November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month! There is nothing like the sweet gentle soul of an old pet. Senior pets often get overlooked because of their age when it comes to adoption, but we actually think there are many benefits to adopting a seniors. Here are just a few.
Senior Pets are Already Housetrained
It would be rare to find an adult pet that still needed to be housebroken, so right off the bat your new senior pet can enter your life without any of the mess or stress that comes with a puppy that isn’t housebroken.
Senior Pets Have a Calmer Temperament
With age comes not only wisdom but also a more relaxed state of being for pets. This may not true be for every dog or cat. There will always be the ageless wonder who never wants to stop playing. For most dogs though, the older they get, the less exercise they need and the less energetic they are throughout the day. For seniors living a more relaxed lifestyle, adult dogs can make the perfect companions.
Senior Pets Requirements
Since senior pets are fully grown, you’ll be immediately aware of important information like personality type and grooming requirements, making it easier to choose the perfect pet for your family.
Old enough to know better, young enough to learn
A senior animal may already know some basic commands and will be responsive to learning more. They have more focus and attention than puppies or kittens, and may have undergone obedience training with their previous owners or shelter staff. They may already be create or leash trained, have experience with routine grooming and know basic house manners. At the same time, companion pets are wired to please their human guardians, and typically are fast learners – especially when it benefits them to learn something new.
Just add love
Senior pets will adapt to a new family given love and time. While you might not be your senior dog’s or cat’s first family (or even his second or third), once you adopt and shower your pet with love you will be his only family.