Pawsitives to Adopting a Senior Pet

Adopting a new pet is exciting, but also requires thought and consideration to choose a pet that fits in with you, your family and your home. At first, it may seem like getting a young pet is best – you’ll likely have more time with them and they are awfully cute, but sometimes rescuing a senior pet is the best choice.

Lower Energy

Older pets tend to be less rambunctious than puppies or kittens. They need less space to run and spend more time cuddling and relaxing with you. The lower energy levels also mean they’re often better around kids because they’re less likely to jump on them. They’re also less likely to destroy your home or furniture in efforts to expend their pent up energy.

Calmer Demeanor

Senior pets are used to remaining still when surrounded by energetic pets and humans. Because they’ve got a “been there, done that” attitude, they’re less likely to overreact in high stimulus situations. If you like to entertain, a senior pet is more likely to calmly accept the presence of your guests without jumping on them or causing a ruckus.

Wiser

Young pets like puppies and kittens are quite adept at getting under feet and causing the potential for tripping. Older pets, having been tripped over and stepped on in their youth, have often learned to avoid their humans’ feet – making it safer for you to move about your home. They’re also less likely to run away and are usually already trained and housebroken.

Supply and Demand

Sadly, senior pets are often thought of as less adoptable and therefore remain in shelters longer. The larger supply of senior pets often means that animal shelters and rescue organizations lower the adoption fees for senior pets. If you’re able to open your home to a pet who may have some medical needs due to age, the lower adoption fee can be appealing.

Did you adopt an older pet? What helped you make that choice?

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Sarah Woodard

Sarah Woodard is a freelance writer based in Southern New Hampshire. She enjoys bringing stories, issues and topics to life with words and pictures. In addition to writing, Sarah is a beekeeper, Reiki Master Teacher and black belt in Muay Thai Kickboxing. In her free time, Sarah enjoys spending time with her boyfriend and playing with their four cats.

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