As humans, we like to say “we get better with age.” And, for our four-legged friends this is often the case too. Senior pets are calmer, they’ve already outgrown their mischievous years of destroying your house, yard and anything else they can sink their teeth into and most of them know basic commands. November is the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ (ASPCA) Adopt a Senior Pet Month - - a month dedicated to the often overlooked senior animals that come into shelters.
Most people are apprehensive about adopting an older dog or cat. They shy away from adopting a senior animal because they believe the pet might have health or behavioral issues. Typically an animal over 5 years of age, senior pets come into shelters for a variety of reasons. Often it’s not the dog or cat who was the problem, but the human. Their families moved, a new baby arrives in the house, a household member develops allergies, the human no longer has time for the animal …The reality why older pets are given up to shelters or rescue groups is the same as any other - - owners can’t take care of them anymore, or sadly just don’t want them anymore.
Pictured: Waffle, senior dog awaiting adoption
Most senior pets relinquished to shelters face euthanasia. However, some of these elderly pets clearly have time left, often quite a few years. When searching to adopt a new family member be open to adopting a dog or cat of any age. Yes, there may be a concern with a particular senior pet, but you are much less likely to find one that isn’t housebroken or a senior dog that snaps than you are a young one. The risk of adoption for a senior pet is low and the rewards are immeasurable. So as you, or someone you know, embark on the journey of adoption, take a look at some advantages of adopting an older dog or cat:
You know what size the dog (or cat) will be - - How many times have you heard, “I thought he was going to be a small dog” when someone got a puppy? When you adopt a senior pet they’re fully-grown. You know today the size of your new family member. There’s no surprises a year down the road.
Less destruction - - With a senior pet you don’t have to worry about “child” proofing your home. Older pets, dogs in particular, are not teething anymore and won’t chew everything in site while they’re growing up. Shoes, furniture, TV remote control and landscaping are generally untouched when you bring an older pet home. With a youngster, no matter how well you monitor them…something is bound to be destroyed.
Bladder control - - Senior pets are generally housebroken. And, if they’re not, they are much easier to train than a young pet that has not yet gained bladder control. Plus, senior pets know the appropriate area to relieve themselves. Senior dogs know outdoors is the place for business and senior cats are accustom to a litter box.
Eight hours of sleep - - Senior pets let you get a good night’s sleep because they are already attuned to human schedules. They don’t require midnight bathroom breaks or get the kitten crazies at 3:00 in the morning waiting for someone to entertain them. Senior pets settle down and snooze soundly throughout the night, just like you do!
Basic training included - - Senior pets often come knowing basic commands such as sit, down and the word “no.” Many older dogs know not to jump up on people or pull their owners around on the leash. And if they don’t, they learn these things much faster as they are calmer and can focus easier when being trained.
Instant Companion - - Senior pets settle in quickly because they've already learned what it takes to get along with others and become part of a pack. Older dogs are ready today to go on walks, car rides, and other things you like to do when you bring them home. Older cats are ready to enjoy a comfortable nap in your lap or spend time keeping you company while you work on the computer. And, being older and wiser, senior pets sense they have been saved and start showing their love and devotion, in turn, very quickly.
Adopting a senior pet is a wonderful experience and there are many senior pets awaiting adoption at your local shelter. These animals still have time to bring joy to you and are just looking for that one special home to cherish them for the rest of their life.
To locate a shelter in your area,
click here.
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Photo top: Wren, senior dog awaiting adoption.
Both dogs available at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary