Pets are wonderful. They give companionship, entertainment, unconditional love, and loyalty to their owners.

Pets are also becoming recognised for their therapeutic effects on people, emotionally, psychologically and physically.

Many studies have shown that the calming influence of animals (pets or those used for animal assisted therapies) can help to reduce high blood pressure, protect heart health, and more.

Animal Assisted Therapy

Here in New Zealand, animal assisted therapy connects animals and people through initiatives such as outreach programs. One such program operating from its base in Auckland is run by the SPCA in partnership with St John.
SPCA President Bob Kerridge believes strongly that animals provide wonderful therapy for the elderly and people with disabilities.  Therapeutic benefits include reduced feelings of depression, loneliness, boredom and anxiety. Outreach visits by fully trained volunteers and companion animals can be arranged for rest homes, nursing homes, private and public hospitals, day care centres, children's homes and hospices.  For more information, or to arrange an outreach visit, phone 09 256 7300. Currently the program is only available in Auckland, but Bob says information is shared with other centres that want to run similar programs.

Should you get a pet?

Outreach programs are a great alternative for those who don't or can't own a pet.  But for many people, pet ownership is the ultimate goal. Pet ownership can be rewarding in many ways, but it is a huge responsibility, requiring commitment and planning.  Think carefully when choosing a pet, especially if you are an older person, someone with a disability, or support someone who has extra needs. Talk with your family doctor, the local vet or the SPCA, who will be happy to help.

Disabled people and pets

Some pets have a dual role as assistance animals.  Depending on a person's disability and needs, they may have an assistance animal to help them.  In most cases this is a dog, although other animals such as horses, pigs and monkeys have been used.  Assistance animals are trained to perform many vital tasks and generally fall into one of five categories - guide animals, service animals, hearing animals, seizure alert animals, and social therapy animals.
People who have an assistance animal form a close lifelong bond with their helpers, often considering them to be a member of the family.  While these assistants are indeed loyal friends and companions, their first priority is to provide assistance to their owner.  Having a pet can be fun, providing hours of entertainment, stimulation and companionship.  The e-how website has a step by step guide to help those choosing a pet if there are mobility or disability needs in the household. While the guide is written for those selecting a pet for a child with physical disabilities, many of the suggestions apply to adults too.

Older people and pets

Many older people love pets and have often had one for a long time. As we get older, illness or disability can make it difficult to care for pets.  To a limited extent, the SPCA can help through initiatives such as its pet legacy program, where a person's pet is cared for in the event of the owner's illness or death.  Where keeping a pet permanently is not an option for an older person, the SPCA runs a senior foster program, where elderly pets are fostered out to older people.

The cost of caring for pets

For all the value they add to our lives, pets bring with them all kinds of costs, everything from food and time for exercise to grooming and veterinary care.  We have made a list of possible pet costs that we think every prospective pet owner should consider.

PET COSTS TO CONSIDER

For all the value they add to our lives, pets bring with them all kinds of costs.

  • Registration - for dogs.
  • Food.
  • Veterinary services - worming, fleas, vaccination, neutering, x-rays and operations.
  • Exercise - finding the time to exercise your pet, especially if it is a dog.
  • Training services for dogs.
  • Bedding and housing.
  • Fencing to keep dogs and other outdoor pets on your property.
  • Insurance.
  • Accessories - collars, leads, ID tags etc.
  • Grooming - shampoo, clippers, brushes, combs etc.

If you adopt a pet, ensure it is healthy. Giveaway pets can have problems which may eventually cost you more. Seek early advice from a vet.

  • Restrict yourself to just one pet. That way you can give it all the love and attention it deserves.
  • Buy cheaper brands of pet food but purchase it from a reputable store - a supermarket or your local vet.
  • Buy dry food as this generally works out to be cheaper.
  • Buy dry food in bulk. This usually brings down the cost.
  • Bake your own treats for dogs. There are countless websites with proven recipes for dog treats.
  • Make your own pet bed. Try old woollen blankets or jerseys; if you don't have any, visit your local thrift shop.
  • The Pet Hub recommends taking out pet insurance for anything unexpected. Premiums start from around $14.75 per month for cats and around $22 for dogs, but shop around, as packages vary.
  • Be prepared financially. Some owners have a bank account for their pet and deposit a regular amount each week to cover vet bills, worming, flea treatment and food. You could also set up regular payments at your vet clinic. That way you can build a credit account and good relationship with your vet before anything happens.