Are you thinking about adopting a furry friend? November is Senior Pet Month and is the perfect month to adopt a senior pet. While puppies and kittens are undeniably adorable, older pets have unique charm and advantages. As part of our ongoing commitment to animal welfare, we believe in giving senior pets a second chance.
November is an Excellent Month to Adopt a Senior Pet
Senior pets, typically over the age of seven, often have a harder time finding forever homes than their younger pets. It is unfortunate because they can make incredibly loving and loyal companions. These animals have already experienced life and are ready to settle into a peaceful and comfortable existence. They are generally calmer, well-behaved, and have established personalities, making it easier for potential owners to find a perfect match. Adopting a senior pet can offer a rewarding experience as you provide them with a comfortable and loving home during their golden years.
In November, many rescue organizations offer special promotions and reduced adoption fees for senior pets. This incentive makes it an even more opportune time to open your heart and home to a furry companion in need. With the holiday season just around the corner, it is the perfect time to welcome a new family member and create lasting memories. Additionally, the colder weather during this time of year often deters people from spending as much time outdoors, making it an ideal environment for bonding with a new pet and helping them adjust to their new surroundings.
The Benefits of Adopting a Senior Pet
Adopting a senior pet comes with numerous benefits that people can overlook. First and foremost, senior pets are already house-trained, saving you from the hassle and lost sleep of housebreaking a young puppy or kitten. They have typically lived with families before and understand basic commands, making the transition into your home much smoother. Senior pets are also less likely to engage in destructive behaviors, such as chewing on furniture or household items. Their lower energy levels mean they are content with a more relaxed lifestyle, making them a perfect fit for individuals or families with a more laid-back routine.
Common Misconceptions About Adopting a Senior Pet
Unfortunately, some common misconceptions about senior pets prevent people from considering them as potential companions. One misconception is that senior pets are unhealthy and require excessive medical care. While it is true that senior pets may have age-related health issues, many of these can be managed with proper veterinary care and a healthy lifestyle. Adopting a senior pet can be more cost-effective as they often require fewer vaccinations and have been spayed or neutered.
Some people have the misguided idea that if a pet is in a shelter, it is because their previous owner didn’t want them. However, many pets in shelters are not there due to a lack of desirability. Instead, they often end up in shelters because of unforeseen circumstances in their previous owners’ lives, such as changes in housing, health issues, or financial hardships. The pet’s owner often passed away, leaving nobody else to tend to the pet.
Regardless of how a senior animal ends up in a shelter, it doesn’t make them any less adoptable than other younger animals. Older dogs and cats are equally as loving, affectionate, and loyal as a puppy or kitten. In short, never judge an animal by its age.
Tips for Caring for a Senior Pet
First and foremost, providing them with a balanced diet that meets their specific nutritional needs is essential. Please consult with one of our veterinarians to determine the appropriate diet for your senior pet based on age, breed, and health conditions.
Regular exercise is still essential for senior pets, but it is important to tailor the intensity and duration of physical activity to their abilities.
Mental stimulation is also crucial for senior pets to keep their minds sharp and prevent boredom. Engage them in interactive play sessions, provide puzzle toys, or enroll them in obedience or agility classes.
Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to monitor their health and catch potential issues early on.
You can get more tips from our website blog: Caring for Senior Pets.
How to Find Senior Pets Available for Adoption
There are several avenues to find senior pets available for adoption. Local animal shelters and rescue organizations often have a variety of senior pets looking for their forever homes. Here are some resources you can use when looking at adopting a pet:
Success Stories of Senior Pet Adoptions
The stories of senior pet adoptions are heartwarming and inspiring. Many individuals and families have opened their hearts and homes to senior pets and have experienced the immense joy and fulfillment they bring into their lives. Watch this heartwarming video of how a senior pet forever changed a young girl’s life.
Why Choose Aspen Veterinary Clinic for Your Senior Pets
We treat pet owners and their pets with compassion in addressing any medical issues they may have as they progress through their senior years. Our experienced veterinarians understand your pet’s different stages of life pets and treatments that can help alleviate pain or discomfort. At Aspen Veterinary Clinic we offer many services that can benefit senior pets:
- Surgery
- Laser therapy
- Regenerative medicine: PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma Joint Injections)
- Massage
- Supplements and herbal guidance
- Ice or heat packs
- Nutritional Support
- Joint injections
Embrace Adopting a Senior Pet
Adopting a senior pet is a decision that not only changes their life but also profoundly impacts yours. These furry companions have so much love and wisdom to offer, and by opening your heart and home to them, you can experience the joy and fulfillment that comes with giving a senior pet a second chance. With its special promotions and reduced adoption fees, November presents the perfect opportunity to consider adopting a senior pet. So, why not make this November the month you change a senior pet’s life? Embrace the love and companionship of a senior pet and experience the unconditional love they have to offer. If you have any questions about adopting a senior pet or senior pet care, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Your Friendly Team,