Can Parents Keep Their Pet If They Need Home Help?
Why home care can be the best option for pet owners
For many older people, a pet is more than just a companion — they’re part of the family. Whether it’s a loyal dog, a lap-loving cat, or even a chatty budgie, pets provide comfort, routine, and a sense of purpose.
At Burleys Home Care, we believe no one should have to give up their pet to receive the care they need. Here’s how we help make it work — and answer some of the most commonly searched questions on this topic.
“Can my elderly parent keep their pet if they need care?”
Yes – especially if you arrange home care. Unlike residential care homes, which often have strict no-pet policies, receiving care at home means your loved one can stay exactly where they’re happiest — surrounded by the things (and pets) they love most.
Our carers support service users in their own homes, meaning there’s no need to give up routines or those well-loved pets.
“Will a carer help with pet care too?”
Absolutely. While our main focus is supporting your loved one, we know how closely their wellbeing is tied to their pet’s.
Our experienced carers can help with light pet care, including:
- Feeding and topping up water bowls
- Light grooming – a comb of your dogs coat
- Letting dogs out for toileting or short walks
- Keeping litter trays or pet areas clean and tidy
- Giving the pet a bit of fuss, attention and much enjoyed cuddle 🐶
If your loved one struggles with some pet-related tasks, we can build support around them while keeping the bond between them and their pet intact.
“Is it better to choose home care over residential care for pet owners?”
If keeping a pet is important to your loved one, then yes — home care is often the best choice. Care homes typically don’t allow pets or might require them to be rehomed, which can be traumatic for both the owner and the animal.
Home care allows your loved one to stay in their own surroundings, with familiar routines and the company of their pet — reducing stress and improving emotional wellbeing.
“How do pets help older people?”
The emotional and physical benefits of having a pet later in life are well-documented — and for good reason. Pets can make a powerful difference to an older person’s quality of life, especially when they’re living alone or adjusting to new health challenges.
Here’s how:
Companionship and Comfort – Pets provide a constant, loving presence — offering comfort during quiet moments and a sense of closeness that can’t be replaced. Whether it’s a dog snoozing by the chair or a cat curling up on the bed, that connection brings warmth and reassurance every day.
Structure and Routine – Having a pet creates a natural daily rhythm — from feeding times to walks and cuddles. This can be especially helpful for people living with memory loss or early-stage dementia, providing a gentle, predictable routine that helps reduce confusion and stress.
A Sense of Purpose – Caring for a pet gives older people a meaningful role and a reason to get up each day. It can reignite that nurturing instinct and provide a real sense of being needed — something many people miss when living alone or after retirement.
Motivation to Stay Active – For dog owners, even a short daily walk can make a huge difference to physical health. Regular movement, fresh air, and interaction with neighbours while out and about can all help to keep both body and mind active.
A Natural Mood-Booster – Pets have been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce stress hormones, and increase levels of serotonin and dopamine — the feel-good chemicals. Simply stroking a pet or hearing a cat purr can be incredibly calming. They also reduce loneliness and symptoms of depression or anxiety by offering unconditional love and non-judgemental company.
At Burleys, we see it every day: the bond between a person and their pet lifts spirits, eases loneliness, and brings genuine joy. That’s why we’ll always do our best to support older people to keep their beloved animals by their side — right where they belong.
Home Care – Keeping Pets Where They Belong:
Do we think home care is the best option for pet owners? Yes — your loved one can absolutely keep their pet with home care. Our carers are happy to assist with basic pet needs like feeding, short walks, or keeping things tidy. Our home care offers a flexible, compassionate alternative to residential settings and care homes, especially for pet owners. And most importantly, we recognise the significant role pets play in maintaining emotional and mental wellbeing — offering companionship, comfort, and a vital sense of purpose.
How Burleys Home Care Can Help
We’re an award-winning, local care provider based in Hampshire and the New Forest. Our care is personal, flexible, and designed to support your loved one in the way that works best for them — and yes, that includes helping with pets!
📞 Want to talk about care that works around your loved one (and their pet)? Give our friendly team a call to learn more about how we can help your loved ones stay in the home they love, with the pets they love.