Senior Pets Can Be Perfect Companions

Are you thinking about getting a new pet? November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month; rescuing an older pet might just be the perfect situation for your family!

Did you know that senior pets may wait 4 times as long as other pets to be adopted? Sadly, many of them end up in shelters due to unfortunate circumstances, such as a beloved owner’s death, family member’s allergies, or a move. When you adopt a senior pet, you are doing a wonderful thing – they’ve been used to a lot of love and companionship and they are suddenly without it.

On average, dogs are considered senior at around 7 years old; smaller breeds at around 10. Most cats are considered senior between 7 and 10 years old.

There are a lot of great benefits to adopting an older animal over a young one, including:

You know what you are getting
Unlike adopting a young animal, you already know this pet’s characteristics, whether they get along with children and other pets; and what their current medical issues are. Their personalities are already formed.

They are already trained and understand basic commands
Senior pets know the deal! They are potty trained, know the difference between sit and heel, and are the perfect companions for a walk. Young dogs require a lot of work and training, of which a busy family may not have time to do properly. With a senior pet, you can enjoy the benefits of having a companion without all the work involved at the beginning.

No destructive puppy phase
While we all love the young pups, they have a LOT of energy and often can be destructive. With a senior pet, you don’t have to worry about teething, clawing, digging, climbing, jumping, and other rambunctious behavior. Older pets are more sedate and cuddly, and they make great companions for older adults as well.

Senior pets do have some special considerations. They may not be able to climb stairs and may need easier access to a litter box. They may need more veterinarian visits or special foods.

When you rescue a senior pet, you are giving them a great gift. . .one that he will return in threefold!