Preventative Care@3x

Adopt a Senior Dog & Save an Animal’s Life

Nov 8, 2017 | Adopt a Pet, Dog

November is Adopt a Senior Dog Month, so we thought it might be helpful to go over some of the reasons you should consider adopting an older pet.

Statistics show that once a pet reaches the age of five, their age becomes a huge barrier to adoption. The older the animal, the higher the chance they will be euthanized quickly, because of overcrowding, as well as the time it takes to place them in a good home.

Older pets lose their homes and families for a variety of reasons. While many people believe there must be something wrong with the pet, like health or behavior issues, most often, it’s problems with the owner’s life – illness or death, financial challenges, allergies, changes to work schedules or moving to a new residence.

On the brighter side, senior pets make wonderful companions for families and senior citizens. They’re also a great choice for those who don’t have the time or patience to train and raise a young animal. This is especially true for dogs, who require house training, obedience classes, socialization, and regular exercise. Another advantage of adopting an older dog is that you won’t be surprised by how big they get – they’re done growing.

While older pets may be stressed and confused by the transition from their home to the shelter or rescue, most will quickly adapt to a new, loving home and family.

Our prescription? Kindness, patience, and lots of love – and of course, regular wellness checks to keep them healthy. Numerous studies show that dog owners are often healthier than non-dog owners, so that’s another bonus!

Ready to give an older pet a chance but need to know where to adopt a senior dog? A quick Google search will show that the Greater Phoenix metro area has a number of rescue organizations dedicated to rehoming senior animals. That’s a great place to begin!

Disclaimer: Not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinarian advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding the medical condition of your pet. If you think your pet has a medical emergency, call or visit your veterinarian or your local veterinary emergency hospital immediately.