If you’ve been looking for a reason to get a pet – this is it

Older Aussies are being encouraged to open their hearts and homes to a new family member of the furry variety, as experts claim pet ownership can do wonders for the mental and physical health of seniors.

There’s no denying that we’re a pet-loving nation. According to the RSPCA there are over 29 million pets in the country, and perhaps unsurprisingly, 60 per cent of dog and cat owners say their pet is considered a member of the family.

But the benefits of having a pet in your life go much further than bringing a smile to your face on a bad day. Jessica Guilfoyle, assist charity and events coordinator at PETstock says they’re proven to improve everything from cardiovascular health to psychological and immune system illnesses.

In fact, a study by found that simply walking a dog could help lower body mass index, resulting in reduced risk of heart disease and stroke. They can also help people overcome loneliness, stay focused and provide routine to the day, something that many over-60s miss after they retire.

However, if you don’t have the lifestyle to accommodate a dog, Guilfoyle says there are plenty of other animals that can assist in similar ways.

“If you have chickens you still have to walk down to the chook pen in the backyard every day to pick up eggs or change the water,” she says. “[Even] small animals like a guinea pig like to spend time out in the yard playing as well. It’s a bit of extra exercise, plus vitamin D.”

Meanwhile, on a social level, Guilfoyle says people experience an increase in interactions when they have a pet, which in turn leads to a better quality of life and mood overall. Whether you make connections with your neighbours on your daily walk with the dog, or build friendships on a visit to the vet, pets get you out and about in the community.

A study published in Plos One found pet ownership is a significant factor for facilitating social interaction and forming friendships in neighbourhoods. The research revealed pet owners were significantly more likely to get to know people in their local area than non-pet owners. Meanwhile, around 40 per cent of pet owners reported receiving social support from people they met through their pet.

However, if you’ve only just started thinking about adding a pet to your family, Guilfoyle says you should first weigh up your options and consider what animal will best suit your lifestyle. Although dogs and cats are obvious choices, she suggests considering different animals as well such as chickens, lizards, snakes and guinea pigs.

“If you live on a farm or a larger property, then chickens, goats and horses are fantastic companion animals,” she says. “For those who are a little less mobile, then you could consider an older greyhound; they just love to snuggle on the lounge, or an older type of cat.”

PetRescue co-founder Vickie Day has seen firsthand the incredible bonds that form when new owners open their mind and adopt differently, and encourages others to follow their lead.

“A lot of people start their search for a new pet with a certain type, breed, or age in mind,” she says. “However, your perfect match might not be the pet you think.”