Adopt a Senior Pet Month
When someone is looking for a new furry friend to bring home to be part of the family, it is often the case that cute puppies and kittens get the most attention. This is understandable but it is important to understand the benefits and perks that come from adopting a senior pet. Our veterinarian team here at Hamilton Road Animal Hospital encourages all prospective adoption families to consider these factors before automatically going with a cute young puppy or kitten:
Senior Pets Are Abundant
The sad truth is that most shelters are full of senior dogs and cats that often get overlooked when people come in to adopt a pet. If you really want to make a difference in a dog or cat’s life, consider adopting an older pet that has been in a shelter for a long time, sometimes for years. These pets just want a home to live out the rest of their lives in, while being loved.
They Are Just as Loveable
While a small cute fluff ball kitten or puppy can be very snuggly and loveable, older pets can be just as loveable and affectionate. They have lived long lives and have a lot of love to give to their new family members. A senior pet will likely be quite content to lay asleep in your lap or curl up beside you on the couch and let you pet them till your heart’s content.
Older Pets are Often Trained Already
One of the biggest obstacles that come with adopting a young dog or cat is training them. From getting them crate or litter box trained or house trained, to make sure they will be safe and gentle with your younger family members, it can be a massive challenge. But with an older pet, they are often already trained, freeing your time up and reducing the stress younger pets can bring.
Senior pets are also often much calmer and docile. They won't jump and knock over younger children, they won’t run and chase other pets. For older individuals or those with children, this could be a good thing to consider.
To learn more about why adopting senior pets is worth considering, contact our veterinary team here in Columbus for everything you need to know to find your new furry family member!