Pets are an important part of many people’s lives, yet pet care can be expensive, especially if you are living on a fixed income. North Shore Area Partners has begun a Pet Support Program to help mitigate costs associated with pet ownership for older adults.
The program was the idea of a community member and pet owner. The Duluth-Superior Community Foundation and Lupa Animal Wellness Fund awarded a $5,000 grant to North Shore Area Partners, and the Pet Support Program was born.
Participants in the program are required to be at least 60 years old. They receive a $25 gas card for use towards travel to veterinarian appointments or to stores to obtain pet supplies, and a $50 gift card for pet supplies at the store of their choice: Julie’s Hardware, Zups, or the Finland Co-op. Another requirement is that participants must reside in either the Beaver Bay, Silver Bay, Isabella, Finland, or Little Marais area.
Pet owners cite improvements in their mental health, including reduction of stress and anxiety, the benefit of love and companionship, and their pets’ calming presence. Pet ownership can give a sense of purpose to older adults.
There are enough funds for 50 people, and currently there are approximately 30 slots left. Stacey Hohman from North Shore Area Partners says, “I think this gives folks a great peace of mind being able to take care of their ‘fur babies’ with a little help from us and the grant. Folks seem pretty excited about it, and it’s a great way to get them in the door here as well. Pets can be such therapy for people of all ages, and we are proud to help folks out with that.
For more information, contact Stacey at 218-353-1391.
