Are you preparing to bring a new pet into your home? Many people choose young animals while looking for a new furry companion. We understand the reasons: puppies and kittens are all adorable and entertaining. There’s also something to be said for raising your pet yourself. However, senior pets still have a lot to offer! Continue reading as a local Plano, TX veterinarian discusses some of the benefits of adopting an older pet.
Older Pets Are Calmer
puppies and kittens are extremely playful. This is obviously adorable to watch. However, there is a drawback. At this cute stage, pets get into anything and everything. They also need plenty of toys and attention. A younger pet will require a significant amount of pet parenting in order to keep them amused and out of trouble.
Older animals are much easier in this regard. They’ve outgrown their zoomies and are usually past any rowdy behaviors like digging and gnawing. They really only want to sleep, eat, and snuggle. That makes them easier to keep.
You’d Be Saving A Life
It can be very hard to find a new home for an older animal. Many people pass them over in favor of younger animals. While some shelters have implemented a no-kill policy, this sadly is not a universal practice.
There is no definite statistic for how many pets are euthanized in shelters each year, but estimates range from 378,000 to one million. Unfortunately, elderly animals have very little chance of ever leaving a shelter because many only offer pets a set period of time to be adopted. Saving a pet’s life is an extremely powerful experience!
No Surprises
You can only guess what a puppy or kitten will look like when it grows up. You also won’t be able to predict how big Fido will get, especially if you adopt a mongrel. That can be a major issue, particularly for renters, as many places have size restrictions. Additionally, you will have limited insight into their adult personality. Every pet, like every person, is unique! There is no guesswork involved when dealing with an older animal.
Prior Experience
Another advantage of adopting animals in their senior years? They are often already trained. There are numerous benefits to being able to avoid housebreaking! Cats usually train us, not the other way around—but they do need to understand the do’s and don’ts of being a good kitty.
Unconditional Love
Pets are highly intelligent and intuitive. They also frequently serve as mirrors, reacting to how they are handled. They recognize when someone has been helpful to them and are extremely thankful. That love is truly special. In fact, you may melt when your new pal stares up at you with those large, soulful eyes!
Shorter Commitment
This one is bittersweet. Older pets just have less time with us than younger ones. Adopting a puppy or kitten means committing to at least a decade of pet ownership. Senior animals simply don’t have as much time. That can be advantageous for some. If you don’t know where you’ll be in 10 years, or if you’re intending to go to college for eight years before moving cross-country, an older animal may be the right choice for your timeline.
Less Destructive
By the time Fluffy and Fido reach their senior years, they will be starting to run out of gas. Fluffy will be more interested in catching Z’s than in capturing mice, and Fido will most likely chase squirrels in his dreams rather than reality. Dogs will have outgrown many unpleasant habits, like digging and chewing.
Save Money
Shelters often offer elderly animals at a discount in order to boost their prospects of adoption. You may also save on veterinarian expenses, because Fido and Fluffy have most likely already been fixed. Of course, you will need to remember that they may require additional veterinarian care as they age. Contact your veterinarian for further information.
They’re Adorable
Although kittens and puppies are adorable, older pets can also be really cute. There’s something heartwarmingly adorable about seeing a sophisticated pooch politely request pets or cookies, or seeing Fluffy blissfully napping in her favorite sunbeam.
Sweet Demeanor
Older animals often have a calm, friendly, affectionate disposition that makes them enjoyable to be around. Many of these men like attention and would simply close their eyes in happiness when you scratch an itch or touch their foreheads.
Set A Good Example
Adopting an elderly animal is, at the end of the day, a wonderful act of generosity. If you have children, this is an excellent way to teach them grasp the value of empathy. Even if you don’t have kids, it’s still setting a good example.
Help Promote Good Animal Welfare
When you adopt an elderly animal, you are indirectly aiding other homeless pets. For one thing, you’ll be freeing up space at the shelter, allowing another loving dog or cat to find a home. Fluffy and Fido’s adoption fees will also assist the shelter provide food, shelter, and care for its other animal residents.
Book An Appointment At Our Plano, TX Pet Clinic
Have you lately adopted an elderly pet? Please contact us for all of your pet’s veterinary requirements. As your Plano, TX pet clinic, we’re here to help!
