• Research tells us that companion animals, such as cats and dogs, can help improve our physical and mental health. By adopting and spending time with a shelter pet, you can experience the benefits of lowered stress levels and blood pressure.
• Cats and dogs provide friendship for lonely individuals and open opportunities for interacting with others, which an older person may miss, particularly if one’s family is far away.
• The company of a beloved pet has been proven to reduce depression.
• The quiet and doting home of a senior citizen is the perfect match for an older animal looking for a new home.
• Senior animals offer gentler, calmer companionship and often are already trained.
   

How the Program Works

FCHS is committed to years of companionship between you and your new furry friend. The Seniors for Seniors program removes the worry of financial commitment, allowing you to focus completely on the emotional rewards of adopting a pet in need.

Simply visit the FCHS shelter. Our Adoption Coordinators offer personalized assistance to help you pick the perfect senior pet for your lifestyle. They will also provide tailored advice for a smooth transition into your home. After adoption, we remain invested in your success! Our team will follow up to ensure your new cat or dog has settled in well and we look forward to hearing all about your new life together.
 

FCHS Provides Continued Support

Assurance in Case of Emergency

If you become unable to physically care for your new dog or cat due to long-term hospitalization or a stay in a nursing facility, you or a family member may return the animal to FCHS. We will provide foster care or, if requested, place the pet for re-adoption. Ensuring your pet is cared for in the event of your passing is an important step in pet ownership. Through this program, your pet can come back to the shelter.

Aid with Financial Commitments

If you find yourself having trouble managing the financial commitment of owning a pet, FCHS offers valuable resources:

• Community Pet Food Bank to help alleviate the expense of feeding your companion.
• Routine veterinary care is provided through our in-house veterinarian and paid for by FCHS. FCHS reserves the right to limit or restrict the amount of any award under this program. Extraordinary expenses will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.