to August 11, 2025, and included 1,501 Canadians aged 18 and over. The confidence interval for this survey is +/- 3.1 percent 19 times out of 20.

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