Reasons to Consider Adopting a Senior Pet

Are you ready to bring a new pet into your home? Many people go for younger animals when searching for a new pet. We totally get it: puppies and kittens are incredibly adorable and so much fun to be around. But older pets also bring a lot to the table! Check out this local Pooler, GA vet’s insights on why adopting an older pet might be a great choice for you.

More Relaxed

Puppies and kittens are just the epitome of playfulness. At that stage, pets can be pretty lively and full of energy. They tend to get into just about anything and everything. They need plenty of toys and a good amount of attention. Taking care of a younger pet involves a fair amount of pet parenting, from keeping them entertained to ensuring they stay out of mischief. Older pets, on the other hand, are calmer and far more relaxed.

Saving a Life

It can be quite challenging for older animals to find a new home. Lots of folks tend to overlook them in favor of younger animals. Although some shelters have adopted a no-kill policy, it’s important to note that this isn’t something that all shelters follow. While there isn’t a precise number for how many pets are euthanized in shelters annually, estimates suggest it could be anywhere from 378,000 to potentially 1 million. 

Since many shelters provide pets with a limited time to find a new home, older animals often have quite bleak chances of being adopted and leaving the shelter. Saving a pet’s life is such a powerful and meaningful experience, and it can really have a profound impact on your own life.

No Surprises

When you bring home a puppy or kitten, it’s really a bit of a guessing game about what they’ll be like when they grow up. It’s hard to predict just how big Fido will get, particularly if you decide to adopt a mixed breed. That can really matter, particularly for renters, since a lot of places have size restrictions. You probably won’t have a clear sense of what their personality is like either. Every pet is one-of-a-kind, much like each person! When it comes to an older animal, everything is pretty clear-cut. What you see is what you get!

Previous Experience

Another advantage of adopting animals when they’re older is that they usually have already undergone training. Being able to skip housebreaking definitely has its perks! Cats, naturally, don’t require much formal training—they often end up training us instead—but they do need to understand the do’s and don’ts of being a well-behaved kitty.

Relaxed Attitude

Puppies and kittens are incredibly playful and cute, but they can definitely be a bit of a handful at times. You’ll likely be spending your time pulling little Fluffy off the curtains or preventing little Fido from gnawing on your shoes. Having a baby animal is pretty much like having a furry toddler. In this regard, older animals are much easier to manage. They’ve moved beyond their zoomies and are usually past any playful habits like digging and chewing.  All they really want is to sleep, eat, and snuggle up together. 

Unconditional Love

Pets possess a remarkable level of intelligence and intuition. They often serve as mirrors, reflecting how they are treated. They recognize when someone has been kind to them, and they often express a deep sense of gratitude. Honestly, you might just melt the first time your new friend gazes up at you with those big, soulful eyes! 

Shorter Commitment

When you decide to adopt a puppy or kitten, you’re committing to a journey of pet ownership that could last a decade or even longer. Unfortunately, older animals just don’t have as much time left. That could be advantageous for certain people. For example, if you’re unsure about where you’ll be in ten years, you might discover that an older pet aligns perfectly with your timeline.

Not as Destructive

As Fluffy and Fido reach their senior years, they’ll begin to feel a bit worn out. Fluffy is likely to be more focused on catching Z’s than on catching mice, while Fido will probably be chasing squirrels in his dreams instead of in real life. Dogs will have outgrown many of their bad habits, like digging and chewing. As for Fluffy, well, she’ll still need to keep her nails sharp, and she may still want to bat small objects off your desk or coffee table. Still, she probably won’t feel motivated to scale the bookcase and send everything tumbling off your dresser.

Cost Effective

Shelters often provide older animals at a lower price to boost their chances of finding a forever home. You’ll also save on some veterinary expenses since Fido and Fluffy will probably already be spayed or neutered. Just remember that they might require additional veterinary care as they enter their later years. Feel free to reach out to your Pooler, GA vet for additional information.

Charming Personality 

Older animals tend to have a calm, friendly, and affectionate personality that truly makes them a joy to be around. A lot of these guys and gals really enjoy the attention, and you can see them close their eyes in pure bliss when you scratch that itch or give their foreheads a little rub. 

Lead by Example

Bringing an older animal into your home is truly a lovely gesture of compassion. If you have kids, this can be a wonderful way to help them grasp the significance of empathy. Even if you don’t have kids, it’s a great opportunity to set a positive example. 

Promote Animal Welfare

By adopting an older animal, you’re also lending a hand to other homeless pets in need. By doing this, you’ll be creating more space at the shelter, giving another adorable dog or cat the opportunity to find a loving home. The adoption fee for Fluffy or Fido will also assist the shelter in providing food, housing, and care for their other furry residents. 

Advice for Bringing an Older Pet into Your Home 

For the most part, senior pets have similar care needs as any other animal, but there are a few things you’ll need to approach a bit differently. Consider getting some pet ramps or stairs for Fluffy and Fido. If you have a cat, it’s a good idea to choose kitty furniture that’s low to the ground, making it easy for your furry friend to hop on and off. 

Of course, every pet has its own unique personality. It’s a good idea to check in with your Pooler, GA veterinarian for more personalized care tips. 

Schedule a Visit at Our Pooler, GA Pet Clinic

Have you recently welcomed an older pet into your home? Don’t hesitate to reach out to us, your trusted Pooler, GA animal hospital, for all of your new pet’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!