The companionship of owning a pet is recognised as a benefit to older people, particularly those who live in a rural area and/or alone. As circumstances change it can be more difficult to provide the care that the pet may need. This could include regular walks, administering medication or visits to the vet. Anxiety over providing adequate pet care could cancel out all the positive pleasures.

Pet support provides:

• Volunteer transport and escorts for visits to vets
  
• Assistance to administer medication and treatments as prescribed by the vet
  
• Short term exercise for pet
  
• Links with fostering schemes during short absences (hospital/illness)
  
• Assistance during rehabilitation
  
• Bereavement counselling
  
• Help with purchasing of a new pet
  
• Links with agencies who can provide long term support