what is the Silver Paws Program?

The Silver Paws Program connects mature pet lovers with homeless mature pets. Part of AARF’s overall foster program network, Silver Paws foster parents participate in foster orientations and trainings with other fosters, which can serve as an antidote to the isolation many mature adults face. The program covers the cost of veterinary care, food and supplies for the foster pets, alleviating the financial concerns that are common.

Since it may take many months or years for an older pet to become adopted, the program allows Silver Paws foster parents to become permanent caretakers for their pets. In these cases, the program will continue to pay for costs associated with the pet, but the dog or cat will no longer be available for adoption. The pet will remain in the care of the foster for the remainder of the pet’s life, or until the foster can no longer care for the pet. This provides a caring, permanent home for a mature pet and a loving companion for a mature adult.