Adopt a Senior Pet Month

November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month, created to find older pets loving homes. When most people look for a new pet to adopt, they often seek younger pets to bring into their family. However, this leaves thousands of older pets still seeking a home each and every year. Many people don't want to adopt older pets because they aren't as cute and cuddly as the younger pets; plus, many think older pets come with a long line of complications, such as health and behavior problems. However, this isn't always true. There are many older pets that are healthy and will make the ideal pet for your family.

Adopt a Senior Pet Month

Adopt a Senior Pet Month was created to help pets that have been placed into a stereotypical category. It's important to break the stereotypical image surrounding older pets to realize there are many pros that come along with owning an older pet, but there are also a few things to remember before you make the choice to adopt a senior pet.

A Senior Pet is Experienced

A senior pet is experienced with life and everyday things aren't as likely to excite them. This makes senior pets much calmer and quieter than younger pets. Plus, many of these pets have had homes before, where they were taught proper behavior. However, when picking up a senior pet from a shelter, be warned, some of the pets may have lived on the streets for a while and may have picked up some bad habits. But, if you adopt a senior pet from another family that is going through a difficult time, you can often learn about the pet's personality, life history, and any special little tips that will help you with the pet. And, many senior pets are already trained so that will save you the headache of trying to teach a new pet the ropes.

A Senior Pet is Loyal

When you a adopt a senior pet, you will quickly learn they are very loving and loyal if they have previously come from a good home. As long as you show them the love they deserve, they will quickly warm up to you and become a trusted companion. But be warned, some senior pets many not have come from a loving home, and if this is the case it make take a little bit of time for your new pet to trust you.

Just because a senior pet is older, doesn't mean they should be overlooked. Yes, when you adopt a senior pet you do take the risk that health complications come along with them, but this isn't always the case. In many cases, the only thing wrong with a senior pet is they need a loving family to give them a home.

References:

"November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month" Pet Education
"Adopt a Senior Pet Month" Senior Journal