«The interest in the program is very high: as soon as information about the start appeared, we received more than 30 calls. 10 elderly people came to the shelter, six of them have already chosen pets,» said Agne Zhebene, the head of the Vilnius Animal Shelter, adding that temporary custody agreements will be signed with these individuals and the animals will be brought to their homes.
The pensioners have chosen four dogs and two cats.
Elderly people aged 65 and older, including residents of nursing homes, can participate in the program. They can become temporary guardians of animals. To do this, individuals must come to the animal shelter, which is administered by a municipal company, choose an animal, and sign a temporary custody agreement.
The shelter will take care of the food, litter, and veterinary services if the animal needs them. The guardian will take care of the animal, feed it, and take it for walks.
If for any reason the elderly guardian is unable to continue caring for the animal, the animal will be taken back to the shelter.