Purina Adoption Program for people 55+ 

Animal Humane Society in partnership with Purina offers adopters age 55 or older the opportunity to adopt a cat 4 years of age or older at no cost.

Pet companionship offers a multitude of benefits. As we age, it can contribue to a healthier outlook on life, promote a feeling of safety and improve health - including lowering stress and blood pressure.

How the 55+ adoption program works:

People 55 years of age or older may adopt a cat four years of age or older and the Purina adoption program will cover the adoption fee while funds are available. Simply print out your coupon at www.purina.com/petsfor55plus and redeem it at any of our five shelter locations. All cats are spayed or neutered, microchipped and vaccinated prior to adoption.  Limit one free cat per household.

Benefits of Pets for People 55+

• Independently living people that have pets tend to have better physical health and mental well-being than those that do not. (Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, May 1999)

• People with pets are better able to remain emotionally stable during a crisis than those without. (Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, May 1999)

• People who own pets can have significantly lower systolic blood pressure and cholesterol levels than those who do not. (American Journal of Cardiology, 1995)

• Pets help to fight depression and loneliness, promoting an interest in life and helping seniors stick to a regular daily routine. (Between Pets and People: The Importance of Animal Companionship)

• Pets help to lower health care costs. People with pets actually make fewer doctor visits, especially for non-serious medical conditions. (National Institute of Health Technology Assessment Workshop: Health Benefits of Pets)