By Lauren Malmberg, Peoria County Animal Protection Services
Nationally, November is Adopt A Senior Pet Month. Sadly, shelters throughout the country receive dogs and cats that can be considered “senior” and less attractive to potential adopters. However, adopting an older animal offers many benefits over a puppy or kitten. And, animals that are well cared for and given appropriate exercise remain happy, active, and playful well into their senior years.
Oftentimes, people will look for a new pet and insist on a puppy or kitten, or an animal less than 2 years of age. They may not even consider a dog or cat over 3. Common veterinary thought considers dogs and cats “senior” at around 7 years of age. But, many cats and smaller dogs can live well into their teens, making 7 barely middle-aged. Larger dogs may not have quite that life span, but even giant breeds will live until 12 or 13.
You’ll find many reasons to consider adopting an older pet:
- Older pets have manners. Many adult dogs and cats have spent years living with a family and have been socialized to humans. Cats use their litter boxes, and dogs have been house-trained. Dogs, in particular, may have had obedience training and will know what “no” means.
- The old adage that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks isn’t true. You can teach older pets. Adult animals can focus on the task at hand without being as easily distracted as a puppy or kitten. Older dogs are generally more attentive than puppies and more eager to please. Adult cats can oftentimes be persuaded through attention and treats, which don’t always work with kittens.
- Older animals are less destructive. Generally, adult animals have passed through the chewing and shredding phase meaning you won’t lose shoes or furniture to the new
family member. - If you take an older pet home, you usually don’t have a huge lifestyle change. It may take only a few hours or a day or two for the new pet to learn the routine at a new home. Most adult pets acclimate quickly and easily to the new household; you won’t have to puppy- or kitty-proof your house, you’ll get a good night’s sleep, and you won’t have to constantly supervise and train the adult pet.
- When you adopt an adult or older pet, you can see what you’re getting. You’ll be able to assess size, temperament, behavior, and personality immediately, instead of waiting to see what you get when the puppy or kitten grows up.
- If you’re looking for a purebred, many breed rescue groups will have adult dogs and cats of the particular breed you’d like. These groups exist all around the country, and you could find exactly the type of animal you want close to home.
- Older pets are generally calmer, quieter, and more relaxed than their juvenile counterparts. Adult animals usually aren’t full of energy to burn and will be content without tremendous supervision and constant activity. In fact, these adult animals are usually the best pets for those of us who are middle-aged and older. Who wants to train a puppy or kitten when we’re slowing down ourselves?
- With an older pet, you may get information about whether they get along with other animals. In many cases, owners will be able to relate whether the animal has been with other dogs or cats, how it gets along them, and if they’ve had any problems.
Some people voice concern that if an animal has been given up at an adult age, there must be something wrong with it. In most cases though, the fact that the animal is given up says more about the previous owner than about the animal. Adult or older animals lose their homes for different reasons — many unrelated to the pet itself. People may move, encounter a life-changing event, or simply lose interest in caring for the animal. Just because an animal is given up by someone is not necessarily an indication of the animal’s suitability as a pet.
Animal shelters and rescue groups receive lots of adult animals — dogs and cats — all looking for their new home and able to provide years of companionship and love. When you’re ready for your new pet, don’t overlook these adult and older animals. You’ll find years of pleasure with your new friend and will save a pet’s life.
For more information, contact the Peoria County Animal Protection Services at 309-672-2440 with questions or concerns regarding animals, pet-related laws, and other resources. Be sure to visit our location and find a great animal companion for your family!
This article is sponsored by Waggin’ Tails Doggy Daycare and Resort, Goodfield, IL. Leaving for the holidays and need a place for Fido? Call 309-642-9299 or email: waggintailsresort@gmail.com. Waggin’ Tails Doggy Daycare and Resort offers dogs boarding, doggy daycare, and grooming needs. A NEW LOCATION opening soon in Peoria!
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