Last Updated: November 4, 2025

The NHS have found that over 2 million people live alone, and over a million people can go over a month without speaking to friends or family members. With these eye opening statistics, there has never been a better time to invest in companion pets to mitigate issues like social isolation and loneliness. There are many benefits of pet ownership for the elderly, which we will explore in this article, and a charity who can support older pet owners.

Why pets are good companions?

During the winter, the elderly can feel more isolated, especially if they live on their own. Introducing a pet into a household can have many benefits, for example, pet owners have fewer documented health conditions compared to non-pet owners. Pet therapy, which involves scheduled visits from trained animals, can also promote physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being for seniors, particularly those in care homes. Not only are pets loyal, they also provide companionship. But what are the other benefits to pet ownership?

  • A friend to share life with: Pets provide warm, non-judgmental companionship, offering comfort and reassurance through life’s ups and downs.
  • Sense of Purpose and Structure: Caring for a pet can create a sense of purpose, giving owners meaningful daily responsibilities and routines, and enhancing their overall sense of well-being.
  • Better Cognitive Function: Engaging with pets can improve cognitive function and memory, especially in older adults with conditions like dementia. Some studies suggest that simply petting an animal can help stimulate memory recall and reduce confusion.
  • Increased Physical Activity: Pet owners, especially dog owners, tend to be more physically active. Daily walks and playtime provide gentle exercise that improves mobility and joint health.
  • A natural conversation starter and magnet for more social interactions: Walking a dog or simply talking about a pet often leads to conversations with others, promoting social interaction and reducing isolation, a major factor in mental health.
  • A sense of connection that eases feelings of loneliness and isolation.
  • Enhanced Mood and Reduced Depression: Pets provide emotional support, and interacting with animals can release oxytocin and serotonin, hormones linked to happiness and stress relief.
  • A link to treasured memories, such as those of a late spouse.

Which pets could older adults consider?

Certain animals make excellent pets for the elderly, offering valuable companionship. Here, we highlight the key species and breeds to consider when choosing a pet for a loved one.

  • Cats: They are independent animals that don’t require as much attention as dogs. Since cats can use a litter tray, they may be more suitable for people with limited mobility. Recommended cat breeds include:
    • Ragdoll
    • British Shorthair
    • American Shorthair
  • Dogs: They are more high maintenance than cats, requiring a walk at least once a day. Low energy, easy to train dogs are most suitable for the elderly, and many choose small dogs as companions. Top recommended dog breeds:
    • Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
    • Corgi
    • Pug
  • Fish: They are relaxing to look at and require little maintenance, only requiring the tank to be cleaned on a weekly basis. Coldwater fish, like goldfish and guppies, are most suitable as they are easy to source and maintain, and don’t require additional skills like tropical fish.
  • Other pets to consider:
    • Birds
    • Guinea pigs
    • Rabbits
    • Hamsters
    • Gerbils

About The Cinnamon Trust

The Cinnamon Trust was created to ensure that no one would ever have to face losing a cherished companion due to a terminal illness or age. Over the last 40 years, this compassionate vision has blossomed into a nationwide charity, providing comfort, companionship, and peace of mind to countless people and their pets.

How it all began

The Trust was founded in 1985 by Mrs Averil Jarvis MBE, inspired by the heartache she witnessed when elderly and terminally ill pet owners were forced to part with their beloved companions.

The Trust came to life during a deeply personal moment, as Mrs Jarvis said goodbye to her cherished corgi, Cinnamon, who passed away at 17 years old. It seemed appropriate to name the Trust in her memory. This loss deepened her commitment to supporting more owners to enjoy the special bond they have with their pets.

Averil Jarvis MBE: “In the early 80’s I realised that when pet animals were bereaved through the loss of their owners- they had to go. Often they were put into kennels and this upset them from a behavioural perspective. They would then appear to be aggressive- this only being the manifestation of fear-and would either be put to sleep or subjected to unsuccessful attempts at rehoming. I felt something had to be done.”

Honouring pets with medical needs with an equal lifelong promise

It quickly became evident that elderly pets and those with special medical needs faced greater challenges in finding a forever home that could meet their unique requirements. In response to this urgent need, Poldarves Farm was established in February 1988, providing a sanctuary where these deserving animals could find the love and care they deserved.

A few years later, in 2000, after overcoming numerous challenges, securing planning permissions, and engaging in extensive fundraising efforts, the Hillside Farm Sanctuary in Devon was purposely built to welcome more medically dependent pets into their new forever home.

What began in Averil’s home quickly blossomed into a team-led mission, leading to the establishment of The Cinnamon Trust Headquarters. On June 1, 2004, the team moved into this new building, which continues to be our home for all enquiries, decisions, and communications.

Throughout the years, The Cinnamon Trust has passionately advocated for pet companionship based on love and care, redefining the concept of “pet rehoming” into something entirely new. We remain dedicated to honouring the special bond and the privilege of being part of countless stories shared by people and their pets.

Our philosophy

For most owners, pets are more than companions—they’re family, trusted confidants, and daily partners in life’s moments.

They give us a reason to rise each morning and bring comfort in times of loneliness. Sometimes, they’re a cherished link to memories of loved ones.

We understand how special each pet is and how they make someone’s life brighter; and everything we do honours that.

Our philosophy is centered on love, care, and safety.

That’s why we never rely on kennels or catteries, ensuring every pet has a warm, home-from-home environment, returning the love they have shared and continue giving.

With a commitment to a care-centric philosophy, we adopt a granular approach to the registration process, meticulously capturing vital details about the owners, their beloved pets, as well as the volunteers.

This allows for each pet to be carefully matched with suitable volunteers and fosterers, creating a secure and nurturing environment for all.

Our mission and how we help

We deeply cherish the special bond between pet owners and their beloved companions and are dedicated to helping them enjoy each other’s company for as long as possible.

We provide hands-on assistance to older people and the terminally ill across the UK when any aspect of the day-to-day care of their pets poses a problem; as well as the provision of lifelong care for pets who outlive their owners.

There are 3 ways in which we can help:

Practical support: Helping owners with practical tasks, such as: dog walking, cat grooming, transporting pets to the vet/groomers, cleaning bird cages etc.

Short-term fostering: Our fostering volunteers offer loving homes for pets while their owners are in the hospital, ensuring care and comfort until they can be reunited.

Forever Fostering: Finding loving forever homes for pets whose owners profiled them with us, and have either moved into residential care or, sadly, passed away. We are dedicated to ensuring their care by either matching them with a suitable new home or welcoming them into one of our loving sanctuaries.

For all pets entrusted to us we:

  • cover costs for all veterinary expenses
  • cover costs for all specialised diets
  • maintain ongoing support with forever fosterers
  • have a 24/7 emergency hotline

Our sanctuary pets have live-in staff to care for their needs, home-cooked meals and the ultimate comfort of a home with a free and open environment.

Support for you and your pet

Whether you need help walking your dog, taking your pet to the vet, or finding short-term fostering during your hospital stay, we’re here to lend a helping hand. Dogs, tortoises, horses, or any pet you call family—you love them, and so will we!

Our support comes at no cost to those we help because it’s made possible by the heartfelt gifts of others who contribute to our circle of giving.

Let us help you and your pet:

Fill out our simple form and we’ll get in touch: https://tally.so/r/nWpPWJ

Or you can speak to one of our friendly team members.

We’re available Monday to Friday, from 10 AM to 4 PM: 01736 757 900

Ways you can support

The Cinnamon Trust thrives through a vast network of volunteers and supporters, united by the kindness and love we share for—and receive from—our pets; we lovingly refer to this as our Circle of Giving.

Our community gives back to us in more than one way, and here are the ways you can get involved:

  • Become a volunteer: Discover the different ways you can volunteer and how you can help.
  • Become a member: Become a member, support our mission, and be part of something special.
  • Events & Fundraising: Learn about our fundraising activities, how to set up your event, and find out about the support we offer.
  • Fostering a pet: Open your heart and home to one of our pets, whether for a short stay or a lifetime.
  • Leave a legacy in your Will: Access our Free Will service and discover how a gift in your Will contributes to our legacy.
  • Corporate Sponsorship: Build a meaningful partnership with the only UK charity dedicated to helping older people, the terminally ill and their pets.
  • CT100: Lottery: Discover our monthly lottery, its impact, and how you can participate.
  • Donate: Support our mission to help owners and their pets by making a donation.