Easy Pets for People with Limited Mobility

Having limited mobility doesn’t mean you can’t have a pet to keep you company and snuggle up with.

As a matter of fact, bringing a furry friend into your life comes with far more benefits than drawbacks, as long as you find the right one.

Research shows there are plenty of physical benefits of owning a dog or cat. And it doesn’t stop at that! Being a pet parent is good for our mental and emotional wellbeing as well. You can find out all about this in our article: Love Your Pet Day.

With that said, having limited mobility may mean you require a lower maintenance pet or that you may need to consider their exercise and grooming needs carefully. Here’s our guide to choosing the right one.

Is it a good idea to get a pet if your mobility is limited?

The answer to that question is yes. Absolutely, yes! The only criteria to owning a pet is that you’re able to care for them and spend time with them. Loving animals is for everyone.

The trick here is to find a pet to suit your lifestyle. This way they’ll match you and the life you live and enjoy themselves; all the while giving you the gift of great, furry company. It’s pretty hard to top that.

So how do you know what pet will suit your lifestyle? Let’s dive into some of the important questions you should ask yourself before you make the decision.

Questions to ask yourself before the big decision

Here are some questions to help you find a pet that fits perfectly into your lifestyle:

• What’s your level of mobility? This might seem obvious, but you might find that some wheelchair users, for instance, are more mobile than someone who can walk around but struggles with chronic pain or fatigue.
  
• How much space do you have? Having a large area for pets to run around freely will give them room to exercise without you needing to walk them.
  
• What’s your overall health like? Do you have regular doctor appointments? Treatments where you’ll need to leave your furbaby alone? Are there periods where you’re not able to get out of bed? Knowing how much time your new pet will have to spend alone or unsupervised is important.
  
• Are your circumstances likely to change in the future? Are your illnesses or disabilities going to change in any way? Will these changes make having a pet harder or easier? What about your life circumstances? This could include plans like moving, getting married, or having kids. We understand some changes can happen unexpectedly, but when planning to get a pet it’s good to think long term.
  
• What’s your ideal pet? Some people love cats, some people love fish. They’re both great pets. But you need to find what suits you best. Is your idea of an easy pet one that requires little attention? Or are you looking for cuddles on the couch? How many hours of stimulation are you comfortable giving them a day?
  
• How much are you willing to spend? Some pets are far more costly than others. Some dogs require special food and would cost a lot more than a rabbit, for example. You need to take into account pet costs, food, kennel or pet sitting fees, toys, and medical bills.

Can dogs be easy pets?

You might have been told that dogs are difficult or high maintenance pets, and this certainly can be true compared to some other animals. However, if you do some research, you’ll find there are some breeds that make great companions for those with limited mobility.

Consider the breed

Some breeds are naturally more energetic and high maintenance than others. Even though not all dogs fit their breed stereotypes exactly, it’s a great starting point.

Some breeds like Chihuahuas or Dachshunds with their tiny legs require very little walking time to tucker out. Or, which might surprise you, Mastiffs and Great Danes. Although they’re larger in size, they’re a very docile and affectionate companion. Their low energy levels don’t give them much of a choice other than lounging on the couch for the best part of a day.

On the other hand, some dog breeds are naturally high energy. A Labrador might not be the right choice for someone with limited mobility, for instance.

Thinking a dog might work for you after all? You can find more information on low maintenance dog breeds here.

Consider their stage of life

Another thing that might not come to mind immediately is to consider the life stage of the dog. As I’m sure you know, puppies are often full of energy and up to mischief – not to mention potty training. It might be worth considering getting a dog who’s been through potty and puppy training.

You might even consider adopting an older dog. There are so many of these older dogs in shelters who would love to find a forever home.

Can cats be easy pets?

If you’ve got your mind set on a furry friend, cats can be a great alternative to a dog. They’re generally lower maintenance and quite a bit more independent. This means you don’t have to give them as much attention, while still reaping all the rewards of a cuddle buddy.

Another big benefit is that cats don’t need to be taken for walks. Although it’s worth mentioning that some cats do enjoy it. If you’d like to teach your cat to walk on a leash, you can still take them for a meander if you want to.

Cats will mostly come in and out of the house using a cat flap or open window, so you don’t have to worry about letting them in or out. This gives you the freedom to leave them home alone while you go out without having to feel guilty.

Not for too long though! Here’s some insights on exactly how long you can leave your cat home alone.

Other low maintenance pet options

There are plenty of options to choose from! If you’re looking for the furry kind, why not consider a rabbit? You might even enjoy the company of a guinea pig or hamster. If you’re after something a bit less furry there’s always snakes, bearded dragons, and birds.

Regardless of what shape, size, and softness they are, they’ll still love you… or you can pretend they do, anyway 😉

Still exploring the best pet fit for a small home? You can dive into this article on lowest maintenance pets for apartments and then read about the best pets for apartments.

Be the best pet parent with pet insurance

Now you’ve find your new best friend, it might be a good idea to think about getting pet insurance. Even the best and most careful pet parents’ pets get sick. Having pet insurance is a great way to get peace of mind knowing you don’t have to worry about financial stress and vet bills.