When you think about adopting a pet from an animal adoption center, what sort of animal are you picturing in your head? If you are anything like most adopters, you are probably imagining a puppy, a kitten, or at least an animal in the early years of their life. You are unlikely to picture yourself leaving the animal adoption center with a senior cat or dog in their twilight years. Unfortunately, these senior animals are rarely adopted, and assuming they are not euthanized to make room for incoming younger animals, they may spend years at an animal adoption center wishing for a real home where they can live out their remaining time in comfort. The frustrating thing for rescue center volunteers is that these seniors can often be wonderful companions and make great pets when given the chance. With that in mind, let’s look at some of the reasons why you should consider adopting a senior pet from your local animal adoption center!

1 - Senior Pets Come With Few Surprises

Statistically, when a senior pet finds them in an animal adoption center, it is usually through no fault of their own. They typically come from a loving home, and it is simply that the owner can no longer provide the care the animal needs. For example, the previous owner may be a senior who is now moving to residential care or hospice, or maybe the family has fallen on rough times and can no longer care for the animal. This means that a complete history can usually be obtained when the pet is surrendered, including their temperament, preferences, training, and health. Seniors are rarely surrendered for behavioral reasons like aggression. Choosing a senior pet at the animal adoption center means you will be less likely to discover surprising, potentially undesirable behaviors.

2 - Senior Pets Are Usually Less Demanding

Puppies and Kittens are adorable, and everyone wants to adopt them. However, they are also incredibly hard work! It is fairly common for these youngsters to be returned to the animal adoption center because the adopter realizes they do not have what it takes to deal with a boisterous baby! The little ones need a great deal of attention to keep them engaged and to train them properly. Not everyone can dedicate the time and effort that raising a baby animal demands. For those people, choosing a senior pet is a much smarter choice! The older animals are far less demanding. They will spend more time resting, leaving you free to handle other tasks, and they are likely to be already housebroken and know some basic commands. A senior pet will also be more content to snuggle up in front of the TV in the evenings.

3 - Seniors Make Great Companions

One of the most common reasons why people decide to adopt a pet from an animal rescue center is to fill their need for companionship. Maybe the children have flown the nest, and the house feels slightly empty. You may have recently retired or started working remotely from home and would like some company during the day. Senior pets make the ideal companion in any of these situations. A Senior dog is likely already used to living in a home and is more likely to be well-socialized. They will likely settle in faster and will be keen to spend time with you. Senior dogs are also less active, so if you are working at home, they will probably be content to nap close by while you work.

4 - You May Get a Discount

Since senior pets are not as desirable to adopters, the animal rescue center offers a discount on the adoption fees when you choose a senior pet to adopt. Some centers may even waive the fee entirely. This frees up some of your cash to put towards other expenses such as veterinary costs or buying some treats and toys! The golden oldies still enjoy playtime!

5 - You Will Be a Hero

The sad reality is that fewer people want to choose a senior animal when they adopt a new pet from an animal adoption center. This means that older rescue animals either have to be euthanized or they end up dying from old age in the adoption center. If you decide to open your heart to a senior animal, you may only have them for a few years, but you will be giving the most wonderful gift of a loving home and family. This allows them to live out their days surrounded by love in a comfortable environment. You will be their hero. As a bonus, by adopting one of these senior dogs who may have been waiting years for a forever home, you are also freeing up that spot for another animal in need! It’s a win-win situation all around!

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Adopt a New Friend Today!

American Pet Rescues is working towards the goal of educating adults and children about the value of animal rescue. Through the sale of our quality plush stuffed animals, each based on a real animal rescue story, we hope to promote awareness of pet adoption while also funding the opening of an animal adoption center in the Knoxville area where we can continue educating others and also provide access to affordable veterinary care.

Visit www.americanpetrescues.org or call 865-800-3697 for more information.