Senior Pet Adoption: Benefits and Considerations
Almost nothing warms our heart at Cherry Creek Veterinary Hospital more than seeing a family adopt a pet in need of a home. That is, of course, except for when a family adopts a senior pet in need of a home.
Adopting older pets can be full of rewards, and statistically these animals are much less likely to find a fur-ever home. While puppies and kittens are cute, senior pet adoption can offer a myriad of benefits.
Benefits of Senior Pet Adoption
Over 50% of pets in shelters will be euthanized, and if you are talking about a pet over the age of 3, the odds are even higher. People often end up taking home bouncy puppies and cuddly kittens, which leaves many great pets without homes.
A lot of older pets end up in shelters and rescues simply because families are no longer able to continue to care for them. A lot of these pets are well-trained and loving companions.
Benefits of adopting senior pets can include:
- Skipping the housebreaking phase
- Avoiding the puppy chewing months
- Knowing the pet’s personality before you commit
- Being sure of your pet’s mature size
- Having a clear picture of any medical needs before bringing your pet home
- Less exercise requirements, which can be helpful for busy households
- Being able to screen for specific traits like being good around other animals, liking children, or riding in the car well
When it comes time to add another member to your family, you should definitely consider senior pet rescue. Besides saving a life, you are in for a lifetime of love and devotion. Senior pet companionship is an amazing reward.
Considerations When Adopting Older Pets
There are some things to consider when adopting older pets. Any pet requires an ongoing financial commitment, however senior pets are more likely to have ongoing medical needs. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you need more information on caring for a pet with a specific medical condition. We are happy to discuss specifics as well as general senior pet health.
Senior pets often are able to do many of the things a younger pet can, but if you plan to be very active, you should be sure that your potential adoptee is up for the challenge.
It is also sometimes hard to consider that a new pet may be in your life for a short time. Truly, though, we never know how long we will have a pet in our life, and the reward of giving a home to a pet in need is a wonderful return on your investment.
Cherry Creek Veterinary Hospital is here to help you get the most loving, healthiest life out of your pets both young and old. We are your partners in pet care.