Introducing Animal Grant Assistance for Seniors

NPR recently reported that by 2030, 1 in 6 people will be 60 or over. Think about that for a minute...it's kind of amazing. The diverse needs of this segment of our population will dominate world change.

 Sage Compassion for Animals' Grant Assistance Program for Seniors will specifically allocate funding for folks 65 or older with companion animals in need of urgent medical care, and who meet our qualifications. Our qualifiers are a combination of financial (for the pet parent) and veterinary (for the pet) requirements.

As the rapidly growing senior population increases, we estimate a significant resource need for this group. The Human Animal Bond Research Institute states, "Over half of adults over 50 have at least one pet. Research has shown that pet ownership can provide important forms of social and emotional support for older adults that can reduce distress, loneliness and improve overall quality of life. One study found that strong attachment to a pet was associated with less depression among older adults."

In addition, many seniors have pets that also serve as service animals, emotional support pets, and end of life companions. Suffering the loss of a companion animal late in life can be devastating.

Keeping seniors and their pets together as an alternative to euthanasia or surrender if a veterinary emergency develops is an act of compassion and care. Our new program will not only provide resources, but also outreach to senior communities throughout the SF bay area.

We are currently in the funding and outreach phase of the program. If you know of a senior community that could benefit from this program, please reach out to me at lcoscino@sageC4A.org. If you are interested in helping to fund this program, just click here.