Kimberli Mikkelson, Kennel Technician for Haltom City Animal Services (HCAS), will be partnering with Bobbi Arthur, Senior Center Supervisor, to enrich the lives of both homeless animals and our senior citizens. HCAS will be testing a V.I.P Shelter Pet Program, a new program developed to increase shelter adoptions, especially for older animals who typically don’t get adopted as quickly as the puppies and kittens.

Mikkelson will visit the senior center on a weekly basis with a designated V.I.P. animal that has passed health and temperament evaluations. Seniors will get a chance to interact with the animals, which provides many benefits. Animal interaction and pet ownership have been proven to lower blood pressure, decrease depression and anxiety and boost immunity in humans.

Mikkelson said, “I’m really looking forward to introducing new pets to new people, and I know the animals love the chance to get out and explore the world a bit. And of course that helps with their socialization, which increases adoptability. It’s a win/win situation!” Older animals often make the best pets, as they are calmer, often trained and simply want to be a lap pet or couch buddy. “I’m really excited about Kimberli’s idea, it’s innovative and mutually beneficial to humans and animals of Haltom City,” said Autumn Brackeen, Animal Services Supervisor. “My years working at nursing homes and working with pet therapy programs were always a success, so I am all for trying it out at the senior center!” said Bobbi Arthur, Senior Center Supervisor.

The adoption fee will be waived for any senior citizen who adopts a V.I.P. pet, and all animals are fully vaccinated, dewormed and heartworm tested by shelter staff. All animals are required to be spayed or neutered within 30 days of adoption, per state law. For more information about the V.I.P. Shelter Pet Program, call HCAS at 817-759-2124.

(picture) Davis Hughes adopted a chihuahua named Caneda