Shelter Adoption Senior Pets

Why you should adopt a senior pet

Why adopt a senior pet? Puppies and kittens may be pretty darn cute, but adopting an older pet can be equally rewarding. If you’re considering bringing a new pet home, think about fostering or adopting an older pet! Here are five reasons :

  1. With a senior pet, what you see is what you get.

    Because the pet is already full grown, there are no surprises about their size. You also can see exactly how furry they are, so you’ll know how much grooming they’ll need. And, if the shelter has the senior pet’s medical history, you’ll also know if the pet has a medical condition and the level of care that’s required to manage the condition. 

  2. Senior pets tend to be less destructive.

    With no teething period to go through, it’s unlikely that a senior dog will chew on your favorite shoes or coffee table legs!


  3. Senior pets are often trained.

    Senior cats are usually litter trained and are accustomed to their daily schedule. Likewise, senior dogs are typically housetrained and likely know a few basic commands, such as sit, stay and lay down. Older dogs may be ready to just slide right into leisurely strolls, playing fetch and long naps at your feet. If you’re interested in teaching them some tricks, senior dogs tend to learn tricks easily because they have a longer attention span than puppies.

  4. Senior pets are usually calmer.

    The days of puppy zoomies and nighttime cat antics are often long gone in senior pets. Lower-energy senior pets are great for people from all age groups, from young families with children to seniors looking for a companion pet without the need for training a puppy or kitten.

  5. They are always up for a cuddle!

    When you bring a senior pet into your life, you’re providing a loving, secure home where the pet can peacefully live out their golden years.
 

Here are some special considerations when bringing home and caring for an older dog or cat >>

Get Your Free First Exam For New Patients
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Expert Pet Conditions Resources

*Covered services vary by plan. Unlimited exams exclude specialty and telemedicine exams. Plan includes (i) one Specialty Care consult at a participating VCA Specialty Hospital and (ii) one waived fee (up to $300) for an emergency or specialty consult at a participating BluePearl Pet Hospital, per year. Fees will apply for other services or products provided, including emergency stabilization, treatment, diagnostic tests, medications, and hospitalization. Plan pricing requires 12-month commitment.

CareClub Memberships are preventive pet health care plans and not pet insurance.
CareClub Membership covers only the selected health care services and products which are specifically identified in the applicable CareClub Membership agreement.

VCA Animal Hospitals, BluePearl Pet Hospitals, and Banfield Pet Hospitals are affiliates of Mars Inc.

**Live Chat with a licensed veterinary professional is free for VCA clients through the myVCA mobile app, available at Apple’s App Store and Google Play.

Free First Exam only for new clients (including those not seen in 3+ years) and eligible existing clients adding a new pet. Limit two pets (dogs or cats only) per household. The exam includes a status check on weight, nutrition and general health, parasite discussion, dental check and vaccination overview only. Not valid toward any other services including: any specialty, emergency, telemedicine and/or urgent care veterinary services; boarding or grooming services; any diagnostics or treatments; or any vaccines, medications or retail items. Not to be combined with any other offer. Redeemable only at the VCA Animal Hospitals location listed. For pet owners who are aged 18 and older. No cash value.

Florida Residents: THE PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT HAS A RIGHT TO REFUSE TO PAY, CANCEL PAYMENT, OR BE REIMBURSED FOR PAYMENT FOR ANY OTHER SERVICE, EXAMINATION, OR TREATMENT THAT IS PERFORMED AS A RESULT OF AND WITHIN 72 HOURS OF RESPONDING TO THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE FREE, DISCOUNTED FEE, OR REDUCED FEE SERVICE, EXAMINATION OR TREATMENT.

NJ Residents: First Exam Regular Price Range: $75 to $150. NJ Licensee: Anthony Loomis, DVM.

Free First Dose offer valid for new patients receiving a qualifying initial exam at participating VCA Animal Hospitals. Offer applies only where an eligible parasite prevention product included in the program is prescribed and dispensed during the visit, as determined by the attending veterinarian. Eligible products only; not valid toward other products or services. Limit two pets (dogs or cats only) per household. Not combinable with other offers. Must be 18 years or older. No cash value.