We are so happy that you have chosen to adopt a senior companion animal from Rancho Coastal Humane Society (RCHS). RCHS’s Seniors-for-Seniors Adoption Program was developed to help senior humans rediscover the joys of having a cat or dog in their lives, and the program places senior cats and dogs (typically over 7 years of age) with senior citizens who are 60 years of age or older.
RCHS’s adoption counselors will help you select a companion animal that fits into your lifestyle and housing situation. Your adoption fee of $75.00 will be paid by an RCHS donor who chooses to remain anonymous.
Benefits of adopting
- Research tells us that companion animals, such as cats and dogs, can help improve our physical and mental health. By adopting and spending time with a shelter pet, you can experience the benefits of lowered stress levels and blood pressure.
- Cats and dogs provide friendship for lonely individuals and open opportunities for interacting with others which an older person may miss, particularly if one’s family is far away.
- The company of a beloved pet has been proven to reduce depression.
- The quiet and doting home of a senior citizen is the perfect match for an older animal looking for a new home.
- Senior animals offer gentler, calmer companionship and often are already trained.
Post-adoption support
- We want to make sure you and your new cat or dog are doing well, so after you take your new best friend home, we will reach out to learn how your new cat or dog has settled into your home. We love pictures and invite you to share stories!
- If you become unable to take care of your new dog or cat, due to long-term hospitalization or stay in a nursing facility, you or a family member may return the animal to RCHS for re-adoption.
- If you need our help in preparing a Pet Trust (designating someone to care for your pet should you die first), we can provide you with referrals to lawyers who specialize in estate planning and offer discounts to RCHS adopters.
- If you find that you are having trouble managing the financial commitment of having a pet, you can participate in our Community Pet Food Bank, which occurs every Saturday from 9am-11am here at RCHS and offers free pet food and supplies on a walk-up, first come-first serve basis.
- If you find that you are incurring veterinary expenses in caring for your senior companion that you cannot afford, you may qualify for additional financial support through our Veterinary Care for Seniors Program.
At Rancho Coastal Humane Society, we focus on the importance of human-animal bonding, and we hope you enjoy years of companionship with your “furbaby.” The Seniors-For-Seniors Program is meant to make it easy for you to make an emotional commitment, without the stress of a financial commitment you may not be able to maintain in your golden years.