Rick and I grew up with dogs and love animals. After several years of married life, we decided to get a dog. Rick woke up the next day after our decision was made, looked down 34 stories from our apartment balcony and saw a man with an umbrella walking his dog in the pouring rain. When I got up the first thing he said was, "Let's get a cat." So we did. We ended up having over a period of 24 years two different cats: Jennifer and Sebastian (pictured above). We adopted them from the ASPCA in New York City. We loved them! We get asked by a lot of our readers should they get a pet in retirement? This is what we tell them.
Ultimately, getting a pet can bring a lot of joy and companionship in retirement, but it’s essential to weigh the responsibilities and make sure it aligns with your lifestyle and future plans. If you decide to do it, do it the right way or not at all. Their lives depend on it.
Pets, especially dogs and cats, can provide great companionship, reducing feelings of loneliness and giving a sense of purpose. There are a lot of health benefits. Studies have shown that pets can lower blood pressure, reduce stress, and improve overall cardiovascular health. Regular walks with a dog can help you stay active.
Having a pet can bring structure to your day with feeding, walks, and playtime, which can be beneficial in retirement. Walking a dog or visiting the vet can increase your social interactions with other pet owners and community members. Walk in the park on any day and you can witness people talking to dog owners. Pets require time and attention, and their needs can sometimes limit your flexibility, especially for travel plans. Pets aren't inexpensive. They come with ongoing costs for food, grooming, vet visits, and potential emergency care. All things to be seriously considered.
Your physical ability to care for a pet, especially as you age, can be a challenge. Larger or more active pets may require more energy and strength. Think about the lifespan of your pet and ensure you can commit to caring for it for its entire life. Also, consider what might happen if your health or responsibilities change. You'll need a backup plan if something precludes you from caring for your pet.
You need to ask yourself how active do you want to be in retirement? Are you planning to travel frequently? If so, do you have plans for pet care during your absence?
What type of pet do you both enjoy? Dogs, cats, birds, fish, and small mammals all have different care requirements. Do you have any allergies or aversions to certain types of animals? Do you have friends, family, or neighbors who can help care for the pet if needed? Whew, that sounds like a lot. It is a lot, because it's so important.
If you decide a pet might be too much of a commitment but still want animal interaction, consider alternatives such as: Volunteering at a local animal shelter or rescue organization; Fostering pets temporarily until they find permanent homes; Pet-sitting for friends or family members. It's a good test market to try out being a pet parent.
