Senior citizens can now get a free senior pet at Seminole County Animal Services

Read: Deltona passes new ordinance to prevent animal cruelty

The newly launched program started this month to help senior citizens rediscover the joy of having a pet in their lives.

According to Seminole County Animal Services, there are numerous benefits for someone to have an animal in their life including:

• Companion Animals Lower Blood Pressure: According to a scientific statement from the American Heart Association, people with pets had significantly lower resting baseline heart rates and blood pressure.
• Seniors Become More Active: Harvard Medical School equates dog ownership with physical fitness as seniors with companion animals go for more walks and are generally more active than those without pets
• Having a Routine: Seniors take good care of their companion animals and better care of themselves when they care for a pet, because it gives them a routine and purpose
• Less Depression: Studies show that companion animals may reduce depression and loneliness in older adults, especially those who are homebound and socially isolated.

SEE: Current pets that are up for adoption at Seminole County Animal Services

Read: Deltona leaders to vote on ordinance to prevent animal cruelty

See a map of the shelter:

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