We exist to promote a pet-friendly aged care sector

About Pet Friendly Aged Care

Companion Animal Network Australia (formerly Animal Welfare League Australia Ltd) works with government, industry, member organisations, researchers and the community to advance companion animal welfare across Australia.

Our members have more than 300 years of combined experience caring for companion animals. Part of our mission is to help people of all ages maintain a connection with their pets.

The Pet Friendly Aged Care program was established to assist people ageing with pets. Our aim is to drive practical change across the sector. Through advocacy, government engagement and evidence-based resources, CANA works to ensure pets are recognised as an important part of healthy ageing, while supporting aged care service providers to adopt more pet-inclusive policies and practices that enable older Australians to remain connected with the animals they love.

What we do

The Pet Friendly Aged Care website is a place where ageing pet owners, their families, home care support agencies and aged care facility operators can find tools, collaboration and advice that allows aged people to keep their pets in safe and responsible ways.

Our goal is to increase the number of pet-friendly aged care support services to prevent animals from being euthanised or surrendered to shelters, maximise the physical and emotional health of our animal-loving older people and promote the social benefits for communities who welcome pets.

What we know

In a quest to find out what the aged care and broader community thinks about pet ownership among aged people, CANA has run two surveys, the most recent being in 2025.

For example, did you know:

86% of people say pets ease the transition into aged care
95% of people believe pets contribute to improved health outcomes for older people
78% of people say a pet lessens loneliness among older owners

The results are providing us with valuable insight and data that we can take to government and use to agitate for change.

View our Reports and Submissions

Who can help and how

Everyone has the chance to make a difference. It doesn’t matter how old you are, whether you work in the sector or even if you know an older person with a pet…there are practical things you can do that will make a difference to this important movement.

By using your influence in a practical way, you will be adding to the chorus of voices that are agitating for positive change. As our community ages, more and more older people with pets will enjoy the benefits from your contribution.

Here are some ways you could consider helping:

Share your story with us: info@australiacan.org.au
Keep the movement purring: please donate here
Raise the topic with politicians in your state: find your local representatives or contact the relevant Aged Care Minister: National | VIC | WA | SA | NT | NSW | QLD
Stay connected with us: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn

Partners and supporters

Lifeview Residential Care

Lifeview is a family focused community, providing care and wellness in a supported social environment, where consumers live well through engagement, warm hospitality and lifestyle choices.

Our members are

More than 300 years of combined experience caring for animals