Senior pets are often overlooked by adopters and many rescues. But, those who decide they'd like to adopt an older dog, cat, bird or other animal find them to be genuine companions and get much joy in owning an adult pet. Older dogs tend to adapt quicker, they are most likely already housebroken and seem to have better manners than younger dogs or puppies; the same goes for cats.
Dogs older than 7 years old generally fall into the senior dog category. Depending on the dog's breed, they could live for many years after that. If you choose to adopt a senior pet, you can look forward to several benefits. Senior pets don't require the constant monitoring and training that puppies and kittens do, for one, and you can get more sleep at night because they are quieter. They are wise and know how to exert authority on younger pets, to keep them in line.
Adopting an older dog gives you instant knowledge, you'll know from the start important things like their full-grown size, personality and grooming requirements. You may also be able to know the pet’s history/background. This can make it easier for new or picky pet parents to pick the right dog or cat, or rabbit .
Dogs with calmer temperaments will often have better manners than youthful, more excitable dogs. When the mail truck rolls up, an older adult dog may give it a sideways glance, rather than jump off the couch barking at the new intruder. Older dogs often have the benefit of being socialized previously with both other dogs and with other humans, making them more likely to have positive interactions in the future.
Older animals already have their routines and while they may still love to play, they love to relax, cuddle and nap as well. They are emotionally mature and more mellow than younger pets, and although they require exercise like any pet, it does not need to be as frequent or vigorous as with a younger animal.
The sad fact is, older pets get adopted at a much lower rate than younger pets. They spend on average up to four times as long as a younger pet in shelters.
When you adopt an older pet from the shelter, you will be changing a pet’s life, and save an old pet from euthanasia at kill shelters. Millions of healthy, adoptable pets are killed because of lack of space, or even if they catch a cold (URI) which is easy to happen in a shelter environment. There are injured and sick pets dumped there which can also be treated (there are options people may not be aware of to help with veterinary costs). Many older pets are traumatized or depressed being in shelters, because they lost their family and possibly their animal companions, their home, and find themselves in a scary environment. They know - I have seen it with my own eyes - what goes on at kill shelters. I’ve seen dogs peeing upon being dragged into the NYACC, they are so terrified.
The love you give to this dog, cat, bird, chinchilla, hamster or turtle, could be a love it would never have otherwise known. The same goes for the love this pet will return to you, in appreciation for taking him/her into your home and family.
There are many wonderful pets available for adoption from shelters, humane societies, and rescue groups. Please don’t support puppy mills/breeders.
