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Have you retired and are considering getting a pet? This blog will help you consider the pros and cons of bringing a furry friend into your family. There are so many benefits of owning a pet including companionship, fitness, wellbeing, routine and spending more time outdoors.

However, it is important to remember that animals are a lot to take care of and can be high maintenance at times, so it’s best to do your research to find your perfect companion.

What are the pros of owning a dog?

There are several advantages of owning a dog in retirement, our top 5 are…

Companionship

Have you ever heard of the saying; a dog is a man’s best friend? This saying is true no matter what a person’s age or the point in life they are at. One huge reason for this is companionship, pets are loyal and a brilliant form of friendship. Not only will having a pet be great company, but it is also a lovely way to meet other people, helping to prevent loneliness. Whether that be through training classes, on walks or even just a conversation starter around a retirement village or neighbourhood.

Fitness

No matter what, a pet is most likely always up for a walk or some sort of physical activity and therefore it is a pet owners’ responsibility to give them this exercise. It is the perfect way to get up and about and get the daily steps in, positively benefitting physical health.

Wellbeing

Not only does owning a pet boost physical health, it also does wonders for mental health and wellbeing. “Just playing with a dog has been shown to raise levels of the feel-good brain chemicals oxytocin and dopamine, creating positive feelings and bonding for both the person and their pet.” American Heart Association

Spend more time outdoors

Owning an animal is also brilliant way to get outdoors and spend more time in nature. This has many positive benefits on health and wellbeing such as boosts overall mood, improves memory and energy levels. Increased sunlight exposure helps to reach the daily levels of vitamin D which helps to lessen risks of cancer, arthritis and much more.

Routine  

For some people it can be easy to fall out of a routine, however by owning a pet, it can make it much simpler to get back into a routine that suits both the pet and an owner. A dog will need to go outside several times throughout the day, along with having regular feeding times, an exercise schedule and its also important to remember to groom them.

Best dog breeds for the retired

Often smaller breeds of dog are perfect for the retired, below are our top picks:

• Bichon Frise
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
• Pembroke Welsh Corgi
• West Highland White Terrier
• Beagle

Things you need to remember

Even though there are many benefits of owning a pet in retirement, there are still many things to consider ensuring a perfect match. According to Age Co, it is crucial to do your research, this includes finding a suitable breed, understanding their requirements, working out the vet costs and insurance.

It is important to plan ahead, think about animal care such as who will look after your pet if you go away for the day, where will they sleep, and will it fit in with your lifestyle?

Owning a pet is a wonderful experience and comes with both pros and cons, so it is important to weigh these up. At Richmond Villages, we welcome pets into our villages and believe they are part of the family.  If you would like to find out more about life in our villages, please get in touch on 01926 679502 or email us at [email protected].