Are you ready to bring a new pet into your home? Many individuals choose young animals while looking for a new companion. We understand why: puppies and kittens are both adorable and entertaining. There’s certainly something to be said for raising your pet yourself. However, senior pets still have a lot to offer! Continue reading as a local Lawrenceville, GA veterinarian discusses some of the benefits of adopting an older pet.
Saving A Life
Many people simply pass senior pets over in favor of younger animals. While some shelters have implemented a no-kill policy, this is not a general 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.
Many shelters only allow pets to be adopted for a limited time. This unfortunately means that elderly animals have a slim chance of ever leaving. Saving a pet’s life is an extremely powerful and significant experience, one that can have a lasting impact on your life.
They’re Cute!
Although kittens and puppies are adorable, older pets can also be extremely appealing. 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 just want attention, and just close their eyes in bliss when you scratch an itch or rub their foreheads.
Older Dogs Are Calmer
We all know that puppies and kittens are quite playful. This is obviously adorable to watch. However, there is a drawback. At this stage, pets are typically rather … rambunctious. They frequently get into anything and everything, and need plenty of toys and attention. A younger pet will require a pretty 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 passed their zoomies and are usually past any rowdy behaviors like digging and gnawing. They truly only want to sleep, eat, and snuggle. That makes them easier to keep.
Set A Good Example
Adopting an elderly animal is a wonderful act of kindness, which the world definitely needs right now. If you have children, this is an excellent way to teach them about the importance of empathy. Even if you don’t have children, you can still set 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.
No Surprises
When you have a puppy or kitten, you basically have to guess what they will look like when they grow 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.
There is no guesswork involved when dealing with an elderly animal. What you see is what you will get!
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, of course, do not require actual training—they 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 recognize when someone has been helpful to them and are extremely thankful. In fact, you might melt the first time your new friend looks up at you with those wide, soulful eyes!
Shorter Commitments
This one is bittersweet. Older pets just can’t spend as much time with us as younger ones. 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 have nearly run out of gas. Fluffy will be more interested in catching Z’s than in capturing mice, and Fido will most likely chase more squirrels in his dreams than in reality. Your furry pal will also probably have outgrown many unpleasant habits, like digging and chewing.
Save Money
Shelters frequently offer elderly animals at a discount in order to boost their prospects of adoption. You may also save on veterinarian costs, because Fido and Fluffy have most likely already been fixed. Of course, they may require additional veterinarian care as they age. Contact your Lawrenceville, GA veterinarian for further information.
Book An Appointment At Our Lawrenceville, GA Pet Clinic
Have you lately adopted an elderly pet? Please contact us for all of your pet’s veterinary requirements. As your Lawrenceville, GA pet clinic, we’re here to help!
