Pets for the Elderly


The Anti-Cruelty Society’s Pets for the Elderly adoption program matches senior citizens with mature animal companions, bringing them both love and companionship for life.


WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR THE PROGRAM?

  • Any person sixty (60) years of age or older who can provide food, shelter and veterinary care for a companion animal.
  • Must live in a home/apartment that allows pets.
  • Dogs must be three (3) years old and cats can be any age to adopt through this program.
  • Our standard adoption requirements apply.

 The average annual cost of having a pet is $800.

 

WHAT UP-FRONT COSTS ARE INVOLVED?

  • The adoption fee is covered in part by The Pets for the Elderly Foundation, which includes: preliminary veterinary exam (including a feline leukemia test for cats and a heartworm test for dogs, de-worming medication), collar, leash for dogs, carrier for cats, a life-time I.D. tag and microchip/spay or neuter surgery identification chip, 15 days post-adoption veterinary care only  through our clinic located at 157 W. Grand in Chicago, Illinois.
  • Pet food, treats, toys, grooming supplies, a litter box and litter for cats are some of the costs involved with having a pet. These costs and veterinary care are also the responsibility of the adopter.  


OTHER HELPFUL INFORMATION:

When the adopter visits The Anti-Cruelty Society, attendants are in the adoption rooms to assist with choosing the best companion animal for them. Once the selection has been made, the adopter will be asked to complete an adoption questionnaire and then speak to an adoption counselor to review the information. If the adoption is approved and the animal has been spayed or neutered, the adopter will take their new pet home immediately.  If the animal has not been spayed or neutered, they will need to be return to the Society’s Clinic to pick up their new pet the following business day after the surgery has been performed. The clinic is located at 157 W. Grand, around the corner from the Adoption Center . 

Once becoming a part of this special program, seniors will receive periodic follow up phone calls from The Anti-Cruelty Society staff. We will continue to be interested in how the new relationship is working out. Questions from adopters are always welcome. The program administrator can be reached at (312) 644-8338 ext 313. Our Behavior Hotline specialists are also available at 312.644.8338 Ext. 343 or 315 to help adopters work through any issues they may be experiencing with their new animal companion or to answer any questions concerning the new situation.

This program is paid for in part by a generous grant from The Pets for the Elderly Foundation.