Animals for Elders

OUR STORY

Our need for love and friendship doesn’t fade over time. However, society tends to become more isolating as folks get older. Loved ones may pass away or they may no longer have a career that they dedicate their time to. This new chapter often leaves people with a deep desire for connection. While people of all ages struggle with loneliness, nearly 25 percent of adults over 65 report feeling isolated for one reason or another. 

To fill our emotional needs, many people seek to bring a loving pet home to care for. Pet ownership has been shown to significantly decrease feelings of isolation and loneliness, as well as bring a sense of purpose and increase physical activity. 

While studies show that animals can enrich our lives, many elders are held back by fears of unexpected vet bills on a fixed income. This financial barrier doesn't just stop animals from being rescued from full shelters, it also stops elders from building a loving connection that can greatly increase their quality of life.

Animals for Elders was created to help elders reclaim their spark. Founded by Carrie Van Wert, AFE is the product of a decades-long dream to give back by creating a mutually beneficial and sustainable system that provides funding to people over 70 who want to give shelter animals a new home.

We dismantle the barriers to pet ownership by providing a financial safety net. By partnering with shelters to cover adoption and post-adoption fees in addition to up to $1,500/year in other expenses, we allow people to focus on the joy that comes with caring for a pet rather than the burden of the bill.

When the fear of "what if" is replaced by silly grins, wagging tails, or a steady purr, the weight of loneliness is lifted. We are building a future where every shelter animal finds a home and every person can find a reason to smile, no matter their age.

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

Animals for Elders (AFE) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to enriching lives through the power of animal companionship. We provide funding to people aged 70+ so they can welcome a domestic animal into their lives, reducing loneliness, increasing well-being, and giving shelter animals a second chance at a loving home.

OUR VISION STATEMENT

We’re building a future where financial barriers don’t stand in the way of joy. Where getting older doesn’t mean becoming invisible. We plan to scale nationwide so that every elder can find their sense of purpose and every shelter animal can find a loving home.