A new national survey reveals a significant gap between recognition and reality when it comes to pet ownership among Canadian seniors. While the overwhelming majority understand the benefits of animal companionship, less than half actually share their homes with pets.
The Recognition-Reality Gap
According to an Ipsos poll conducted from July 30 to August 11, 2025, an impressive 84% of Canadians aged 55 and older acknowledge the mental health advantages of having pets. However, only 44% currently own a pet, highlighting a substantial disconnect between understanding benefits and taking action.
The survey, which involved 1,501 Canadians aged 18 and older, carries a credibility interval of +/- 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20. The research was commissioned by HomeEquity Bank to better understand senior living patterns and preferences.
Barriers to Pet Ownership
Financial concerns emerged as the primary obstacle, with 25% of respondents citing expense as their main reason for not having a pet. Age-related worries followed closely, with 21% identifying age as a barrier to pet ownership.
Philip Tedeschi, a University of Denver professor and founder of the Institute for Human-Animal Connection, explained the hesitation many older adults experience. "One of the hesitations that many older adults have is that they're concerned that if they were hospitalized or if they pass away, or even other absences like just even travelling, that they may have difficulty properly caring for those animals," Tedeschi noted.
Physical safety represents another significant concern. "The other documented reason is that some companion animals increase the risk of things like taking a spill, taking a fall. And so dogs are a little bit more risky in that regard than cats," Tedeschi added.
Proven Benefits of Pet Companionship
Despite these barriers, the benefits of pet ownership for seniors are well-documented and substantial. The Ipsos poll found that 49% of pet owners over 55 experience vital physical health benefits, including increased exercise and lower stress levels.
"These include everything from reducing blood pressure, reducing cortisol levels, increasing physical activity, improved cardiovascular health," Tedeschi emphasized. "Persons who have a dog, for example, are much more likely to get up and out of their house and moving around. In fact, we know that those individuals have greater longevity in most circumstances."
The social and emotional advantages are equally compelling, with 80% of Canadian pet owners over 55 reporting increased socialization and emotional support. Tedeschi highlighted how pets facilitate human connections: "So somebody's much more likely to have social interaction with other people when they have a dog with them. That's why a lot of us know our neighbour's dogs names before we know our neighbours."
Practical Solutions for Senior Pet Ownership
Innovative approaches are emerging to help seniors overcome barriers to pet companionship. "We've seen older adults who share a pet with another friend so that they can have a safety plan in case they were unable to take care of their pets and as a result feel a little bit more assured," Tedeschi revealed.
For those not ready for full-time commitment, pet sitting through platforms like Rover, Canada's largest pet-loving community, offers an alternative. "One of the things the Rover program does is it provides the confidence and support so we can have a companion animal safely and care for them properly," Tedeschi explained.
Choosing the right pet also makes a significant difference. "Dogs may require a little bit more active care," Tedeschi advised. "And yet cats are living comfortably and in good shape in relatively small apartments." He recommends starting with local shelter experts who often provide ongoing support, including veterinary care and transportation assistance.
The research underscores that while practical concerns are valid, the profound benefits of pet companionship for Canadian seniors warrant creative solutions to bridge the gap between recognizing advantages and experiencing them firsthand.
