Sharing the Golden Years: Adopting a Senior Pet has its Advantages!

When you decide to add a new pet to your family and begin searching for just the right one, it’s hard to resist the cute puppy eyes and funny kitten antics of newborn pets. It’s human nature to gravitate toward baby animals — but if you look past the pint-sized puppies and kittens you’ll find happy, healthy, older pets looking for a comfortable home and a loving family with whom to spend their golden years.

November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month. Here are just a few reasons why you should consider adopting a senior pet:

5 reasons to adopt a senior dog:

1. You won’t need to play the guessing game. Along with already knowing how big the dog is full-grown, you will also know its personality, activity level, and grooming requirements. All of these things make it easier to pick the right dog for your lifestyle.
2. Teaching an old dog new tricks is easier than you think. Most older dogs are calmer, making it easier for them to focus. Better focus means faster learning.
3. Less mess and fewer trips to the shoe store. Shoes are for walking, bones are for chewing, and grass is for peeing, right? Try telling that to a puppy! Senior dogs are less likely to be destructive chewers and more likely to be housetrained.
4. More free time for you to do other things. Puppies are high-energy and need constant supervision while most senior dogs are more independent and are happy with a daily walk at your convenience.
5. You gain an instant family member. The majority of senior dogs have already had a home, so they know what it’s like to be part of a family and may settle in faster.

5 reasons to adopt a senior cat:

1. They know what to do with a litter box. Kittens can often be found sleeping or playing in their litter boxes. Older cats are more inclined to use the litter box for its intended purpose.
2. Avoid kitten chaos. Kitten antics may be fun, but they can also be a bit too mischievous. Older cats have mellowed and are less likely to cause chaos in the home.
3. They are great for all types of homes. Older cats are better for families with young children. They are also great for working adults as they require less supervision. And senior cats are more laid back, making them perfect for senior people too!
4. What you see is what you get. Senior cats’ personalities are already established. Whether you want a lap cat, an active cat or an independent cat, you’re more likely to know what you’re bringing home.
5. Less stress for your other pets. If you have other animals, a senior cat will be much easier to introduce to your brood because they may already have experience living with other pets.

If you want to experience the joys of owning an older pet, check out the senior animals waiting for homes at your local animal shelter or rescue organization.

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Written by Carrie Libera on behalf of Animal Humane Society. At its five metro locations, Animal Humane Society provides programs and services for the community including adoption and surrender, outreach and education, boarding, training, and humane investigations. Animal Humane Society is located in Buffalo, Coon Rapids, Golden Valley, St. Paul and Woodbury.