Skip To The Main Content

CHANGING LIVES ONE SNUGGLE AT A TIME

Winston has amazing superpowers (watch video!). He keeps Patsy, his 84-year-old owner, healthier, happier and more independent just by staying by her side.

Support a vital connection that is changing lives.

Donate Now

WHY PETS?

One in four seniors lives alone and, for many of them, their pet is their closest companion and one of their only sources of consistent comfort. Pets play a very important role in the life of a homebound older adult, providing social connection and enhancing their physical and mental health and well-being.

Caring for pets like Winston takes a physical and financial toll on elderly adults who live alone. Feeding, grooming and caring for them can be challenging with limited money and mobility.

In fact, 81% of clients receiving pet assistance say that Meals on Wheels has made it possible for them to keep their loving companion, according to our research with partner PetSmart Charities.

That’s why it’s so important that Meals on Wheels America supports local programs to help feed, groom and even provide veterinary care to the pets of seniors in need.

MEALS ON WHEELS DELIVERS CONNECTION

Keeping pets and their seniors together is just one of the ways Meals on Wheels is helping our aging neighbors feel less alone.

For example, in many communities across the country, clients get a bit of invaluable relief from their daily isolation and loneliness through regular meal deliveries, telephone check-ins and friendly visitor programs.

Donate to Meals on Wheels America and help support the local programs delivering a vital connection, nutrition and safety to America’s seniors.

Meals on Wheels America

PetSmartCharities_US_Logo_CMYK

RESEARCH WITH PETSMART CHARITIES

An innovative national partnership between Meals on Wheels America and PetSmart Charities has helped nearly 17,000 Meals on Wheels clients who have furry or feathered family members remain at home and together with their beloved companions. 

As one component of the partnership, the two organizations completed a research project to better understand the needs of homebound seniors with pets and the barriers they face in keeping pets healthy in their homes. 

The study found that 97% of pet-owning Meals on Wheels clients agree that having a pet makes you feel less lonely and makes your family feel more complete. And 81% of clients receiving pet assistance say that Meals on Wheels is the only reason they can keep their loving companion. 

Read the Press Release

Explore the Full Report

Robert and dog

8 Heartwarming Pet Stories That Prove They Are Life’s Greatest Companions

There's no doubt that animal and human relationships go hand in hand...or is it hand in paw? Whether you're human or animal, these bonds have a special sort of transformational power. Here are just a few real-life stories from Meals on Wheels clients and BuzzFeed contributors that prove the connection between a pet and their human will always be the purest form of love.

Read BuzzFeed Story

Dawn and cat

PETS ARE FAMILY, TOO

Dawn’s cats have provided love, loyalty, friendship and adorable furry faces through 16 years of ups and downs. They truly are her family.

“On most days now, my cats are my only companions. My favorite thing is that they love me. But, they not only keep me company – they keep me moving,” said Dawn.

Read Dawn’s Story

Joan and cat

TRY NOT TO LOVE SNOWBALL THE CAT AND HER HUMAN, JOAN

Joan and Snowball have built a safe and loving world around each other, living more than 10 years in the same home together.

“I really appreciate Meals on Wheels bringing food and litter by for Snowball. She even had wet food the other day and she doesn’t get it much, but she really liked it.”

Read Joan’s Story