New Partnership Helps Elderly, Low-Income Adopters Cover Fees at SpokAnimal

The Pets for the Elderly program provides grants to the shelter to make pet adoptions more accessible.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 9:06pm

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An abstract, out-of-focus image showing the gentle interaction between an elderly person and a pet, captured in a soft, warm, and dreamlike visual style.A new partnership between SpokAnimal and Pets for the Elderly aims to bring the comfort and companionship of pets to the elderly and low-income members of the Spokane community.Spokane Today

SpokAnimal, a Spokane animal shelter, has announced a new partnership with the national Pets for the Elderly program. The program will provide grants to SpokAnimal to help cover adoption fees for adults aged 60 and older who are on low incomes, making it more affordable for them to welcome a new furry companion into their lives.

Why it matters

Loneliness is a major challenge for many older adults, and studies have shown that pets can provide significant emotional and mental health benefits by offering companionship, comfort, and a sense of routine. This new partnership aims to make pet adoption more accessible to those who could benefit the most.

The details

Through the Pets for the Elderly program, SpokAnimal will receive grants that they can use to cover adoption fees for qualifying adults aged 60 and older who are on low incomes. The program excludes puppies and kittens between 8 weeks and 6 months old, and will be offered on a case-by-case basis.

  • SpokAnimal announced the new partnership on April 2, 2026.

The players

SpokAnimal

A Spokane-based animal shelter that has partnered with the national Pets for the Elderly program to help cover adoption fees for elderly, low-income individuals.

Pets for the Elderly

A national program that provides grants to animal shelters to make pet adoptions more accessible for adults aged 60 and older who are on low incomes.

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What they’re saying

“Loneliness is one of the biggest challenges facing older adults – and pets can make a world of difference. They bring comfort, companionship, routine and unconditional love.”

— SpokAnimal

The takeaway

This new partnership between SpokAnimal and Pets for the Elderly demonstrates the power of community-based initiatives to improve the lives of older adults through the joy and companionship of pet ownership, even for those with limited financial means.