The stage of dementia is the first thing to consider. Someone who has just received a diagnosis and is in the early stages of the disease will generally be more capable of taking care of their pet than someone in a later stage. Many people living with dementia can continue to function well for months or years. As such, it\u2019s important to analyse the individual situation and determine the person\u2019s ability to care for their pet based on their current symptoms.<\/p>\n

2. The Kind of Pet<\/h2>\n

Typically, the easier it is to take care of the pet, the more likely they will be able to stay at home with their owner for longer. For example, dogs, cats and hamsters or guinea pigs are relatively low maintenance and can provide love and companionship for an owner with dementia.<\/p>\n

3. The Amount of Care Required<\/h2>\n

Similarly, it\u2019s important to take into consideration the amount of work that is required to take care of the specific pet. For example, if an existing pet is easy to look after and doesn\u2019t require too much attention, it is likely to be more beneficial that the person with dementia keeps the pet in their company rather than looking for somewhere to rehome the animal. Every situation is different, so observe the circumstances and evaluate how easy it would be for the person with dementia to provide for their pet, and themselves.<\/p>\n

4. The Bond Between Owner and Pet<\/h2>\n

One of the most important questions to answer is whether or not the owner wants to keep their pet. There are definitely a number of benefits to having a pet, however, someone who has just received a dementia diagnosis may not want to have the added responsibility of caring for an animal. In some cases, pets can be a source of irritation for a person with dementia or cause them stress.<\/p>\n

By taking into consideration all of the above factors, you will be able to advise your loved one on whether or not keeping their pet is a good idea. At all times, the most important thing is to ensure you are mindful of the wants and needs of both the owner and the pet.<\/p>\n

If a person with dementia does not want to take care of a pet or becomes incapable of doing so, it may be necessary to ask a close friend or family member to take responsibility for the animal. Someone living with dementia may appreciate if their pet is looked after by someone they know, who can bring the pet back to them for visits. These visits can be as beneficial or even more beneficial than a person living with dementia having the responsibility of caring for a pet full time.<\/p>\n