Pets are essential to the quality of life of many senior citizens.
Pets are often the only companionship the elderly have, their only reason for getting up in the morning. A dog can give a senior citizen a sense of purpose as well as companionship. Studies have shown that persons with pets live longer, healthier lives with fewer medical expenses than those who do not have pets. Pets are even being introduced into nursing homes for their therapeutic benefits. If a senior citizen has to move into municipal housing that does not allow pets, another home is not always available for the pet.