Reasons to Adopt a Senior Pet

Young animals tend to be adopted the fastest through animal shelters. Many puppies get so many applications that rescues cannot even accept any more applications on them. Senior pets, unfortunately, usually spend more time at the shelter. Often older pets end up in animal shelters at no fault of their own. Sometimes owners move, change lifestyles, or pass away. Senior pets have a lot of love left to give and make great additions to the family.

Here are some reasons to adopt a senior pet:

1. You could be saving a life! Thankfully there are many no-kill shelters here in Nova Scotia, but in other areas of the world, many pets are not so lucky. Many animals end up euthanized due to over-crowding. Senior pets take longer to get adopted, so they tend to be more commonly euthanized in shelters.
2. They have discounted adoption rates! Many senior pets cost less to adopt. Often the adoption rates are much lower for older animals, sometimes even free. They also came up to date on vaccines and spayed or neutered. Puppies and kittens sometimes require spay or neuter surgery still and often require booster vaccines that can be pricey.
3. Housetraining young animals can be difficult and time-consuming. Many senior pets that are adopted come already housebroken!
4. Training young animals can also be time-consuming, and requires a lot of patience! Many seniors come fully trained and socialized. Even if they aren’t trained, you can definitely teach an old dog new tricks!
5. They are adorable! All animals are cute, but there is just something about a senior pet that can make my heart melt. There is a saying that says, “Every white hair is one day of experience in being the very best friend you’ve ever had.”
6. Last but not least, senior pets will appreciate you for adopting them into your family. Love and friendship don’t have an age limit, and age is not a disease. Speaking from experience, when you adopt an older pet, it seems like they manage to cram a lifetime of love into just a few years.

If you are interested in adopting a senior pet, there are many wonderful rescues locally! The SPCA, Marleys Hope, Good Bones, Elder Dog, Bide Awhile, Misfit Manor, Litters and Critters, Animal Rescue Coalition and Coastal K9 are just some of many!

Written by: Mikaila Cariou, RVT