Senior pets rehoming program

Pets make great companions, especially for our older residents.

But as your pace of life becomes less frantic, perhaps you’d like a companion animal that is a little less chaotic than a puppy or kitten!

The Senior Pets program is a wonderful way to match older residents with animals that are a better match for their stage of life.

This initiative gives older animals, who are typically harder to rehome, a better chance of finding a second lease on life.

How does the program work?

Senior residents can register their interest in being part of the program through council. To be eligible for this program you must hold a Seniors Card (pension and health care cards are not acceptable).

Once all other avenues of finding a home for an animal have been exhausted, council will contact those on the register to see if they’re interested in adopting the pet.

These animals will be free of charge and seniors won’t have to pay for desexing, microchipping or registration fees.

Council will also try to match animals with seniors based on the qualities they are looking for in a pet.

Inclusion on the register is for 12 months, so make sure you reapply if you want to continue to be considered for an older pet.

Register your interest form

Benefits of pets for older residents

Pet ownership is rewarding and fulfilling for all ages, but there are well-documented benefits for older people.

Not only do pets provide company, they can also improve a person’s physical and mental health, maintain or improve mobility through walking, reducing stress and blood pressure and lead to a greater sense of connection by being out in the community.