The perks of adopting 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 why you should adopt a senior pet:
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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 >>