A missed opportunity for care: why pet-friendly aged care still lags behind public expectations

Australians overwhelmingly agree that pets belong in aged care. Yet despite 96% of people believing residents should be allowed to have an animal companion, most facilities still don’t.

New findings from Companion Animal Network Australia’s (CANA) 2025 Pet Friendly Aged Care Survey reveal a widening gap between public sentiment and sector practice. While 86% of respondents said pets in aged care are “vitally important”, external data indicates that only 18% of facilities allow them.

“The emotional harm of being forced to give up a beloved animal is profound. Older Australians shouldn’t have to choose between care and companionship,” says Trish Ennis, CEO of CANA, a national animal welfare charity and advocacy group representing member organisations across the country.

The 2025 survey attracted 2,846 responses — more than double the number from 2023 — yet results remain strikingly similar. Seventy-eight per cent of respondents believe pets improve mental and physical health in aged care settings. “From our survey, half of all facilities rated themselves low on pet-friendliness, and 23% have formal pet policies in place,” says Ms Ennis.

“At the same time, 96% of Australians believe residents in aged care should be able to have pets, suggesting a widening gap between public attitudes and the realities of aged care policy and practice,” she adds.

“Both facilities and residents understand how important pets are to health and happiness, but the sector still struggles to turn that understanding into action.”

In-home care still falling short

Like in 2023, the latest survey found companionship and reduced loneliness remain the most valued benefits of pet ownership. But older adults receiving in-home care continue to face major barriers.

“Of the 325 respondents receiving in-home care, only 9% are receiving pet care services from their current aged care package provider,” says Ms Ennis. The most requested services were emergency fostering (91%), support with walking (64%) and help taking a pet to the vet (59%).

Concerningly, 22% of respondents said they had delayed personal medical care because they did not have anyone to look after their pet.

“The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) and HCP should include provisions for pet care to help people stay healthy and at home for longer and help to prevent animals from being euthanised or surrendered to shelters,” Ms Ennis says.

Barriers and business potential

According to CANA, providers cite a lack of education (45%), resources (42%) and funding for facility design changes (45%) as the main barriers to becoming pet-friendly.

“Education and understanding are key,” says Ms Ennis. “Facilities that welcome pets see happier residents, stronger family connections and greater community interest. It’s not just good welfare – it’s good business.”

Through its Pet Friendly Aged Care initiative, CANA provides resources including sample policies, risk assessments and best-practice guidelines to help residential aged care providers and home care services manage pets safely and compassionately.

“As our population ages, keeping people and pets together is an essential part of maintaining both physical and mental health,” says Ms Ennis. “The evidence is clear – pets are good for people. Now it’s time for aged care to catch up.”