New national data has again confirmed what most Australians already know: pets matter deeply to people at every stage of life, including in aged care.
According to Companion Animal Network Australia’s (Australia CAN or CANA) latest Pet Friendly Aged Care Survey 2025, an overwhelming 96 per cent of Australians believe residents in aged care should be allowed to keep their pets, yet most facilities across the country still prohibit them.
“The emotional harm of being forced to give up a beloved animal is profound,” says Trish Ennis, CEO of CANA. “Older Australians shouldn’t have to choose between care and companionship.”
CANA’s 2025 survey drew 2,846 responses – more than double that of 2023 – yet the results remain largely unchanged. While 86% of respondents said pets in aged care are “vitally important” and 78 per cent agreed that pets improve both physical and mental health, only 18 per cent of facilities currently allow residents to keep animals, according to external data.
“Both facilities and residents understand how important pets are to health and happiness, but the sector still struggles to turn that understanding into action,” Ennis said.
As in previous years, the 2025 survey found companionship and reduced loneliness remain the most valued benefits of pet ownership for older Australians. Yet for those receiving in-home aged care, access to pet-related support remains minimal.
Of the 325 respondents currently receiving government-funded Home Care Packages (HCPs), only nine per cent reported receiving any assistance with pet care from their service provider.
The most requested forms of support were:
- Emergency fostering (91 per cent)
- Dog walking (64 per cent)
- Transport to veterinary appointments (59 per cent)
Concerningly, 22 per cent of respondents said they had delayed their own medical care because there was no one available to look after their pet.
“The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) and HCP should include provisions for pet care,” Ennis said. “Doing so would help people stay healthy and at home for longer, while preventing animals from being euthanised or surrendered to shelters.”
Aged care providers surveyed by CANA identified a lack of education (45 per cent), resources (42 per cent), and funding for facility design changes (45 per cent) as key barriers to becoming more pet inclusive.
“Education and understanding are key,” Ennis said. “Facilities that welcome pets see happier residents, stronger family connections and greater community engagement. It’s not just good welfare; it’s good business.”
Through its Pet Friendly Aged Care initiative, CANA provides practical tools – including sample policies, risk assessments and best-practice guidelines – to help providers integrate pets safely and compassionately into both residential and in-home care settings.
“As our population ages, keeping people and pets together is an essential part of maintaining both physical and mental health,” Ennis said. “The evidence is clear: pets are good for people. Now it’s time for aged care to catch up.”
The 2023 Pet Friendly Aged Care Survey was based on 1,130 participants, including older adults, aged care staff and members of the public. The most comprehensive data on pet-friendly aged care facilities to date – conducted by the Stafford Group in 2018 – found only 18 per cent of 2,933 facilities allowed residents to keep pets. Home Care Packages (HCPs) will transition to the Support at Home program from 1 November 2025, replacing both HCP and Short-Term Restorative Care programs.
