San Francisco’s Mission District is one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, but it’s also home to one of the newest, state-of-the-art dog rescue and community centers. Muttville Senior Dog Rescue has been the nation’s first cage-free dog rescue since its founding in 2007, though they’ve taken their rescue efforts to the next level after their community center opened its doors in 2024.
This includes a special program called Cuddle Club, which is open to anyone aged 62 or older. As the name implies, the program gives Bay Area seniors an opportunity to snuggle and bond with Muttville’s most easygoing residents, who are just as eager to make new friends.
Cuddle Club at Muttville Senior Dog RescueImage via Muttville Senior Dog Rescue
It’s easy to get caught up in the sweetness of Cuddle Club, but there’s so much more to this program than meets the eye. Spending time together helps these seniors—both human and canine—find the kind of joy and purpose that keeps their hearts soft and their minds strong.
Benefits of Cuddle Club for Seniors
Elizabeth Shih, who serves as the Chair of San Francisco’s Institute on Aging, is one of Cuddle Club’s regular attendees. Although she first came to Muttville to learn more about volunteering, she immediately fell in love with the concept of a seniors-only group where everyone benefits.
Elizabeth Shih at Cuddle ClubImage via Muttville Senior Dog Rescue
“Having seniors over 62 and senior dogs cuddle for an hour accomplishes so many wonderful things,” she explains. “Fellowship with other seniors, an amazing hour cuddling with another senior….a four-legged one! I used to have dogs and am not able to at this time, so a regular time twice a month where I can give physical affection and get it in return is simply wonderful.”
Anyone can feel the benefits of cuddling with a sweet senior dog, but this companionship and unconditional love can make a greater impact on seniors. As Shih explains, the natural changes that come with age can leave seniors feeling vulnerable and isolated.
Cuddle Club participant with a dog in a cone
Image via Muttville Senior Dog Rescue
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“As a person ages, the normal life progression results in multiple losses: loss of friends/families who age and pass; the loss of your own physical, mental, and emotional functions, all of which are a natural part of the aging process.”
Helping senior rescue dogs feel loved and relaxed can be a wonderful reminder to Cuddle Club participants that their presence and participation have value. They can make a huge difference in the life of a dog, regardless of their age and ability.
Benefits of Cuddle Club for Senior Dogs
Of course, Cuddle Club benefits its canine participants just as much as its human ones. Many of the rescue dogs who come to Muttville have never lived in a loving, stable environment, while others are mourning the loss of their parents, who have either passed away or gone into assisted living. Spending an hour with easygoing people and endless amounts of love can be exactly what they need to decompress or come out of their shells.
Two Cuddle Club members with Muttville founder Sherri FranklinImage via Muttville Senior Dog Rescue
“Their stories are often sad and very poignant,” agrees Shih. “None of their history has marred their ability to give affection, and receive it. A favorite moment is always when I get a dog to cuddle with, hear about his/her background, and know that their next stop will be to a loving home.”
Socialization is just one kind of enrichment activity that can help senior rescue dogs stay nimble and sharp. Not only does socializing boost a dog’s self-esteem (which helps them steal the heart of the perfect adopter), but it also encourages senior dogs to stay confident and active, regardless of their changing abilities.
Join Cuddle Club
Bay Area residents aged 62 and up can visit Muttville’s website or send an email to info@muttville.org to find out when the next Cuddle Club event will be held. Muttville also partners up with many local organizations, such as Little Brothers—Friends of the Elderly and Openhouse SF, to bring the program to senior centers around the city. If you’re interested in setting up an event, simply send them an email!
A woman laughs next to a senior Chihuahua at Cuddle ClubImage via Muttville Senior Dog Rescue
And if you’re not yet eligible to join the elite Cuddle Club, you can always drop in during Muttville’s open hours to spend some time with adoptable senior dogs. The dogs would love to see you!
“Every dog gets as much cuddling as we can give,” agrees Shih, “regardless of the state they are in.”
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This story was originally reported by PetHelpful on Oct 30, 2025, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add PetHelpful as a Preferred Source by clicking here.