Pets Boost Seniors' Health, Strain Budgets Too

New poll finds pets provide benefits but also financial challenges for many older adults

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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A new poll from the University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging finds that while pets provide many benefits to middle-aged and older adults, including a sense of purpose, connection with others, and reduced stress, the costs of caring for those pets strains the budgets of 31% of pet owners age 50 and older. The poll also found that 33% of people over 50 who don't have pets cite the costs as a main reason why.

Why it matters

The findings highlight the complex relationship between the health benefits and financial challenges of pet ownership for older adults. As rates of loneliness and isolation among seniors remain high, pets can play an important role in promoting physical and mental wellbeing. However, the rising costs of pet care may put pet ownership out of reach for some older adults who could potentially benefit the most.

The details

The poll found that the percentage of adults aged 50 to 80 who say having a pet gives them a sense of purpose has grown, from 73% in 2018 to 83% today. Additionally, 70% of current pet owners over 50 say having a pet connects them with others, and 63% say it helps reduce their stress. However, the percentage of pet owners aged 50 to 80 who say that having a pet strains their budget has risen from 18% in 2018 to 31% today. The current pet owners most likely to report budget strain include women, those with fair or poor health, individuals with disabilities, and those with household incomes under $60,000.

  • The 2018 poll included adults aged 50 to 80, while the new poll conducted in September 2025 included people over 80.
  • For the comparisons between the two poll years, only adults aged 50 to 80 from the 2025 poll were included.

The players

Preeti Malani, M.D.

Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at the U-M Medical School with training in geriatrics and infectious diseases, and a longtime dog owner.

Jeffrey Kullgren, M.D., M.P.H., M.S.

Associate Professor of Internal Medicine at U-M and a primary care physician at the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System.

University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging

A poll based at the U-M Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation and supported by Michigan Medicine, U-M's academic medical center.

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What they’re saying

“Our two polls, seven years apart, clearly show that animals can play a key role in the lives of older adults, and bring many benefits that can contribute to healthy aging.”

— Preeti Malani, M.D., Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at the U-M Medical School (Mirage News)

“If we're encouraging someone to get more physical activity to improve their physical or mental health, knowing if they have a pet they can take for a walk or play with could be very useful. And discussing ahead of time who will help with pet care if they have a planned or unexpected hospitalization could relieve stress.”

— Jeffrey Kullgren, M.D., M.P.H., M.S., Associate Professor of Internal Medicine at U-M and a primary care physician at the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System (Mirage News)

The takeaway

This poll highlights the complex relationship between the health benefits and financial challenges of pet ownership for older adults. While pets can provide valuable companionship and support healthy aging, the rising costs of pet care may put pet ownership out of reach for some seniors who could benefit the most. Healthcare providers should consider discussing pet ownership with their older patients and connecting them with resources to help manage the financial and practical aspects of pet care.