Neighbor to Neighbor Network Brings Pets to Seniors

Last month, the Neighbor to Neighbor Network, funded in part by Partners for Health, hosted its first “Meet the Animals” event at the Felicity Towers housing for seniors. It was part of NTNN’s new Pets for Seniors program, which works with the Bloomfield Animal Shelter to give elderly and disabled Bloomfield residents the opportunity to foster a cat or dog.  

About 25 residents attended the event and three cats were adopted. “If you or anyone you know is interested in adopting, the Pets for Seniors program is a win-win situation for both the adopted and the adoptee,” said Shelter Volunteer Coordinator Stephanie De Santi.

Pets for Seniors is designed for those, who wish to have a pet but have limited incomes. NTNN takes away the burden of maintenance fees, delivering pet supplies such as food and cat litter to all participants and covering the cost of medical expenses for each animal. Shelter volunteers will also trim the animals’ nails once a month.  

Pets for Seniors started after one of NTNN’s elderly clients lost her son. “During her bereavement counseling, the client mentioned that her son loved cats and how the house was so lonely without him,” said De Santi. The client couldn’t afford to adopt a pet on her own so Paula Peikes, NTNN Director, contacted the shelter.

Peikes learned of an older cat who was abused its previous owner.  “The shelter was having trouble finding the cat a home because it needed a quiet and calm environment,” De Santi said. Peikes and the shelter collaborated so that the client could adopt the cat.

The client and her cat are now Pets for Seniors’ first success story. “Both the cat and the elderly woman are doing well. The cat now has a stable, caring home and the elderly woman found a loving companion,” De Santi said.

Peikes recounted the story to NTNN’s board, who supported the proposal for the new program. Pets for Seniors’ objective is to “bridge the gap between NTNN’s elderly/disabled clients and the animal shelter.”

One way the program benefits seniors is that it nourishes their sense of purpose. “Adopting a pet provides the senior or disabled individual with a companion,” De Santi said. “Frequently, as people get older, they have to rely on others for help.  Having a pet is a nice way for someone who is always a care-receiver to be the caregiver.”  

Shelter volunteers select which pets are adoptable to present as options for the seniors. Volunteers particularly look for animals who are older and calmer and therefore the best fit for seniors. “The shelter volunteers are very involved and know which animals are friendly and agreeable,” De Santi said. This system also benefits the animals. “It gives the older animals a chance to be adopted and for a one on one relationship with a caring individual,” De Santi said.

The program is open to residents who are at least 55 years of age or disabled. Applicants must also meet the following income criteria: one person must make under $1679 a month, $2268 for two people, $2857 for three people, and $3446 for a four person household. Each additional person must make less than $589 per month.

Those whose income doesn’t qualify may apply for a scholarship. During this process NTN’s scholarship committee, which is comprised of shelter volunteers and volunteers who serve Bloomfield's elderly, will then assess the applicant’s case to determine whether to grant the applicant admittance in the program. Exceptions may be granted based on financial hardship (due to causes such as medical bills) and the participant’s dedication to the animal.

Pets for Seniors advises that applicants consider a few precautions before deciding to apply. They suggest potential applicants first ensure that people who frequent their residence aren’t allergic to animals and that those who don’t own their homes have building policies allowing pets.

If participants are ever away from home, either to travel or for a hospital stay, volunteers can come to feed and care for the pets. However, those who are hospitalized often or take extended vacations may want to reconsider applying. “We also strongly encourage anyone interested in the program to consider if they’re capable of caring for a pet,” De Santi said. Additionally, if participants ever decide to return a pet for any reason, NTNN will accept the pets into the shelter.

Pets for Seniors will also help relieve overcrowding that often occurs in shelters. “The program also aims to reduce the number of animals at the shelter, especially over the summer when the number of cats tends to rise,” De Santi said. Pets for Seniors will distribute animals whenever qualified seniors want to receive their pets.

Pets for Seniors presents a viable option for those who wanted to adopt but may have previously questioned whether they had the means. “Pets for Seniors is an opportunity to help an animal.  The program allows clients to adopt an animal with minimal risk.  NTNN covers the costs of adoption and care,” De Santi said. “All in all, it’s a great way to give an animal a loving home.”

Anyone who’d like to support the Pets for Seniors program may make a donation to NTNN. They also welcome anyone who’d like to volunteer to support Bloomfield’s elderly and/or disabled and the shelter animals.

Those interested in fostering an animal through Pets for Seniors may contact Stephanie De Santi at 973-680-4017.