Reasons to Adopt a Senior Pet

Are you prepared to welcome a new pet into your home? When it comes to finding a new pet, many people prefer young animals. We understand why: puppies and kittens are adorable and entertaining. There’s also something to be said for growing your own pet. However, senior pets have a lot to offer! Continue reading for some reasons to consider getting an older pet, as listed by a local Peterborough, ON veterinarian.

Older Dogs Are Calmer

We all know that puppies and kittens are quite playful. This is, of course, adorable to see. However, there is a drawback. At that age, pets are typically rowdy. They are prone to getting into everything. They also require plenty of toys and attention. You’ll need to perform a lot of pet parenting with a younger pet, between keeping them entertained and keeping them out of trouble.

Adopting older animals can be a challenging process. Many people simply overlook them in favor of younger creatures. While some shelters have adopted a no-kill policy, this is not a universal practice. There is no accurate figure for the number of pets euthanized in shelters each year, although estimates range from 378,000 to 1 million. Given that many shelters only give pets a limited amount of time to be adopted, elderly animals have slim chances of ever leaving the shelter. Saving a pet’s life is an extremely powerful and significant experience that can have far-reaching consequences for your life.

No Surprises

When you have a puppy or kitten, you can really only imagine what they’ll look like when they grow up. You won’t know how big Fido will be, especially if you get a mutt. This can be a huge concern, especially for renters, because many apartments have size restrictions. You also won’t know anything about their personality. Every pet is unique, just like every person! There is no guesswork when dealing with an elderly animal. What you see is exactly what you get!

Prior Experience

Another perk of adopting elderly animals? Prior training! There is a lot to be said for being able to avoid housebreaking! Cats, of course, do not require formal training—they usually train humans rather than the other way around—but they do need to understand the do’s and don’ts of being a good kitty.

Calm Demeanor

Puppies and kittens are endearingly lively, but they can also be a handful. You may find yourself continuously removing little Fluffy from your curtains or preventing Fido from chewing on your shoes. Having a baby animal is quite similar to having a furry kid. Older animals make this much easier. They’ve passed their zoomies and are usually past any rowdy behavior like digging and gnawing. They simply want to sleep, eat, and cuddle. As a result, they are easy to maintain.

Unconditional Love

Pets are extremely intelligent and intuitive. They recognize when someone has shown them kindness and are extremely thankful. You might just melt the first time your new friend stares up at you with those large, deep eyes!

Shorter Commitment.

This one is somewhat bittersweet. Older pets just do not have as much time with us as younger ones do. If you adopt a puppy or kitten, you are committing to at least a decade of pet ownership. If you don’t know where you’ll be in 10 years, or if you plan to attend college for eight years before moving cross-country, an older animal may fit well into your timeline.

They Aren’t As Destructive

When Fluffy and Fido reach their senior years, they will have nearly run out of gas. Fluffy will be more interested in catching Z’s than capturing mice, and Fido will most likely chase squirrels in his dreams rather than in reality. Dogs will also have outgrown many undesirable habits, such as digging and gnawing. Fluffy, on the other hand, will need to keep her claws sharp and will most likely continue to bat tiny objects off your desk or coffee table. She’s unlikely to be driven enough to climb the bookcase and knock everything off your dresser, though.

Save Some Money

Shelters frequently provide older animals at a discount to boost their chances of being adopted. You may also save on veterinarian bills because Fido and Fluffy have most likely already been fixed. Just bear in mind that as they age, they may require additional veterinary care. For further information, ask your veterinarian.

They’re Cute!

Not only are kittens and puppies adorable, but older pets can also be appealing. There’s something heartwarmingly adorable about seeing a sophisticated pooch politely request pets or snacks, or Fluffy blissfully sleeping in her favorite sunbeam.

Sweet Temperament

Older animals generally have a calm, sociable, affectionate disposition that makes them a pleasure to be around. Many of these males like attention and will close their eyes in happiness when you scratch an itch or touch their foreheads.

Set a Good Example

Adopting an elderly animal is, at the end of the day, a lovely act of generosity. If you have children, this can be an excellent approach to teach them the value of empathy. 

Help Promote Excellent Animal Welfare

Adopting an elderly animal indirectly helps other homeless pets. For starters, you’ll be freeing up space at the shelter, giving another loving dog or cat an opportunity to find a home. Fluffy and Fido’s adoption fees will also help the shelter provide food, shelter, and care to their other furry wards.

Find your ideal match.

Are you the quiet, interior type? If so, a quiet, pleasant elderly pet could be the right match for you!

Tips for Adopting An Older Pet

While elderly pets have the same basic care requirements as any other animal, there are a few things you should do differently. You may want to purchase pet ramps or stairs for Fluffy and Fido. If you have a cat, you should look for kitty furniture that is low to the ground and easy to get on and off.

Of course, every pet is unique. You should consult your veterinarian for particular care advice for your animal buddy. We like seeing senior animals find loving homes.

Make An Appointment At Our Peterborough, On Pet Clinic.

Have you just adopted a senior pet? Please contact us for all of your pet’s veterinary care needs. We are here to help!