09/11/2023
November is National Adopt a Senior Pet Month, and we think that's something special. Learn why we believe older pets make some of the best companions and adoptable animals!
1. 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐚𝐥𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬! Senior pets usually come from homes where they’ve already learned how to be good companion animals. Dogs usually come already trained and knowing how to stick to a routine, while cats are familiar with being handled and doing their own thing. While adding any new animal to your family will require a transitional period, senior pets tend to be calmer, more independent, and require less constant care and attention than a puppy or kitten.
2. 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬. Senior animals are often looking for stability and routine in their golden years, and so waste no time bonding with their new families. Many senior pets remember what it’s like to have a warm bed and a human that loves them, and they’ll be forever grateful that you gave them that again!
3. 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐞𝐰 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐬. Sometimes adopting a younger pet can be a gamble. With a senior animal, however, you already know almost everything about them going in. You know their size, how much food they’ll need, their personality and quirks, and what they prefer in their new home. In this sense, adopting a senior pet nearly assures that you’ll make the perfect match and be happy together for the rest of their years.
4. 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲’𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐬. While many senior pets still like to have fun, they don’t want the same things as a puppy or a kitten. Senior pets don’t require the same number of toys, treats, and entertainment that their younger companions do, and you usually don’t have to worry about them getting bored, destructive, or clingy. Most senior pets are just happy to be a part of the family and to be beside you wherever that may lead. Material objects are nothing compared to true love!
5. 𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐮𝐫! We’re not going to lie… we love the gray faces of senior dogs and the beautiful silver fur of older cats! There’s just something about the soulful, older face of a senior pet that makes you grateful to be in their presence. You might not be able to ask your senior about their life story, but knowing that you get to be a part of it is something truly special!