What's a good gift for a senior citizen this year? Depending on the health and living situation of your favorite elderly relative or friend, a pet may be an excellent choice.

Over the last decade, literally hundreds of studies have been done to determine the benefits of owning pets among the elderly. Among them: lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels, lower rates of cardiovascular disease, fewer doctor visits, higher levels of mental alertness, less stress and reduced depression.

Older pet owners also report that having a pet gives them something to care for and take responsibility for. After all, when the cat needs to be fed or the dog needs to go outside, it's hard to stay glued to your chair — even when one's arthritis makes getting up a challenge. As well, having a pet can keep an older person without scheduled activities in something of a regular routine, as he or she will have to awaken at a regular time, and feed, water, exercise and clean up after the animal.

But owning a pet is a huge responsibility. It's never a good idea to simply present a friend or relative with an animal. First, have a discussion about pet ownership. In most cases, you need to make sure they are red-hot enthusiastic about the idea of having a pet before proceeding. (Some severely depressed individuals have not initially wanted a pet but have improved through caring for one. In these cases the giver must be prepared to take over ownership of the animal if it doesn't work.)

Then, give a gift certificate or photo of an animal instead of a live pet. It's very important that you not give anyone a pet that he or she has not met and liked. Owning a pet will be a burden, not a joy, if the animal doesn't meet the senior's needs and wants. Later, after the holiday hustle and bustle has ended, take the recipient to choose his or her own animal.

How do you help an older person choose a pet? Ask some of these questions:

• What kind of pet does the person want? If it's realistic, get whatever that person desires. Older people may have ideas of wanting, for example, a large dog for security purposes. But that large dog may be nearly impossible for a 100-pound elderly woman to handle — and a smaller-sized dog can still provide security and companionship. On the other hand, an extremely well-trained larger dog may be a good fit. Shelter staff and animal behavior experts are available to help you make the best choice.

• Is the person physically able to care for that pet? As in the large dog example, some pets just aren't appropriate. A person who stumbles and is unsteady on his or her feet may not want a young, active cat. An older, mellow cat or medium-sized dog may be the answer. Typically, an adult animal will be more relaxed, already housebroken and less active than a baby or young adult. Also, birds, fish, rabbits and guinea pigs may provide companionship and be a better solution than a cat or dog.

• Can the person afford the animal? Subsidizing care may be part of your gift, but you shouldn't overlook this part of pet care. The ASPCA figures that a cat takes an average of $575 per year to feed, buy toys and treats for, and provide medical care for. Initial supplies like a litter box and collar will take that total higher. A medium-sized dog will cost $620 annually, a rabbit will cost $691 and a small bird like a parakeet will be about $120. Consider adopting an already altered pet from a rescue or shelter to eliminate the costs of spay/neuter and initial vaccinations.

• What will happen to the animal if the owner has to go to an assisted living facility or dies? A lot of older people are reluctant to get a pet for just this reason. As the gift giver, providing a place for the pet to go (your home?) if required will put everyone's mind at ease. Do note, however, that a growing number of senior housing does allow well-behaved pets. Managers of these facilities have seen those studies about pets helping increase health and activity levels, too.

I highly recommend that seniors select a pet from a shelter or rescue where staff will take time to help you meet a variety of possible pets. If it's a dog you're after, Senior Dog Rescue is an excellent resource. I talk them up a lot in this column, but the truth is, they're a great organization with several healthy, older dogs in need of homes. Many times, these older dogs have lived with an elderly person and are used to a quiet household. For more information on Senior Dog Rescue, visit their web site at www.petfinder.org/shelters/OR85.html or call (541) 929-4100.

If you have doubts about a senior's ability to live with and care for a pet, please see that person's doctor for advice. Always be ready to accept the pet back and find a new home for it, just in case. If you communicate well and make sure a potential pet is a suitable fit, animal companionship can be a fantastic gift — the kind that will keep on giving.

Jennifer Gardner is a freelance writer and editor and a board member at Heartland Humane Society in Corvallis. She enjoys writing about all animals but specializes in rabbits and other small pets. If you have questions or comments about this column or other pet issues, please e-mail Jennifer at jennifer@visualpeople.com or write c/o The Gazette-Times.