The Pets of Coterie: How Our Furry Friends Support Healthy Aging

Coterie Cathedral Hill resident Connie doesn’t need an alarm clock. She has her dog Winston instead.

“Every morning around seven-thirty, he jumps onto my bed and kisses my face to wake me up,” she says of her 26-pound Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, whom she named after her favorite politician, Winston Churchill. “Of course, he’s very motivated because he wants me to take him out so he can do his business and see his friends.”

These wake-up kisses are Connie’s cue to start her day with a trip up to Cathedral Hill’s rooftop dog park, with its beautiful view of the San Francisco skyline. Sometimes Winston plays with other Coterie Cathedral Hill dogs or is greeted by residents out for a morning stroll. Then it’s down to the café, where Connie sips on a latte while Winston makes the rounds with residents and staff.

“I think Winston’s become the mascot of Coterie,” Connie says. “All the dogs love him, all the residents love him. He loves greeting new people and dogs when they move in.”

She notes wryly that he may be more well-known around the building than she is.

“Every now and then we’ll run into a new resident in the elevator and they’ll say, ‘Good morning, Winston!’” she says. “Then they’ll look at me and say, ‘Remind me of your name again?’”

Across the country, at Coterie Hudson Yards, resident Martina wakes up to find her cat Penny nestled under the covers with her.

“She likes to crawl into my bed after I’m asleep,” she says. “So when I wake up she’s always somewhere cozy under the blankets.”

Martina says Penny is “kind of like my roommate,” following her around the apartment and settling onto the cushion next to her on the sofa.

“She loves the big windows and all the natural light,” Martina says. “Sometimes she’ll just roll around in the sun for an hour.”

Unlike Martina’s previous cats, however, she is not much of a lap cat.

“She loves being pet and she’s very people-friendly, but she doesn’t like sitting still in my lap,” Martina says with a laugh. “I’m trying to train her. It’s been two years, but we’re working on it.”

For many older adults, the companionship and comfort pets provide can bring significant health benefits. Reseach suggests that pet ownership can help lower stress, reduce feelings of loneliness, and strengthen emotional well-being, all of which contribute to healthy aging. A 2025 study by the University of Michigan found that 83% of senior pet owners say their pet gives them a sense of purpose.

Pets also encourage older adults to stay active and engaged in their daily lives. Taking a dog for a walk provides regular opportunities for physical exercise, while feeding, grooming, and playing with a pet help establish healthy routines. Studies have associated pet ownership with lower blood pressure, reduced cardiovascular risk, and improved mental well-being. Just as importantly, pets often serve as natural conversation starters, helping residents build and maintain social connections in their community.

The American Humane Society says that finding the right pet depends a lot on an older adult’s personality, lifestyle, and activity level. Cats are a great choice for older adults with limited mobility or who want a quieter, more low-maintenance companion, while dogs are ideal for someone who loves walking and spending time outdoors. The AHS also recommends that seniors consider adopting older pets, as they often have calmer personalities and require less training.

At pet-friendly communities like Coterie, the benefits of pet ownership are woven into everyday life.

“At Coterie, we believe home is only complete when every member of the family—including pets—feels welcome,” says Coterie Cathedral Hill Concierge Manager Errol John Genove. “Our rooftop dog park gives residents and their dogs a beautiful place to walk, play, and connect with neighbors. By offering services for pet-sitting, litter box cleaning, and professional grooming, we make it easier for residents to enjoy quality time with loved ones while knowing their pets are happy, healthy, and well cared for.”

Martina says that Coterie’s pet-friendly policies and environment played a major part in her decision to move into Coterie Hudson Yards.

“One of the best aspects of Coterie is the way they welcome pets,” she says. “Living with a pet makes a huge difference to the people living here. Penny keeps me company all day, and she’s just a wonderful presence to have here.”

Connie agrees that allowing pets was a non-negotiable factor in her search for a luxury senior living community.

“I couldn’t have gone anywhere without my Winston,” she says. “He’s my best friend.”