We’ve seen firsthand the joy our fluffier volunteers bring to the faces of the older people they visit – with their human owners, as part of our volunteer visitor program. So, it’s no surprise to us that pets create enormous benefits for their owners and other pet-lovers. Neither is it to Companion Animal Network-Australia (CANA).
Through its division ‘Pet Friendly Aged Care’, not-for-profit organisation, Companion Animal Network-Australia (CANA) is working to preserve the bond between older Australians and their furry, finned and feathered friends.
A 2023 survey confirmed Australia’s love for animals, yet only 18% of aged care facilities allow residents to keep pets. With improved mental health (86%) and companionship (75%) ranked as the top benefits, the need for more pet-friendly options and stronger aged care guidelines is clear.
Thankfully, CANA is keen to collect even more data on just how beneficial pets and animals are to humans’ wellbeing, particularly in aged care.
Their 2025 ‘Pet Friendly Aged Care Survey’ is happening right now to help them lobby government and the aged care sector in general once again, to encourage them to provide more pet-friendly options to support older people’s wellbeing.
Is there a need for more pet-love where you live? CANA have set up multiple surveys to suit your situation best, including retirement villages, in home aged care and aged residential aged care homes.
Take the survey now here at: https://petfriendlyagedcare.com.au/surveys/
