The Golden Paws Program

Pets are a beloved part of the family. For many older adults, pets are a lifeline, providing companionship, comfort, and daily purpose. Yet, seniors often face barriers to pet ownership, including financial limitations, lack of access to resources, and social isolation. These challenges can lead to loneliness for the senior and, in some cases, the heartbreaking surrender of a pet.
The Golden Paws Program is a community based program aimed at education, social enrichment, and enhancing the human animal bond. Through a series of thoughtful activities in an eight week course, seniors can bond with their animals, as well as other pet owners with shared experiences. Our goal is to remove barriers to pet ownership, and enhance the overall wellbeing of all who are involved. The Golden Paws Program helps ensure no senior has to choose between companionship and care. By keeping pets and people together, we combat the senior loneliness epidemic while promoting healthier, happier communities.

By participating in the Golden Paws Program, clients can learn essential skills to keep their animals healthy and happy, as well as grow new friendships in their community. Our in house Client Care Coordinator will work with various senior homes and assisted living facilities in Calgary and surrounding areas to facilitate this eight week program. Clients will join Parachutes for Pets staff members and a trained professional facilitator at our Advocacy Centre once a week to partake in creative and fun activities, such as making snuffle mats, knitting pet blankets, baking pet treats, learning grooming techniques, training, and playing enrichment games.

Through this program, we will also be able to offer veterinary care such as vaccines, spays, and neuters, promoting the longevity of the human animal bond. We are partnered with various veterinary clinics in Calgary that offer discounts to low income individuals, including seniors.

Canada is experiencing a seniors’ loneliness epidemic. Factors such as living alone, declining health, limited transportation, and financial barriers all contribute to isolation which is an issue that is only growing with Canada’s aging population. According to Statistics Canada (2019–2020), nearly 1 in 5 seniors aged 65 and older report experiencing loneliness. More recent data (2024) indicates that approximately 30% of Canadian seniors are at risk of becoming socially isolated.

Social isolation is not just an emotional concern, it has been linked to poorer health outcomes, reduced quality of life, and increased demand on healthcare and caregiving systems. Addressing this issue requires innovative, community-based solutions that foster both social engagement and personal well-being.

The Golden Paws Program directly benefits seniors aged 65+ who are pet owners seeking resources, community, and social connection. By reducing barriers to pet ownership, the program ensures that seniors can continue caring for and enjoying their beloved companions. Pets not only offer daily comfort and companionship but also serve as a bridge to healthy, meaningful relationships with other pet owners.

Through an eight-week series of interactive sessions, participants will:

• Form new friendships and strengthen existing ones.
• Develop and enhance practical pet care skills.
• Gain confidence and independence in their role as pet owners.
• Provide their pets with improved care routines that lead to healthier, happier animals.

The benefits of the Golden Paws Program extend beyond the seniors themselves:

• Families and caregivers gain peace of mind knowing their loved ones are socially engaged, supported, and confident in their pet care responsibilities.
• Care workers experience reduced stress when seniors have the tools and resources to maintain independence.
• The broader community benefits as seniors remain more socially active, reducing isolation and building connections through shared experiences.