The Importance of Adopting Senior Pets

You’d think that many pets would find their forever homes as puppies or kittens and live a nice, long life with their owner. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case.

Older family pets are sometimes surrendered when there’s a major life change in the family, such as a new baby being born, a divorce, the loss of a job or income, or a big move
across the country. They also are taken to shelters if their pet parents have passed away, or if they develop a costly medical condition. Once these older pets find themselves at a
shelter, they are often overlooked as adopters fall in love with the younger animals.

“Senior dogs, especially those with medical problems or disabilities, face a much greater
chance of euthanasia at shelters than younger dogs because it is difficult to find adopters
for them due to their shorter additional life expectancy and unknown veterinary costs,”
states the Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary website.

The Frosted Face Facts
If you’re on the fence about adopting a senior pet, perhaps these factors could sway you:

• Though older, many senior pets still have lots of loving years left. Large dogs that are age six and above are considered senior, while cats and smaller dog breeds are considered senior at age seven. Unfortunately, the older the pet is, the more difficult time he or she will have getting adopted. So if you’re not sure about adopting an “elderly” pet in the late years, then maybe one of these “slightly senior” pets could be a wonderful choice for your family.
• Senior pets aren’t as rambunctious, destructive, or disruptive as puppies or kittens. You can rest more easily knowing your furniture and belongings are less likely to get destroyed!
• They are also often fully trained, adequately socialized, calm, and eager to give you all their love.

• Even though they’re past puppyhood, you can still continue to train dogs with new tricks and behaviors if you desire. In fact, many will be eager to mentally and physically engage with their new owners.
• No surprises with their personalities: mature dogs and cats have already fully developed their dispositions, so you can feel confident knowing that what you observe at the shelter will be the same as what you see when they arrive at your home.
• Anyone who adopts from a shelter is a hero in our eyes, but adopting a pet that would otherwise be overlooked takes things to whole new level. And here’s the thing: you’ll probably feel just as amazing as the pet you take home.

If you’re considering adopting a senior pet, check out our #WhyNotMePets campaign, or peek AdoptAPet.com and your local shelter, asking about rescuing an older pet. And if you’re not in the position to adopt but still want to help, consider donating funds, goods, or your very valuable time to a senior rescue facility or sanctuary near you.

Have a sweet gray muzzle you want to show off? Share a picture of your senior pet with us on Instagram by tagging #pawsitivealliance and #gohealthypaws. And if you aren’t already a pet parent with Healthy Paws, look into getting a free quote to help safeguard not just your special fur friend, but your wallet too.

Content provided by Healthy Paws Pet Insurance. Policies are underwritten and issued by ACE American Insurance Company, Indemnity Insurance Company of North America, ACE Property & Casualty Insurance Company, Atlantic Employers Insurance Company, Westchester Fire Insurance Company, and members of the Chubb Group.

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