Pets are known as beloved companions that provide entertainment, company, and in some cases, protection. Outside of these common pet characteristics, are benefits that can enhance any senior’s lifestyle and well-being. For a senior, a pet can help reduce stress, lower blood pressure, ease loneliness, and in some cases increase physical activity. For example, by owning a dog, physical activity and social interactions may increase from active dog walking and conversations with other pet owners.

With the many benefits that pets can offer seniors, it is worth exploring the different types of animals that would be the best fit. Animals like certain dogs, cats, fish and birds make great pet companions for seniors due to their size and maintenance level. Also, depending on your lifestyle, there are certain breeds that would suit you best.

How to Choose a Pet

To make selecting a pet easier, we created a guide to help you find the best pet companions for seniors. Start by using the flowchart to find the best type of animal that will match your lifestyle. After you’ve found your match, browse through the most popular breeds by animal type below. Keep in mind that there are other factors to consider when selecting a pet such as financial capabilities, whether or not the pet is available in your area, and more.

Pet Supplies & Health Products Online Store with Free Shipping in USA

Browse through the pet types by scrolling down or clicking on each symbol within the flowchart.

Dog Breeds for Seniors

Dogs make the perfect pet companions for active seniors. Since dogs require regular exercise, they’re perfect for those who would like to implement more active lifestyle choices into their daily routines.

When choosing a dog, be sure to choose a breed that fits your lifestyle. That’s why we’ve picked the top five dog breeds for seniors including: Scottish Terriers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Corgis, Pugs, and Maltese. These breeds are known for their easy temperaments, low-maintenance qualities and petite sizes. In addition to these factors, you’ll also want to consider the age of the pet you’ll want to adopt since younger pups will require more attention and senior dogs may already be trained and are less active.

DOGS

SCOTTISH TERRIER

Lifespan: 12-15 years

Size: 10-11 inches | 18-22 lbs

Colors: Black, Brindle, Wheaten

Personality: Cheerful, affectionate, and alert. They serve well as barking watchdogs and require at least an hour of exercise daily. Recommended for experienced dog owners.

CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL

Lifespan: 9-14 years

Size: 12-13 inches | 13-18 lbs

Colors: Black & Tan, Tri-color, Blenheim, Ruby

Personality: Intelligent, obedient, and are easily trained. They are sweet and gentle enough around children and are great for novice dog owners.

CORGI

Lifespan: Lifespan: 12-14 years

Size: 10-12 inches | 22-31 lbs

Colors: Fawn, Black & Tan, Black & White, Red, Blue, Sable

Personality: Playful, outgoing, and obedient. They are easy to train and adaptable to either country or city life.

PUG

Lifespan: 12-15 years

Size: 10-13 inches | 14-18 lbs

Colors: Fawn, Black

Personality: Intelligent, obedient, and are easily trained. They are sweet and gentle enough around children and are great for novice dog owners.

MALTESE

Lifespan: 12-15 years

Size: 8-10 inches | 6-9 lbs

Colors: White

Personality: Affectionate, playful, and intelligent. They don’t like being left alone and are active indoors, following loved ones or playing with toys.

Cat Breeds for Seniors

Cats make great pets for seniors who prefer to stay home and relax. Since cats have a naturally high metabolism, indoor playtime is generally enough exercise for them.

When choosing a cat, choose a breed that aligns well with your lifestyle. The cat breeds we’ve found that are best for older adults include: American Shorthair, Burmese, Himalayan, Munchkin, and Persian. These five cat breeds were chosen since they are affectionate and are moderately active, at most. To keep your cat healthy and stimulated, make sure to provide them with multiple toys.

CATS

AMERICAN SHORTHAIR

Lifespan: 15-20 years

Size: 10-14 inches | 10-16 lbs

Colors: White, Silver, Cameo, Black, Brown

Personality: Easy-going cats that don’t demand much and are low maintenance. They are intelligent and moderately active as well.

BURMESE

Lifespan: 10 - 17 years

Size: 14-19 inches | 9-13 lbs

Colors: Sable, Champagne, Platinum, Blue

Personality: Curious, playful, sociable, and active cats. They can be slightly demanding and don’t like being left alone for extended periods.

HIMALAYAN

Lifespan: 15-18 years

Size: 10-12 inches | 8-13 lbs

Colors: Seal, Blue, Chocolate, Lilac, Flame, Tortie, Cream

Personality: Affectionate, calm, and easy-going cats. They aren’t as active as other breeds and don’t need constant attention.

MUNCHKIN

Lifespan: 12-14 years

Size: 7-8 inches | 5-9 lbs

Colors: Every color

Personality: Playful, outgoing, and moderately active. They are affectionate, people-oriented, and love to cuddle.

PERSIAN

Lifespan: 10-18 years

Size: 10-15 inches | 7-11 lbs

Colors: White, Silver, Golden, Shaded, Smoke, Tabby

Personality: Laid back, affectionate, and shy. They are best kept inside at all times and have a low activity level.

Bird Breeds for Seniors

If you prefer less cleanup and would like to enjoy lovely sounds within your home, birds are a great choice. Birds can sometimes be taught to whistle or speak depending on the breed.

The bird breeds we’ve included share a sociable personality, so they should ideally be kept in pairs. The bird breeds that are best for seniors are: Budgies (Parakeets), Canaries, and Zebra Finches. Each breed is available in a variety of colors and only require the space of a medium sized cage or larger.

BIRDS

BUDGIE (PARAKEET)

Lifespan: 5-8 years

Size: 6-8 inches

Colors: Every color

Personality: Very sociable, friendly, active, and intelligent birds. They are easy to care for and easy to train.

CANARY (PARAKEET)

Lifespan: 5-10 years

Size: 4-8 inches

Colors: Yellow, White, Green, Blue, Cinnamon, Fawn

Personality: Very sociable, active, and friendly birds. They are easy to maintain and train and are generally quieter than other birds.

ZEBRA FINCH

Lifespan: 2-5 years

Size: About 4 inches

Colors: Grey, Fawn, White, Beige, Cream, Dark Cream, Charcoal

Personality: Active and best in pairs or small groups. They shouldn’t be handled or allowed out of their cage and can’t be taught to talk or do tricks.

Fish Breeds for Seniors

For a pet that doesn’t make any noise and has a relatively easy cleanup compared to others, opt for a fish. Watching fish swim around in an aquarium actually reduces stress, according to IFLSCIENCE.

FISH

SIAMESE FIGHTING FISH (BETTA)

Lifespan: 3-5 years

Size: 2.8 inches

Colors: Every color

Personality: Peaceful depending on their tankmates. They’re aggressive towards other bettas and other large-finned fish. It is best if they are kept in their own tank away from other fish.