When adopting a pet, one choice you have to make is whether to adopt a baby, an adult, or a senior. All shelter pets deserve loving homes, but senior pets are often overlooked. Animal shelters across the country are filled with healthy, active and loveable senior pets. Adopting a senior pet can be the best decision a person can make, especially since it can be a life-saving act for the pet. Shelters are overcrowded and, unfortunately, according to the American Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, older dogs are among the first to be euthanized if they aren’t adopted in a timely manner. In addition to being a lifesaver, here are some other reasons why rescuing a senior pet can be a fantastic decision:
They provide unconditional love. Many older dogs and cats were once owned and loved by someone, but for whatever reason, they were relinquished to a shelter. In most cases, relinquishment is due to the sudden death of an owner, divorce, a move, loss of a job, etc. and has nothing to do with the pets’ behavior. Senior pets will love their new family just as much as a puppy or kitten would. They are incredibly resilient and have the ability to bond with their new family in just a matter of days, if not instantly.
Senior pets are like an open book. When choosing an older pet, new owners will have a pretty good understanding of what they’re getting since the pet’s physical traits and temperament will be established. Also, most shelters will know if the pet has any prior medical or special needs issues, so pet parents can be prepared right off the bat.
Senior pets are ideal for first time pet parents who may not have the time necessary to train, socialize, and exercise a young or adolescent puppy properly. On most occasions, senior pets are already housetrained, know basic obedience commands and are comfortable being left alone at home.
Add Comment