For an older adult living alone or without someone who can care for their pet, a hospital stay can bring an added worry. Paying for boarding may also be out of reach.
Senior Support offers temporary pet care at no cost for eligible older adults in Guelph and Wellington County who need to be hospitalized. Our goal is to keep pets safe while their people receive care, then bring them back together when they can return home.
Can this program help me?
Senior Support may be available if you need a hospital stay and do not have a suitable or affordable care option for your pet.
The program requires a referral from a medical professional or community agency. An elder care specialist or social worker at your treating hospital must also be involved in planning your pet’s care.
What we provide
Depending on your pet’s needs and the expected length of your hospital stay, they may be cared for at GHS or in a confidential foster home. We work with the professional supporting you to make a care plan and prepare for your pet’s return.
If your circumstances change during your hospital stay, we can review that plan together.
How it works
- Ask for a referral. Tell a medical professional or community worker that you need help arranging care for your pet during your hospital stay.
- We make a care plan. GHS works with an elder care specialist or social worker at your treating hospital to understand your situation and your pet’s needs.
- Your pet stays somewhere safe. We arrange care at GHS or, when appropriate, in a foster home.
- We plan for what comes next. When you can return home, we work with you and your hospital contact to arrange your pet’s return.
Frequently asked questions
Senior Support is for older adults in Guelph and Wellington County who need to be hospitalized and do not have a suitable or affordable care option for their pet. GHS will review each situation with the professional making the referral.
Ask a medical professional or community agency supporting you to contact GHS. A referral is required, and an elder care specialist or social worker at your treating hospital must be involved in planning your pet’s care.
No. Senior Support provides temporary pet care at no cost to eligible participants.
Your pet may stay at GHS or in a confidential foster home. We’ll choose a care arrangement based on their needs and your situation.
Please ask the person making your referral to tell us what kind of pet you have. We’ll discuss their needs and whether we can arrange suitable care.
We can talk with you about your options, including help finding your pet a new home if returning home together is no longer possible. You do not have to make that decision before seeking help.
Need support?
If you’re going into hospital and need care for your pet, tell your hospital care team or community worker and ask them to refer you to Senior Support.
For general questions about the program, call GHS at 519-824-3091 or email ghscares@guelphhumane.ca.
Other resources
If you need temporary pet care for a different unexpected crisis, visit our Emergency Pet Boarding page.
For community partners
If you are a medical professional or community service provider supporting an older adult who needs care for their pet during hospitalization, email ghscares@guelphhumane.ca to discuss a referral. An elder care specialist or social worker at the treating hospital will need to help coordinate the care plan.
Please leave personal client details out of your initial email.