Senior pets end up in shelters for a variety of reasons and often stay in shelter a long time. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), senior pets are usually the last to be adopted. Adopters often overlook senior pets in favor of younger, more energetic animals.
Sure, puppies and kittens are cute, but they can also be a lot more work – kind of like kids. When they grow up and mature, they can take care of themselves better and provide calmer companionship.
There are so many advantages to adopting an older cat or dog. In honor of Adopt a Senior Pet month, here are five great reasons to consider a senior pet:
1. They’re trained.
- Older pets are typically house-trained and understand important commands like “sit” and “stay”.
- You will save yourself the time and money usually needed to train a pet, and you can jump right into enjoying long walks and playing fetch.
- Older pets often learn tricks more easily because they have longer attention spans than younger ones. You can teach an old cat or dog new tricks!
2. What you see is what you get.
- A senior pet is fully grown, so you know exactly what size they will be, how thick their coat will be, their personality, and the level of care they need.
- You can find out if the pet lived with children or other pets, and how compatible they were.
- If there is a medical condition (and there often is, with senior pets), you know what it is and how it’s treated, from day one. Most shelters begin or continue treatment when the pet is adopted.
3. They’re less destructive.
- Senior pets have all their adult teeth (or may be missing a couple), so they tend not to chew on table legs, shoes, couches, and anything else within their reach like puppies do.
- Senior pets often lose their home for reasons other than their behavior or personality. Often a senior pet goes to the shelter when their long-time owner dies and moves to a nursing home.
4. They’re calmer.
- Older pets have already gone through the phase where they need to run around and burn energy.
- Older pets are usually much calmer, more relaxed, and have established their personality and character. If you ask shelter employees about the pet’s character, you will know if the pet fits into your household and lifestyle.
- These lower-energy pets are great for senior citizens looking for a companion pet, young families with children, or families looking for a pet that doesn’t need much training.
5. You are a hero.
Many senior pets in shelters have been separated from their lifelong companions and way of life, which can be difficult for them. Adopting a senior pet provides them with a loving home to live out their golden years.
This November, if you are thinking of adopting a pet, consider a senior pet. They could be a perfect match for you and your family!
LifeLearn News
Note: This article, written by LifeLearn Animal Health (LifeLearn Inc.) is licensed to this practice for the personal use of our clients. Any copying, printing or further distribution is prohibited without the express written permission of Lifelearn. Please note that the news information presented here is NOT a substitute for a proper consultation and/or clinical examination of your pet by a veterinarian.
