Home options dwindle for pet owners

More and more older Australians are embracing the benefits of pet ownership, but their furry friends are making it challenging when it comes to securing homes.

Senior Aussies are embracing the benefits of pet ownership, but their furry friends are causing huge challenges when it comes to securing a home.

For The Love of Pets Report, released Sunday by Australian Seniors, showed over half of Australian senior pet owners owned more than two pets and a further 32 per cent planned to get another one in the future.

However, their love of pets has caused increased challenges when it came to finding a home for seniors, with one in seven senior pet owners revealing they struggled to find a suitable rental property.

The report showed that over 50s are drawn to pet ownership, with 95 per cent of respondents agreeing it made a positive impact on their emotional wellbeing.

Older Australians embracing the benefits of pet ownership is causing them issues when finding appropriate housing.

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“The routine of caring for our pets is just one way we can feel a sense of joy and purpose,” Australian Seniors said.

A large proportion of senior pet parents also said their animal companions helped stave off loneliness and provided cognitive stimulation, helping them remember and concentrate better.

Pet ownership however poses additional challenges for renters who, according to Australian Seniors research, are twice as likely to struggle finding a suitable place to live.

The report revealed seniors wanted more pet inclusions in aged care residences.

Almost 70 per cent of senior renters with a pet find it difficult to find suitable housing to live in, compared to 34 per cent of homeowners, Australian Seniors revealed.

“While the benefits of pet ownership are extensive, looking after a pet can be stressful from time to time, especially as we age,” Australian Seniors said.

As Australians struggle with a tight rental market across the country, renters with pets have extra considerations that narrow down housing options.

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Over 60 per cent of senior pet owners said secure fencing was a key factor when choosing a home for their pets needs, with over half agreeing there must be a garden.

Homes with gardens and appropriate fencing are some of the challenges pet owners face when securing a rental.

Other challenges included having enough internal space as well as finding a pet-friendly building.

The research found that majority of seniors also wanted pet inclusions for residential aged care, retirement villages and/or rental accommodation for the elderly.

“As we navigate the later years of life, our affinity for pets ignites a unique sense of purpose and paves the way for fostering new friendships with fellow pet enthusiasts,” Australian Seniors said.

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Originally published as Home options dwindle for pet owners