Pet adoption brings companionship and purpose to empty nesters

For many Canadians, the “empty nest” stage of life brings a touch of quiet. For some parents, this new chapter brings freedom, but for others it can also bring loneliness. With children grown and busy with their own lives, parents may find themselves looking for new ways to fill their days with purpose and joy. If you’ve been thinking of adopting, welcoming an animal into your life can fill your heart, and your home. 

Empty nesters typically have the time to provide the love and stability pets need and, in return, they gain unwavering loyalty and countless heartwarming moments each day. Caring for a furry family member weaves joy back into daily routines, while research shows pet parents are 158% happier than the average Canadian. 

Here are just a few of the benefits of having animals in your life: 

• Companionship: A pet’s unconditional love eases loneliness and fills quiet moments with comfort. 

• Routine and purpose: Feeding, walking, and caring for an animal brings structure to daily life and a renewed sense of purpose. 

• Physical health: Regular walks or playtime encourage gentle, consistent activity that supports healthy aging. 

• Mental health: Pets are known to help increase happiness in their pet parents, with reduced stress and improved overall well-being. 

• Social connection: Pets are wonderful icebreakers, helping their parents feel more connected to neighbours and their community. 

• Lifestyle: Senior pets, in particular, are calm, steady and typically already trained, making them an ideal fit for adopters 55+. Learn more about the benefits of adopting a senior pet. 

If adoption isn’t an option right now, fostering is another wonderful way to help. Fostering gives animals a safe and loving environment while also providing their temporary caregivers with companionship and a deeper connection to their community. 

Learn more about becoming a foster volunteer. 

iAdopt: Furever Homes 

From Sept. 26-28, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is hosting a special adoption event to place as many animals as possible into new homes, with a special emphasis on creating perfect matches between our senior animals in care and adopters 55+. Thanks to the support of HomeEquity Bank, adoption fees will be reduced by 20% and waived for senior pets at Ontario SPCA animal centres across the province over the three-day event, helping more animals find the loving homes they deserve.  

Check out our tips for adopting a senior animal. 

To see our animals currently available for adoption, visit ontariospca.ca/adopt