3 Reasons Why You Should Adopt a Senior Pet
Pets, like their human counterparts, can be a handful. But if you’re looking for an easygoing pet that already knows the ropes, adopting an older animal can be great for both of you. These are three reasons why you should adopt a senior pet:
1. They’re Calmer and More Easygoing.
Senior pets have a calmer, more laid-back demeanor, and life experiences have already exposed them to a variety of people, animals, and situations. They’ve probably already been housetrained, which allows you to skip that part. If you’re looking for a dog that’s not going to have accidents in your house or a cat that understands how to use its litter box, a senior pet is an excellent option.
Senior pet care is less demanding. They’re far less likely to get into mischief, whereas puppies and kittens need lots of attention and constant vigilance to ensure they don’t get into something that could harm them, your home, or both. And senior dogs and cats don’t require as much exercise or mental stimulation as younger animals. This makes them excellent companions for busy people or those who don’t have the time or energy to devote to a young pet.
2. You Know What You’re Getting When You Adopt a Senior Pet.
You can never be quite sure what you’re getting when you adopt a puppy or kitten, but with senior pet adoption you can find exactly what you want, For example, when you adopt a senior dog or cat, you don’t have to guess how big it’ll be when it’s full-grown, and you can immediately get a sense of its temperament and how well its likely to fit in with the other people and animals in your home.
3. Adopting a Senior Dog or Cat Is an Act of Kindness that Can Save a Life.
Older pets are less likely than puppies and kittens to be adopted. By choosing to give a senior dog or cat a home, you may very well save its life.
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), senior dogs and cats are more likely than younger animals to be euthanized at shelters because of their age, The organization estimates that about twenty percent of shelter dogs are older than seven years old, and about twenty-five percent of cats are older than five years old.
The good news is that more people are realizing just how much senior pets have to offer but thousands of older cats and dogs are still waiting for their forever homes. Could one of them be the right fit for yours?
Senior Pets Make Excellent Companions
If you’re thinking about bringing a new pet into your home, consider adopting an older one. The right senior pet has a lot of love to give and can be a wonderful addition to any family, and they desperately need good homes.
Our staff at Leon Valley Veterinary Hospital enjoys welcoming senior patients. Please call us at (210) 681-1391 to schedule a senior pet wellness check.