FOR many older Australians, a beloved pet is more than just a companion – it is family.
But growing financial pressures, health challenges and the transition into aged care are forcing some seniors to make the heartbreaking decision to surrender their four-legged friends.
Now, a leading national animal welfare organisation is calling for greater support to ensure older Australians are not forced to choose between receiving the care they need and keeping the animals they love.
Companion Animal Network Australia (CANA) has highlighted the growing problem in its 2025-26 Impact Report.
The report reveals that thousands of animals continue to be surrendered each year, often because of circumstances that could potentially be prevented.
The report found CANA member organisations facilitated 12,769 adoptions and reunited 3518 lost animals with their owners during the past year.
Importantly, community support initiatives, including affordable veterinary care and emergency boarding, helped more than 60,000 animals remain in their communities rather than enter shelters.
However, the findings also revealed a concerning increase in animal surrenders, which accounted for 32 per cent of animals entering member organisations’ care, compared with 25 per cent the previous year.
Housing insecurity and rental restrictions were responsible for 16 per cent of pet surrenders, while financial hardship and health challenges were also identified as contributing factors.
For older Australians, these pressures can become particularly difficult when downsizing, managing illness or transitioning into residential aged care.
CANA’s 2025 Status of Pets in Aged Care Survey found an overwhelming 96 per cent of respondents believed aged-care residents should be allowed to keep pets.
The findings have strengthened calls for more pet-friendly aged-care facilities, funded in-home pet-care assistance and practical support to prevent unnecessary separation between seniors and their companion animals.
