Christ Yoder
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November isn’t just for Thanksgiving and all that pumpkin spice. It’s also Adopt a Senior Pet Month, featuring all the amazing “older” dogs and cats waiting for new homes at a shelter near you.
“Older pets can be among the most at risk in shelters, so now is a great time to explain why an older dog or cat might just be the best choice for your next best friend,” Julie said. Castle, CEO of Best Friends. Animal Society. “Some shelters categorize seniors as young as five, so they still have a lot of life to share and they love to give.”
Whether you’re looking for an active senior to take walks with or a couch potato to keep you company, there are plenty of older dogs and cats out there waiting for a second chance as a fantastic member of the family.
“Many older pets are used to being in a home, so they tend to have good manners once they are familiar with their new routine and environment,” said veterinarian Erin Katribe, medical director. of the Best Friends Animal Society.
This is just one of the reasons Best Friends recommend looking at an older dog or cat when you are in the market to adopt them. Here are four more:
Sure, puppies and kittens are cute, but they also need training, socialization, and can be a bit unpredictable when handled (especially by children). It is an investment of time and energy that some families may not be comfortable with. Instead, a shelter adoption counselor may be able to recommend an older animal with a positive history of living with young people and being spared.
Older pets are much less likely to destroy property in your home than younger dogs and cats. Instead of having to go through that annoying chewing and destroying phase, most older pets just want to hang out with their people and toys or find a comfortable spot in the sun to curl up for a nap.
You know exactly what you get with an elderly pet. Their height, weight, and personality are already developed, so you can choose them for who they are, rather what you hope they will be when they regroup.
Are you looking for a specific breed? It is often easy to find older pets looking for new homes in shelters or breed rescue groups.
If you are concerned about adopting an older dog or cat due to potential health concerns, it is important to discuss the animal’s history with shelter staff.
“Shelters do admission exams upon admission and review any historical notes with which the animal may arrive. Based on this history and any veterinary evaluation done during the animal’s stay at the shelter, staff can tell you if the animal needs medication, food, supplements, or more frequent veterinary visits, ”he said. Katribe said.
A great way to see if an older pet is right for you is to start by favoring the dog or cat. Most shelters and rescues provide all necessary medical supplies and care during a reception period. If you fall in love and can make a full-time commitment, that foster family can move on to adoption.
“We call it a home victory and it’s definitely something to celebrate,” Katribe said.
Ready to find that special elder? Get started now by visiting www.bestfriends.org to find a shelter or refuge near you.
About Best Friends Animal Society
Best Friends Animal Society is an animal welfare organization that works to end the slaughter of dogs and cats in American shelters by 2025. Founded in 1984, Best Friends is a pioneer of the no-kill movement and helped reduce the number of animals killed in shelters. from about 17 million per year to about 347,000. Best Friends runs rescue programs nationwide, as well as the nation’s largest non-killing animal sanctuary.
Working in conjunction with a network of more than 3,300 animal welfare and shelter partners, and community members nationwide, Best Friends strives to save them all®.
