Background Broadly, the literature demonstrates positive outcomes for older people having pets. However, there are also concerns about risks for the older person and the welfare of the pets, and policy challenges exist for pet ownership in communal environments. Aim The aim of this scoping review was to map the literature on outcomes associated with pet ownership and inclusion, using a socioecological framework. Method Ten databases and grey literature sources were searched. Screening occurred independently by two reviewers using Covidence. Extracted data were organised and mapped to intrapersonal, interpersonal, community, organisational and governmental levels of the socioecological framework for both pet inclusion and associated outcomes. Findings One hundred records were included; 77 reported empirical data and the remainder were descriptive. Records originated from 21 countries, with most focusing on community dwelling older people (n=72). The pets examined were predominantly dogs (n=42) and cats (n=35). Pets were associated with enhanced emotional well-being, reduced loneliness, greater meaning and purpose in life, improved perceived health, increased physical activity, and feelings of safety. However, pet ownership or inclusion could also contribute to stress, poorer health, or self-neglect, particularly in the context of financial strain or housing insecurities. Most literature addressed pet inclusion and outcomes at intrapersonal and interpersonal levels with fewer studies explicitly examining processes at community, organisational and governmental levels. Conclusion Given the positive outcomes pets can have on the lives of older people, targeted research and supportive policies are needed to optimise pet inclusion and benefits in later life.