Pause. Let’s take a deep breath. You're a new empty nester or retiree
Does your next chapter include a pet?
Your last child has just moved out. You’re now an empty nester. In a few years you will retire or maybe you’re already retired. What does next chapter have in store for you? Our family dog, Jessy, passed away in 2022, and our household hasn’t been the same. But we have lots to consider if we want to get another dog. I wrote this article based on my own situation, I’m almost 60, five years from retirement, and very busy. Not sure we have time for a dog, but maybe later.
If you’re a worry wart who’s thinking……
“Will I have enough money to retire?”
Will we move?
Do I want to move? Do we downsize?
Do we travel? Can we afford to travel?
Do we live with one of our kids?
Do we want more pets? Can we afford another dog?
There’s Lots To Think About When The House Feels Emptier, Quieter, Cleaner, Without The Kids.
Empty nesting, early retirement or on-time retirement provides a certain amount of freedom for some and loneliness for others. Getting a new furry friend to keep you company – a dog or cat, which are obviously the most popular pets to own – are not the only ones, but the ones we are focusing on as kennel-friendly, four-legged “Spot” and “Garfield.”
Before dashing out to buy or adopt one of these furry cuties, think of the pros and cons of pet ownership in your late 50s, 60s and 70s.
Pet ownership in retirement: Pros and cons
Pet companionship in retirement:
Pets certainly bring love and companionship, but taking the emotions out of the decision, it’s important to look at the pros and cons as an empty nest and or retiree:
PROS
- Pets provide constant companionship and emotional support, which can be especially valuable during retirement when individuals may have more free time and seek social interaction.
- Routine and structure: Caring for a pet can help retirees establish a daily routine and sense of purpose, as pets require regular feeding, exercise, and attention.
- Increased physical activity: Owning a pet, particularly a dog, encourages regular physical activity through daily walks or playtime, promoting better health and fitness for retirees.
- Stress relief: Interacting with pets has been shown to reduce stress levels, lower blood pressure, and release endorphins, leading to improved overall well-being and mental health.
- Sense of responsibility: Having a pet can provide retirees with a sense of responsibility and meaning, as they become responsible for the welfare and care of their furry friend.
- Social connections: Pets can act as social catalysts, facilitating interactions with other pet owners in the community, such as during walks in the park or visits to pet-friendly places.
- Emotional support: Pets can be a source of unconditional love and emotional support, particularly during times of loneliness or life transitions, providing comfort and companionship.
CONS
- Financial considerations: Pets come with various expenses, including food, veterinary care, grooming, toys, and potential emergency medical costs. These ongoing costs may pose a financial burden for retirees on a fixed income.
- Time commitment: Owning a pet requires time and attention, including feeding, exercise, training, and regular veterinary visits. Retirees who prefer a more flexible or spontaneous lifestyle may find it challenging to meet these commitments.
- Travel limitations: Having a pet may limit the ability to travel freely, as arrangements must be made for their care and well-being while the owner is away.
- Health and mobility challenges: As retirees age, they may experience health issues or limited mobility, making it more challenging to care for a pet’s needs, such as walking a dog or cleaning litter boxes.
- Loss and grief: Pets have shorter lifespans than humans, and the loss of a beloved pet can be emotionally devastating, particularly for retirees who may have more time and emotional investment in their pets.
- Allergies and health concerns: Some retirees may have allergies or existing health conditions that can be exacerbated by pet dander or other allergens, making pet ownership less feasible.
- Lifestyle constraints: Certain types of pets, such as dogs, require regular exercise and social interaction, which may not be suitable for retirees with limited mobility or those who prefer a more low-maintenance lifestyle.
THINGS TO CONSIDER:
FINANCIAL ASPECT
To own a pet is quite expensive. To keep them strong, healthy, and happy they need the appropriate food, clean water at all times, and a good cozy shelter. They also require regular vaccinations, and parasite prevention. As they grow older, they tend to develop health issues that need medical attention. There should also be a budget for any possible emergencies or accidents your pets might encounter.
TIME
Pets require support and love. They can’t take care of themselves. Food needs to be prepared or purchased, clean water available at all times. They need to be walked and washed. Pets can be quite demanding of your attention. All these need your time and effort.
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Not all people are pet lovers, and your neighbors might be one of them. Your new dog may be a barker and there’s no way of knowing this ahead of time. Neighbors awakened by dogs barking late at night or scared by something prowling on their doorsteps, could really be annoyed. Not that we have to care too much about our neighbors, we pay the property taxes like everyone else. But if you live in a townhouse or a complex with other seniors, it might be tighter quarters. Training your pet is a must. Keeping them on a leash. Know the rules of your community for owning pets.
PLAN FOR CARE GIVING
Have a plan ready. You might travel for days and your pet cannot come with you. If you can’t leave your pet with a relative, friend or neighbor, find a trusted pet sitter. Pet boarding may be an option if your pet can handle it and you can afford it. My little Jessy was a little too aggressive for those places. She even got kicked out of doggy daycare. 😊[true story]
As a retiree, you are in your prime years. It’s important to plan for your pet’s care should you fall ill or pass away before he/she does.
SAYING GOODBYE
Pets, like human beings, don’t last forever, unfortunately. As we age, we get a little more emotional. Will you be able to handle the loss of your fur baby when the time comes?
OH, BUT ALL THE BENEFITS AND REWARDS
COMPANIONSHIP
Even retirees with family still around want something that makes them feel needed. Pets can easily form a bond and be attached to their owners. They love all the attention they get. Pets and owners share a mutual need for each other.
STRESS RELIEVER
Having a pet that suits your personality and lifestyle is a great way to help you relieve stress. Retirees who have health problems and need to sit more than be active, tend to overthink and imagine things more.
With a pet to cuddle and talk to, you can worry less, feel the love and not stress as much.
SOCIAL CONNECTION
In a community, there are pet lovers’ associations or clubs. You can be a part of these groups and be able to make new acquaintances. It is never too late to form friendships in our golden years with the help of our furry friends.
CURE TO LONELINESS
Oftentimes, you can hear pet owners telling amusing stories about their pets. Social media is sharing videos on how smart and hilarious their pets are. Watching and hearing these never fail to bring a smile to our face want to burst out laughing.
Pets are proven to be good therapists!
CAN MAKE YOU ACTIVE
Rather than waste the day hanging around the house in your pajamas (isn’t that what retirees do? Just kidding!), having a dog to walk is great exercise – gets you out of the house more times per day. And dogs get so excited to go for walks. Cats, too. I’ve seen a few on a lead in my neighborhood. They can help keep a routine. It’s so easy to walk away from routine once you’re retired, but a routine is gooD for us.
HAPPINESS
All these benefits of owning a pet boils down to one thing. To bring happiness!
COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH BUYING A DOG OR A CAT
- Purchase price: When buying a purebred or specific breed of dog or cat, there are costs involved. The price can vary greatly depending on the breed, lineage, and location, ranging from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.
- Breeder fees: If purchasing from a breeder, there may be additional fees for services such as health certifications, genetic testing, and registration papers.
- Vaccinations and medical examinations: Newly purchased dogs and cats will require vaccinations and a thorough medical examination to ensure they are healthy. These costs can include vaccinations against common diseases, deworming, and flea/tick treatments.
- Spaying/neutering: If the purchased dog or cat is not already spayed or neutered, there will be an additional cost to have the procedure done unless the breeder has already taken care of it.
- Microchipping: Microchipping is a common practice to ensure the pet can be identified if lost. This procedure usually incurs a one-time fee.
- Licensing and registration: Many jurisdictions require dog owners to obtain licenses and register their pets, which may involve a nominal fee.
- Training: Depending on the breed and individual needs of the dog or cat, training classes or private training sessions may be necessary, which can incur additional costs.
- Supplies and equipment: Purchasing essential supplies and equipment, such as food bowls, collars, leashes, beds, litter boxes, scratching posts, toys, and grooming tools, is an upfront cost for pet owners.
It’s important to note that the specific costs can vary depending on the location, the organization or breeder, the age and health condition of the pet, and the individual requirements or preferences of the pet owner.
COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH ADOPTING
- Adoption fee: Animal shelters or rescue organizations typically charge an adoption fee that helps cover the costs of caring for the animals, including medical expenses, vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and other necessary procedures. Adoption fees can range from nominal amounts to several hundred dollars, depending on the organization and the specific pet.
- Vaccinations and medical examinations: Similar to buying a pet, adopted dogs and cats will require vaccinations and medical examinations to ensure their health. These costs are usually included in the adoption fee.
- Spaying/neutering: In most cases, adopted animals are already spayed or neutered before being placed for adoption. This is often included in the adoption fee, but if not, there may be an additional cost.
- Microchipping: Many shelters or rescue organizations microchip the animals before adoption, which may be included in the adoption fee or available at an additional cost.
- Licensing and registration: Similar to purchased pets, adopted dogs may require licensing and registration in certain jurisdictions, which may involve a separate fee.
- Supplies and equipment: Adopting a pet still incurs costs for necessary supplies and equipment, such as food bowls, collars, leashes, beds, litter boxes, scratching posts, toys, and grooming tools.
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