8 Retirement Hobbies for Animal Lovers

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If you own a pet, you can incorporate them into fun activities that you can share together to make new memories. Animals, whether you own one or you’re considering adoption, can be fun companions for retirees. Some studies have also shown that active adult community residents who own pets are more social, active, and happy.

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Just because you’re retired doesn’t mean you have to give up your favorite hobbies. If you aren’t into yoga or gardening but you love animals, including a furry friend in your hobbies can be fun and rewarding.

Animals, whether you own one or you’re considering adoption, can be fun companions for retirees. Some studies have also shown that active adult community residents who own pets are more social, active, and happy. You can incorporate your pet into fun activities and make new memories.

Here are eight hobbies that animal lovers can do during their retirement:

1. Pet Volunteer Programs

A senior woman bringing a therapy dog to visit a sick boy in a hospital
You can witness your pooch bring smiles and comfort to those in need.

Retirees who already have a pet can volunteer to take them to hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics to visit sick patients in need of some cheering up. Dog owners can register their pets to participate in local programs that offer these services. You’re pet just had to pass a training program to get certified. Then, you can witness your pooch bring smiles and comfort to those in need.

2. Foster Care

A senior woman laying on the couch with her foster dog sitting on her chest
Fostering an animal helps prevent overcrowding in shelters.

Local shelters and non-profit organizations offer programs where people can become foster parents to animals on a temporary basis. All foster parents have to do is offer their time, home, and energy to a pet in need. Fostering an animal helps prevent overcrowding in shelters and prepares them for the adoption process.

3. Zoo or Wildlife Park Volunteer

A hand offering food to a wallaby at a wildlife park
Volunteers can help animal caretakers by preparing food, cleaning exhibits, and feeding the animals.

Retirees can also spend their time volunteering at their local zoo or wildlife park. Volunteers can help animal caretakers by preparing food, cleaning exhibits, and feeding the animals. Retirees may also assist zoo or wildlife park employees in educational demonstrations and programs about specific animal exhibits.

4. Dog Walking

An older woman making extra money as a dog walker
Animal lovers can offer to walk dogs a few times a week for their neighbors, friends, or family.

Dog walking is a great hobby that can also make you a few dollars in your spare time. Whether you decide to charge a fee is up to you, but animal lovers can offer to walk dogs a few times a week for their neighbors, friends, or family. Spending a few hours a day with a dog or other pet can boost your mood and give you something fun to do. You can also volunteer as a dog walker at local shelters.

5. Fishing

A senior couple fishing on the banks of a river
Fishing provides an opportunity to spend time in the fresh air and sunshine.

Animal lovers who enjoy some quiet time in nature can fish as a hobby. Fishing is a relaxing pastime for a lot of people, and it provides an opportunity to spend time in the fresh air and sunshine. Catch-and-release fishing is permitted in many local lakes and ponds so you won’t have to travel far to find a prime spot. Also, fishing can be done alone or with a friend.

6. Bird Watching

A senior couple standing by a fence and bird watching
Retirees can go on nature hikes alone or in groups to look for different species of birds.

Bird watching is a popular hobby for retirees and animal lovers alike. You can spend your time outdoors while appreciating the natural beauty of your surroundings. With a good pair of binoculars and a bird book, retirees can go on nature hikes alone or in groups to look for different species of birds. Bird watching can also help retirees strengthen their eyesight and attention skills.

7. Dog Competitions

A line of corgis at an outdoor dog show
Dog show competitions can be fun for both you and your pet.

If you love dog shows and you’re confident in your well-trained pet, then you may enjoy dog show competitions. This hobby can be fun for both you and your pet. Whether you decide to enter your dog to compete in a dog show or you just watch others from the sidelines, it’s a great way to spend time surrounded by dogs of all breeds and sizes.

8. Photography

A woman taking a photo with her phone of her dog
You can put your camera to use by taking pictures of your pets or other animals you see outdoors.

Retirees who love animals and photography can combine these two hobbies. You can put your camera to use by taking beautiful pictures of your pets or other animals you see outdoors. You can also explore your crafty and creative side by printing and framing the pictures you take (which make great gifts for family and friends).

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Mayra Rocha

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