Montclair seniors will soon benefit from a pet adoption/foster program matching senior residents with senior dogs or cats and covering animal care expenses for qualified and willing participants.
The Better Cities for Pets grant was awarded to Montclair by Mars Petcare. The Seniors & Pets Healthy Living Program proposal aligned with this year’s grant theme, “Keeping People and Pets Together.”
“We appreciate the generosity of Mars PetCare, our corporate partner, and the unique opportunity this brings to our town to increase the quality of life for seniors and pets in Montclair,” said Michael Lapolla, interim town manager.
Studies show that having a pet provides health benefits for seniors, such as increased physical activity and socialization, reduced feelings of isolation, and reduced cognitive decline.
“Facilitating a senior connection with pets is a quality-of-life win-win for both people and the pets we will be able to rehome,” said Judy Hurley, Lifelong Montclair’s director of senior services.
The Montclair Animal Shelter will plan and implement a program in collaboration with the Department of Senior Services, and Humane Montclair, as well as local community stakeholders. The new initiative will roll out in 2024.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to put compassion in action for the people and pets in our community,” said Annette Batson, founder of Humane Montclair. Humane Montclair advocates for animal welfare and its intersection with public health, the environment, climate change, and lifestyle choices — through community-based initiatives, education, and outreach.
Anyone interested in volunteering or discussing a foster/adoption through this program should contact Elizabeth Bibber-Morgan, Animal Shelter Director, at 973-744-8600.
More than 100 cities have been certified through the program, and it has awarded nearly half a million dollars in grants to support pet-friendly initiatives. Find out more at BetterCitiesForPets.com.