As tempting as it might be to adopt a wide-eyed pup or kitten, senior pets can be the better choice for some looking to care for a furry companion. Although they may have some years under their collars, senior pets can be some of the most loving and dedicated friends around. Here are some reasons why.
- They’re calm. If you want a calm, relaxed companion, a senior pet is your best bet. They’ve already burned all of that wild energy that comes with youth, so you can focus on spending quality time together without having to chase around a hyper puppy or kitten.
- They’re focused and smart. Unlike their younger counterparts, senior pets can more easily focus on tasks and on learning new commands. Senior pets are attentive and eager to please their humans, so training typically comes easier, whether you do it yourself or call a professional trainer. (If you do it yourself, remember to always use positive reinforcement training methods!)
- They have better manners. Often, senior pets have already been socialized and learned basic commands, like sit, come, stay, and down. Most are house trained (but if your senior pet needs a house-training refresher, you should be able to get them trained in a couple of days—see number 2 below!). And, if you value your shoes, furniture, and other belongings, a senior pet will be less likely to be destructive than a new puppy or kitten.
- There are a lot of them. Sometimes, a family has to move and can’t take their beloved pet with them. Other times, a pet owner may have health problems or pass away. Whatever the reason, there are many more senior pets than puppies and kittens available for adoption, so you can basically custom order your furry companion. Looking for a particular breed? (There are a lot of breed-specific rescues all over the country!) Want a certain color? Size? One that doesn’t shed? One that will love laying on the couch all weekend with you? Whatever you’re looking for, there’s a senior shelter pet out there that will match your criteria.
- You’ll be a hero. It’s heartbreaking to think of a senior pet spending their final months or years alone in a shelter. When you adopt a senior pet, you’ll be a hero to that dog or cat, providing the happy ending they deserve and might not have had otherwise.
Keep your senior buddy in tip-top shape by getting their health checked out. Contact us to schedule an appointment for a wellness exam.