Getting a new pet can be an exciting time in any family. Going to the pet store, finding the cutest puppy or kitten, and deciding which one to bring into your family is a milestone for any household. But why is it that everyone always seems to buy puppies and kittens, rather than adopting one of the many older pets in shelters waiting for a forever home? Here are just a few reasons why you should consider adopting an adult or senior pet as your next furry family member.
- Know What You’re Getting: When adopting a younger puppy or kitten, it’s possible that they may grow into behaviors that you and your family weren’t prepared for and aren’t able to handle. This is one reason why so many animals end up surrendered to shelters in the first place. When adopting a senior animal from a shelter, you’ve got a far better idea of exactly who it is that you’re welcoming into your home, as they have already grown into most of their personality quirks.
- Lower Energy Investment: Anyone who’s ever seen a young puppy or kitten knows just how much energy they can have. While that may be incredibly cute and fun to watch, it can be exhausting to take care of a young pet during this stage of their life. By the time a pet has reached their golden years, they’ve settled down a considerable amount. This makes them far less exhausting to care for. If you’re not sure that you could keep up with a younger pet, an older dog or cat could be the best choice for you and your family.
- Need For Homes: Older pets need homes just as badly as younger pets. Often, older pets are left in shelters for one reason or another after having been in a loving home for years. Younger pets tend to be adopted faster, as well, with older pets tending to stay in shelters for longer. Next time you’re thinking about adopting a puppy, consider instead looking at adopting an older dog who may have been in a shelter for far longer.
If you are going to adopt an older pet, make sure you’re prepared to handle the care for them. This is true of any animal companion, but especially with senior pets; vets suggest twice-yearly checkups for older pets. Next time you’re looking at adopting a furry friend, try to look first at a senior pet; you could be making a huge difference in the life of that animal.
I wish I had more room, I have adopted two senior cats, I would love to adopt a couple of senior dogs.
@tisonlyme143
We got a senior pet. He has some health issues but has turned out to be such a loving and loyal dog.
Thanks for this post, we have adopted several senior pets and it is so rewarding to give an animal a second chance.
This may seem so selfish of me but after my furbaby of 16 years passed I don’t know if I could handle adopting a senior dog. I know there are so many advantages of adopting a senior pet. Who knows when I go to adopt a new dog I may end up with an older one. They choose me I don’t choose them. LOL
We have 3 cats and 2 dogs, and we have rescued them all. Some were younger, some were older. I’ve never known more grateful companions. <3
Nice that you are encouraging the adoption of senior pets.
My senior dog passed away last year on April 3
My senior dog is still living. He’s a great companion to my family.
Adopting a pet is one of the most compassionate things a person can do ,
There are a lot of sites to help you adopt a pet like Petfinder, Adopt a Pet, Get Your Pet, The Shelter Pet Project, ASPCA, Dog the Love, Dog Time, Best Friends Animal Society, DogsBlog, Dogs Best Life, and the Humane Society of the United States,
They are all good places to start your search for adopting a pet.