Though older pets are often overlooked at animal shelters, they have a lot of love left to give and are very deserving of a loving, safe, and comfortable home. November is National Adopt a Senior Pet Month. Keep reading to learn more about the holiday, the benefits of adopting or fostering a senior pet, and how to raise awareness about the needs of senior pets in shelters.
The History of National Adopt a Senior Pet Month
National Adopt a Senior Pet Month was founded by the ASPCA and petfinder.com with the goal of improving the perception of senior pets in shelters. Shelters have a hard time finding adopters for senior pets because of their age, appearance, or the misconception that they all have serious health issues. The longer an elderly animal stays in the shelter, the more likely it is to be exposed to dangerous diseases and illnesses that its immune system may not be able to handle. Shelter life is also stressful and overwhelming for senior pets, who may get depressed, anxious, and fearful.
Benefits of Adopting or Fostering a Senior Pet
When you adopt a senior pet, you’re giving them a second chance at life while gaining a loving companion. Senior pets are often calmer than younger pets, and many of them are already house-trained. They are an excellent choice for families with young children or people who have never had a pet before. They are often low-maintenance, less destructive, and don’t demand a lot of training.
Raising Awareness of the Needs of Senior Shelter Pets
If you’re not able to adopt a senior pet yourself, you can use the holiday as a chance to raise awareness about the needs of senior shelter pets. Let your family, friends, and colleagues know about the benefits of adopting a senior pet. Volunteer at your local animal shelter. You can even foster a senior pet so that it gets out of the shelter while it waits for its forever home.
After adopting a senior pet, you should schedule an appointment with your veterinarian for a full exam.