Skip to content

Pet project: animal companionship important for B.C.’s older adults

Adopting, fostering, volunteering or sharing life with a senior pet can bring immense benefits
web1_240325-living60-pets-elain_1
For Elain Genser, canine companionship is an important part of her life. Genser holds up paintings she has done of her past pets. (Samantha Duerksen/simplymastery)

As people enter their golden years, it can be as good a time as any to add companionship in life in the form of a furry friend.

Maybe you are still agile and active, looking for a pet to go on hikes with. Maybe you are looking more for a quiet companion who offers a gentle presence.

With age, there are important things to consider when looking to bring a four-legged friend into your life, but there are also many benefits.

Support local journalism today

Join thousands of other like-minded readers and sign up below to gain immediate & unlimited access to our news for the next 30 days – plus start receiving our newsletters.

Sign Up with google Sign Up with facebook

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Reset your password

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

A link has been emailed to you - check your inbox.



Don't have an account? Click here to sign up


Sam Duerksen

About the Author: Sam Duerksen

Since moving to Victoria from Winnipeg in 2020, I’ve worked in communications for non-profits and arts organizations.
Read more