For many older Australians, pets are more than just companions, they are family. They provide comfort, routine, and emotional support that can significantly improve quality of life. Yet despite the well-documented benefits of pet ownership, many aged care facilities remain hesitant or unable to accommodate residents with animals. New research from Companion Animal Network Australia’s (CANA) 2025 Pet Friendly Aged Care Survey highlights the gap between public attitudes and aged care policy, reinforcing the urgent need to make pet-friendly options more accessible.
The Importance of Pets in Aged Care
Pets have a profound impact on mental and physical wellbeing. The CANA survey found that 78 per cent of respondents believe pets improve residents’ health in aged care, and an overwhelming 86 per cent describe pets as “vitally important” in these settings. Companionship from animals can reduce feelings of loneliness, lower blood pressure, encourage physical activity, and even support social interaction between residents.
Trish Ennis, CEO of CANA, emphasises the emotional harm caused when older Australians are forced to give up a beloved pet. “Older Australians shouldn’t have to choose between care and companionship,” she says. The bond between a person and their pet is often lifelong, and the loss of that relationship can lead to stress, depression, and a decline in overall wellbeing.
Current Challenges
Despite the clear benefits, the survey revealed a startling reality: only 18 per cent of aged care facilities currently allow residents to have pets. Half of all surveyed facilities rated themselves low on pet-friendliness, and only 23 per cent reported having formal pet policies in place. This discrepancy highlights that while the value of pets is widely recognised, translating this understanding into practical, supportive policies remains a challenge.
Barriers to Pet-Friendly Aged Care
Several key factors contribute to the low uptake of pet-friendly policies in aged care facilities:
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Lack of Education: Forty-five per cent of aged care providers cited limited knowledge on how to manage pets in a facility setting as a barrier. Many staff are unsure how to balance resident needs with hygiene, allergies, and safety considerations.
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Insufficient Resources: Forty-two per cent of providers indicated they lack the resources to support pet ownership, including space, staff time, and equipment for care.
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Funding and Facility Design: Forty-five per cent mentioned that facility design and funding constraints make it difficult to accommodate pets safely. Infrastructure changes, such as outdoor areas, ramps, and safe play zones, require investment that some providers are unable to allocate.
The Home Care Gap
The challenge isn’t limited to residential aged care facilities. Older adults living at home also face significant barriers to caring for their pets. Among 325 respondents receiving government-funded Home Care Packages, only 9 per cent reported receiving any pet care support from their providers. This gap in services leads to serious consequences: 22 per cent of respondents admitted to delaying their own medical care because they lacked someone to look after their pet.
The most commonly requested support services included emergency fostering (91 per cent), dog walking (64 per cent), and assistance taking pets to the vet (59 per cent). Incorporating these services into programs such as the Commonwealth Home Support Programme and Home Care Packages could help older adults maintain their independence, health, and the bond with their pets.
Benefits of Pet-Friendly Aged Care
Evidence shows that pet-friendly facilities provide benefits beyond resident wellbeing. Homes that welcome pets often see stronger family connections, higher resident engagement, and greater community interest. Ennis highlights that pet-friendly policies are “not just good welfare – it’s good business.” Residents are happier, families feel more reassured about the care environment, and the overall atmosphere of the facility improves.
Furthermore, allowing residents to keep pets can prevent animals from being surrendered to shelters or euthanised, a serious welfare concern. By facilitating continued pet ownership, aged care providers can support both human and animal health simultaneously.
Steps Toward More Pet-Friendly Facilities
CANA’s Pet Friendly Aged Care initiative provides a range of resources for aged care providers, including sample policies and best-practice guidelines. These resources help facilities address common challenges by offering practical strategies for managing pets, ensuring hygiene, and supporting staff education.
Education and training for staff are key. When staff understand the positive impacts of pets on residents’ mental and physical health, they are more confident in implementing pet-friendly practices. Facility design modifications, such as outdoor play areas and secure enclosures, also make accommodating pets safer and more feasible.
Government support could further drive change. By including provisions for pet care in funding programs, facilities would have additional resources to manage the logistics of pet ownership, from infrastructure improvements to staff time for care. These measures would help close the gap between public demand and current policy.
The Public Perspective
The CANA survey makes it clear that Australians value pet companionship highly, even in aged care settings. With 86 per cent of respondents stating pets are “vitally important” and 78 per cent linking pets to improved wellbeing, there is strong public support for policy reform. Residents and their families want choices that allow them to remain connected with the animals that provide comfort, joy, and emotional support.
As the population ages, this issue will become even more significant. Many older adults rely on pets for companionship and routine, and being forced to give up these animals can have profound consequences for their mental and physical health. Bridging the gap between awareness and action is essential to ensure that aged care policies keep pace with public expectations.
Pets play a vital role in the lives of older Australians, providing companionship, comfort, and measurable health benefits. Yet the majority of aged care facilities remain restrictive, leaving residents with the difficult choice of giving up their animals or remaining at home without appropriate support. By addressing barriers such as education, resources, and facility design, aged care providers can make it possible for residents to enjoy the benefits of pet companionship. Government programs and funding should also adapt to support pet care in home-based settings.
The evidence is clear: pets improve wellbeing, reduce loneliness, and strengthen social connections for older adults. It’s time for aged care facilities across Australia to recognise this and implement policies that allow residents to keep their beloved animals. With the right support, infrastructure, and education, pet-friendly aged care is not only possible, it’s essential for the health and happiness of older Australians.
