She said it is also important the pets for elderly persons are reliable and well-trained. If one is considering a puppy, arrangements should be made for assisting the elderly person with appropriate obedience and house training. Gaughan said the size of the pet is not as important as the behavior of the pet. A poorly mannered pet can be frustrating for anyone, but an elderly person is more likely to be seriously injured should a pet jump up, get underfoot, bite or scratch. Even if the demeanor of a pet is carefully researched, and the animal is screened for disease, obtaining a pet without first consulting the elderly person is not a good idea.
Someone needs to be there to help with the potty training and obedience.
Pet selection needs to be a family decision, and the person who will ultimately be caring for the pet needs to be involved. There are several steps to take before selecting a pet for an elderly person. But once the process is complete, the new pet can be a wonderful companion. Pets can keep them from being lonely and can give them something to live for and look forward to. Pets provide owners with a sense of fulfillment and nurturing.