Pets of Older Persons
The Pets of Older Persons (POOPs) program assists socially isolated elderly people by offering assistance with their pets in times of crisis. The POOPs Program aims to keep pets and their elderly owners happy, healthy and together in their own homes for as long as possible.
POOPs was established by the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) at St Joseph’s Hospital Auburn in 2003 to temporarily care for the pets of elderly people who were admitted to hospital. The RSPCA became involved to provide assistance with veterinary care and emergency boarding.
POOPs is based in Sydney but assists clients throughout NSW whenever possible through RSPCA NSW Shelters and Branches.
POOPs services:
• Temporary foster accommodation and/or emergency boarding of the pet should the owner require medical treatment, respite or other assistance.
• Assistance with veterinary treatment at the RSPCA Sydney Vet Hospital.
• Assistance with pet grooming.
• Home visits to assist the elderly with basic pet care.
Who is eligible for POOPs?
POOPs is specifically designed to help people 65 years of age or older who are socially isolated and require assistance with care of their pets.
Palliative care patients of any age who are socially isolated may also access POOPs services.
What does it cost?
Where possible, clients pay the veterinary, grooming and boarding fees at the time of service. POOPs clients receive a discount on all services and payment plans can be arranged if required. All cases will be assessed on an individual basis.
The POOPs program is not government funded and relies on donations and grants for support.
For more information, email poops@rspcansw.org.au or phone: (02) 9782 4408.
Volunteering and Foster Care for Pets Of Older Persons (POOPs)
If you’re interested in assisting POOPs with any of the following tasks, please contact our POOPs Team on (02) 9782 4408:
• Transportation of animals to local vets
• Walking or feeding animals - mostly dogs but also cats, birds, fish and other small animals
• Temporary foster care of animals whilst owners are in hospital or respite – mostly dogs and cats but also birds, fish and other small animals
• Donating goods, time or money to POOPs
