Speaking from experience, I know that getting a new pet is very exciting. It's adding a new member to the family, who wouldn't be thrilled about that? And if you take home a little puppy or kitten you'll have your own pet to raise from birth.
There is a lot to consider when picking a furry friend to adopt, especially if this will be the first pet in the household. Here's why choosing a senior dog or cat may be the absolute best thing you can do.
Advantages of Senior Pets
Both dogs and cats are generally considered "senior" once they hit 7 years old. The good news? By this time, many are already house trained. That's one big chore first-time pet owners won't have to put up with.
While puppies and kittens require a lot of work up front, grown-up pets don't need constant monitoring and training. They're just as loyal as younger pets, and since senior pets are fully grown you'll already have a lot of important information about them. Some things you may already know about an older animal:
- Personality type
- Grooming requirements
- Toys or activities they enjoy
- How well they get along with other animals and people
Plus, many times older animals who have been in shelters for a long time understand that you're taking them home and are overjoyed that someone loves them that much!
Why Senior Pets Need the Most Help
Many people assume that when they drop off their pet at a shelter, it will be adopted quickly and live a great life with its new owner. But sadly, this isn't the case for all pets, especially seniors. People may view older dogs and cats as more inconvenient, and once they're put in a shelter it's very likely they'll stay there.
According to ASPCA Vice President Emily Weiss, the senior dog adoption rate is just 25%, while younger dogs are at a 60% adoption rate. Older pets are often the last to be adopted from shelters, putting them at an increased risk for euthanasia. So even though older pets can be just as friendly and loving as younger ones, unfortunately the public doesn't always perceive them that way.
What You Can Do
November is National Adopt a Senior Pet Month. Please consider adopting a senior pet from a local shelter. It would make a world of difference to an animal in need. There's no better feeling than that! If you're unable to adopt, you can always volunteer time or donate to a local shelter or humane society. Many facilities and workers depend on the generosity of others to keep their organization up and running.
CPR Savers has many pet safety supplies, including our new K9 First Aid Kit. Check out our website to find even more pet products.