Homelessness is heartbreaking at any age, but is especially distressing for senior animals. Too many senior pets spend long periods of time in shelters waiting for their people to take them home. This November, during Adopt a Senior Pet Month, we encourage every animal lover to consider adopting a senior pet.
Why We Love Senior Pets
Let’s face it, senior pets are way more relaxed than their younger counterparts. Instead of tearing up and down hallways or stairs, chewing shoes, or stealing food, senior pets have learned the ways of peaceful coexistence with humans. They are potty trained, socialized, and generally less hyper about household or neighborhood goings-on.
Younger pets tend to get more oohs and ahhs, but they aren’t always the cutests pets around. Without a doubt, senior pets are equally adorable (if not more so), and just as deserving of our love, protection, and attention. Gray muzzles are the best!
What You See
Senior pets are more motivated by creature comforts than, say, thrilling experiences like fence jumping or destructive chewing/digging/marking. They really want a warm, quiet place for snoozing, tasty food, and the protection, encouragement, and reassurance from a special human.
Younger animals need time and guidance to develop their personality and preferences. The disposition and behaviors of senior pets, on the other hand, are pretty much set in stone. Sure, senior pets can continue to learn new skills, but generally speaking, what you see is what you get. Younger animals may be more unpredictable or wild until a certain point in their development.
A Step Beyond
Additionally, many senior pets may have a detailed, thorough medical history that can enable a new owner to provide the best possible care for them. If not, we can establish care for a newly-adopted senior pet. Good senior pet care means ensuring they are up to date with all vaccinations, disease screenings, parasite prevention, and dental care.
Settling In
When you adopt a senior pet, you might be surprised at how well they adjust to the rhythm of the household routine and add to your well-being. In fact, because senior pets are so mellow, they actually lower their human’s blood pressure by just being themselves. This mutual affection and positivity improves everyone’s health, and may even contribute to longevity.
Adopt a Senior Pet
Older animals are often abandoned or surrendered because of an owner’s death, financial changes, housing challenges, medical expenses, or for no known reason. No matter how or why a pet ends up in the shelter, they certainly deserve a second chance for a loving home.
If you have any questions about the needs of senior pets and the best ways to provide senior pet care, please give our team a call at (209) 527‑5855.