Retirement can be a great time to own a pet for all kinds of reasons, and many animals make ideal pets for the elderly, particularly if they live alone. A pet can offer companionship, reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness, help you stay active, and in so many ways improve your physical and mental wellbeing.

Lots of older owners say their pets help them enjoy life, reduce stress levels, make them feel loved, and give them a sense of purpose. And of course, there are the human traits that we naturally project onto  the animals we share our homes with, which likely strengthens our bond with them more than we realise.

Of course, there are several factors older adults should consider before choosing a pet — some relate to the animal itself, while others depend on the needs and lifestyle of the potential owner.

Let’s look at some of the most popular choices, together with a couple that might seem a bit unusual, and think about the possible pros and cons.

A dog?

Choosing a dog as a pet will depend to some degree on how mobile you are, or perhaps you would like to be with a little encouragement from a King Charles Spaniel, say, or a West Highland White Terrier. Smaller dogs like these enjoy plenty of walks, though not as much as would a bigger popular breed like a retriever or a Labrador.

Could you keep up with the regular exercise routine? Then there are expenses like vaccinations, vet bills and insurance.

Why not adopt a dog? There are always plenty that are looking for a caring new home. Try the Dog’s Trust for more information.

A cat?

In order of pet preference, cats come second to dogs, which might have something to do with their natural independence, if not to say the streak of indifference they sometimes display.

That said, at least a cat will take care of its own exercise needs – when it’s not curled up asleep somewhere warm. (They do sleep a lot.)

It’s even been shown that owning a cat can reduce the risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular diseases, but you will need to clean their litter tray.

A few fish?

You may not be surprised to hear that a few little fish swimming around in a lighted tank can be calming and mood-enhancing. Without doubt, a very easy, low-maintenance pet option.

They don’t need walks, they’re inexpensive (unless you go for something exotic), don’t eat a lot or require much care – though they do like a reasonably spacious tank with a proper water filter and air pump, and nice little toys to look at.

Be aware that different species do need different temperatures and pH balances, so check up on the breeds you’re interested in.

A bird (or two)?

A small companion that sings to you, costs little to feed, and is content to live in a cage, makes pet birds a popular choice for many older people who live alone.

Budgies, being sociable, are best kept in pairs, but parakeets, canaries and cockatiels will twitter away, happy just to have you for company and enjoy some social interaction.

Larger birds like parrots and macaws can be characterful and highly entertaining, but do need more space, food, attention and a larger cage. And they’re fairly vocal!

Other potential pets for seniors.

These could include guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, and a tortoise – it really is all a matter of personal preference, though each will need its own appropriate level of care, which might depend on its owner’s domestic circumstances and degree of fitness.

The important thing, though, is that your pet can impart a beneficial sense of warmth, companionship and wellbeing, rather like the one you discover when moving to a beautiful new home at Finch House.

And yes, you can take your pet with you.