Morris County expands robotic companion pet program to bring comfort to seniors in housing communities
MORRIS COUNTY, N.J. — Morris County has expanded its “Joy for All” Companion Pet Program this holiday season, distributing robotic companion animals to seniors living in county-supported housing in an effort to reduce loneliness and improve emotional well-being.
The program, sponsored by the Morris County Office on Aging, Disabilities and Community Programming, was broadened in 2025 through a new partnership with the Morris County Housing Authority. As part of the expansion, 36 robotic companion pets were provided to the Housing Authority, with 26 already distributed to residents age 60 and older.
“Our aging residents are an essential part of Morris County, and their well-being is a top priority. We look forward to the comfort these companion pets will bring to our older neighbors — people who have contributed so much to our community,” said Commissioner Christine Myers, liaison to the Human Services Department.
Launched in 2024, the Joy for All Companion Pet Program aims to address social isolation, loneliness and cognitive decline among older adults by offering the comfort of a pet without the responsibilities of caring for a live animal. In its first year, the program distributed 110 robotic companion pets to eligible residents and facilities throughout Morris County and partnered with the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Project Lifesaver program.
The robotic cats and dogs are designed to respond to motion and touch, displaying lifelike behaviors such as purring, rolling over, barking and wagging their tails.
“The companion pets have been the focus of rigorous, peer-reviewed studies demonstrating their effectiveness in reducing loneliness and social isolation,” said Christine Hellyer, director of the Office on Aging, Disabilities and Community Programming. “Recipients often name their pets and keep them as long as they wish, forming meaningful emotional connections.”
The program is funded through the Aging American Rescue Plan. To be eligible, participants must be at least 60 years old, homebound, and either socially isolated or living with dementia or a similar cognitive condition.
