Seniors

Senior Citizen Services

Animals are terrific friends. They energize our walks, enrich our solitude, make us laugh and bring us unconditional love and peace of mind. And to top it off, medical studies have shown that pets are - literally - good for our health!

At the Sacramento SPCA we want to ensure the continued relationship between our local area seniors and their pets so that each can maintain their special bond with the other. Although we offer many services to senior citizens in the greater Sacramento community, we are revamping our program and will be announcing several exciting new changes to our services. Among the changes you'll see are the offering of pet care workshops for seniors that will include grooming and health, behavior and training information and day-to-day care tips.

Here are just some of the benefits we offer to those age 60 and over:

Seniors for Seniors Adoptions - Adoptions fees are waived for seniors age 60 and over who adopt an animal age 5 and over. Click here to see our adoptable animals.

Other Adoption Discounts - 20% discount for seniors age 60 and over who adopt an animal under age 5. Click here to see our adoptable animals.

Gracie's Adoption Center Retail Store Discounts - 20% off items in our shelter retail store.

Dog Training Class Discounts - Take six one-hour dog obedience classes for only $49 (regular price: $95)! Click here to read about our training classes and register for them on-line.

Private Animal Behavior Consult Discounts - Do you have a dog with a behavior issue? Need immediate help? With a private consultation you and your dog will receive one-on-one attention to address your dog's behavior issue(s) and any training that may be applicable to your particular situation. By appointment only. One hour for $49 (regularly $60). Click here for information on our Behavior/Training Services.

Behavior Helpline - A free service offering assistance with dog and cat behavior topics. Calls will be reviewed and returned within 48 hours Tuesday through Saturday. Click here for information on our Behavior/Training Services or call (916) 383-7387, ext. 9148.

Love on Loan - Do you live in an active seniors community or know of a friend in a nursing facility that would benefit from a visit with a pet? Pet therapy has proven to reduce stress and our volunteers bring their own certified pets to senior and special care facilities to visit with residents and patients. For more information or to set up visits, call (916) 383-7387, ext. 9142.

Free Estate Planning Seminars/Pet Guardian Program - These seminars, offered quarterly, will review wills, trusts, probate and tax laws and will also include information about how to care for your pet in the event you are no longer here. Call our Development Office at (916) 383-7387, ext. 9105 for more information.

A Little Bit O' Honey

When Bill and Laurie Young's beloved 14-year old Corgi mix, Jodie, passed away, the couple thought they would never have another dog. But family members encouraged them, telling the Youngs they would never be happy without one. Laurie was watching a morning newscast when she saw the Sacramento SPCA's Pet of the Week segment featured. Laurie got into the SPCA website right away and noticed information about the SPCA's Seniors for Seniors progam where anyone over 60 may adopt a pet five years or older at no charge. "That was a big motivator for us," said Laurie. "It's not that we couldn't afford the fee, but we're on a fixed income, and a savings like this can make a real difference."

When they arrived at the shelter they talked to community services director Val Masters who asked the Youngs if they ever thought about a chihuahua. "We looked at each other and said, 'That's not a real dog!'" Laurie laughs. "But then Val told us all about Honey and we said we wanted to meet her."

Ten year old Honey was surrendered to the SPCA after her owner died and was placed in foster care to recover from a bout of kennel cough, but she was now healthy and ready for placement and staff members were on the lookout for just the right home. Masters had a hunch that Laurie and Bill were perfect. Needless to say, Honey was on her way home with the Youngs that very afternoon.

"She's been an absolute joy and a tremendous addition to our lives," says Laurie. "We call her our little blessing. She's just enhanced our lives!" Bill agrees completely. "Honey gets in bed with us at night and just flops on her back, throwing her head back," he says. "It's my job to rub her tummy. She's such a smart little thing."

There are many other senior animals at the shelter who, like Honey, are looking for their permanent home. Come down to the shelter today and meet your perfect match! The full version of this article originally ran in the Fall 2008 edition of Heartline magazine.