Any pet owner worth their salt knows that taking care of a pet is a lifetime commitment. However, for seniors who are facing difficult transitions during their golden years, this commitment can be put to the ultimate test. With increasing medical needs and mobility limitations to contend with, older adults often have to make the decision to explore senior housing options where they can get more comprehensive care and adequate assistance. Unfortunately, this makes for an uncertain future for their furry companions.

If you’re finding yourself in this situation, know that being parted from your beloved pet is not a foregone conclusion. In fact, there are considerations worth exploring that could ensure that you and your pet will have more years in companionable bliss.

What’s a Therapy Dog?

Therapy dogs provide comfort or a type of relief (improve emotional well-being) to those suffering anxiety, some type of mental or emotional disorder, depression stemming from a medical condition, etc. Basically, they are meant to make their handlers or general patients they visit feel good!