Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust Grant - Arizona Senior Pet Resources

Geographic Scope: Maricopa County, Arizona

Focus Areas:

• Support for older adults and their pets
• Health benefits research
• Gap analysis for pet services in senior housing
• Policy development and funding expansion

Program Purpose:
Provide direct services to low-income, vulnerable older adults and their pets in Maricopa County, including residents of Foundation for Senior Living (FSL) housing programs.

Impact and Health Benefits

In Arizona, over 50% of older adults have at least one pet. Research indicates that pet companionship provides seniors with:

• Physical health benefits
• Social and emotional health benefits
• Reduced rates of social isolation
• Reduced loneliness
• Lower obesity rates
• Slower progression of memory issues related to dementia and Alzheimer's
• Lower rates of heart-related diseases
• Reduced complications from diabetes

Grant Components

Direct Services:

• Compassionate care for 200 seniors and their pets
• Partnership with Foundation for Senior Living (FSL)

Research Component:

• Gap analysis to understand how furry family members impact the lives of residents in FSL's affordable housing program
• Data collection to identify services that foster seniors to live healthier, happier, and self-determined lives
• Research to potentially change policies, create more funding, and expand resources to help more seniors in the future

Contact Information:

• The Arizona Pet Project
• Phone: (602) 882-8627
• Email: info@azpetproject.org
• Address: 3905 N 7th Avenue #7611, Phoenix, AZ 85011