November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month! Although new puppies and kittens are super cute and fun, they also require a lot of time, training and attention in order to help them grow into a good companion. Senior pets on the other hand often come trained, housebroken and are already fully grown. Here are some reasons to adopt an older animal companion:
- Older pets are typically less rambunctious and destructive.
- Older pets may often “mentor” younger animals.
- They are often already trained, including the very important potty trained!
- What you see is what you get; adult animals are not going to suddenly grow larger or get a different hair coat. You adopt a pet that you can anticipate grooming and size needs.
- Health risks are a greater concern with older animals but typically shelters address pre-existing health concerns prior to adoption or you can plan for any anticipated issues.
- Senior pets may be a better choice for new pet owners. Caring for a pet is a huge commitment and if a person has not been responsible for an animal a puppy/kitten can be a huge investment of time and money. Starting off with an older pet may be a better option some people.
- Providing a secure and loving home for the final years of pet’s life is a rewarding commitment!
- Not only will you have a better chance of knowing what you are getting with a senior pet, you may be saving a life. Senior pets are often the last to be adopted from shelters and unfortunately are at an increased risk of being euthanized.
These are just a few of the reasons to consider adopting an older pet from a shelter. Colorado Animal Rescue (CARE), one or our local shelters, is having an adoption special for their senior pets: throughout the month of November, all dogs will be $50 and cats will be $25. Click here to check out their current adoptable animals: https://www.coloradoanimalrescue.org/adoptable-pets/. Alpine Animal Hospital supports adopting senior shelter pets too; we offer free initial exams for shelter animals.
#AdoptASeniorPetMonth
