November Is “Adopt a Senior Pet Month” – Why Our Older Four-Legged Friends Need Us Now More Than Ever

By: The ABC Employees

Every November, adopters and shelters spotlight the necessity to think about senior pets by Undertake a Senior Pet Month. It’s an ideal second to pause, look past the puppy-and-kitten rush, and open our hearts (and houses) to the mature canine and cats whose time and love nonetheless matter.

The Problem: Senior Pets Are Extra At Danger

Although they usually have loads to supply, older pets face harder odds in shelters. 

Some key statistics:

Analysis finds that older cats and canine are among the many best danger teams in shelters for euthanasia as a result of their age makes them much less “adoptable” within the eyes of many. (PMC)
For instance, a research confirmed that in a single pattern, senior cats who got here in with sickness and had been assessed as terminal had been euthanized at a charge of 80%. (Maddie’s Fund)
One supply says senior canine in shelters might have solely round a 25% adoption charge in contrast with a lot larger charges for youthful canine. (Pet Pardon)
Extra broadly, the U.S. shelter system sees a whole lot of hundreds of canine and cats euthanized annually — for instance, greater than 359,000 canine and 330,000 cats in 2023. (Shelter Animals Depend)

Due to all these elements — age, medical or behavioral considerations, and competitors with youthful animals for adopters — senior pets ceaselessly find yourself ignored. This concern is particularly essential once we think about the commitments of stewardship, accountable pet possession, and conduct/well being coaching, all of that are central to Animal Conduct Faculty’s mission.

Why Older Pets Make Superb Companions

Adopting a senior pet comes with advantages which can be under-celebrated however very actual:

Predictable temperament: Senior pets usually have absolutely developed personalities — you’ll be able to extra simply see how they are going to behave, fairly than guessing what a pet or kitten will turn into.
Decrease vitality (usually a plus): Many older pets are extra relaxed, much less rambunctious, extra suited to households or caregivers on the lookout for a calmer companion — a great match for somebody balancing busy life or caregiving duties (which can resonate with many pet house owners!).
Gratitude and loyalty: Many adopters of older pets say the animal appears to “know” they’ve been given a second likelihood — that bond could be highly effective.
Coaching maturity: Senior pets might have already got some coaching or a minimum of are extra settled, that means they’ll combine easily right into a family with fewer surprises. For Animal Conduct Faculty alumni working with new coaching shoppers, it is a nice alternative to speak about how conduct coaching applies at any age.
Satisfaction of giving a deserving pet a house: It’s a win-win: you give a senior pet high quality of life, and your family is enriched by their presence.

Tips on how to Make Senior Adoption Work: Ideas & Concerns

Adopting a senior pet does imply a bit thoughtfulness and preparation. Listed below are some pointers (for your self or your shoppers):

Vet check-up and price range for routine care: Older pets might have extra frequent vet visits, dental care, joint assist, or monitoring for age-related situations. Factoring this into your price range and planning units everybody up for fulfillment.

Adapt the house surroundings: Senior canine might profit from non-slip flooring, comfy beds, ramps or decrease entry factors. Senior cats might respect softer litter field entry, quieter areas, and thermally comfy spots.

Go slowly with transitions: As a result of modifications could be extra nerve-racking for older pets, give them area and time to regulate to new routines, new house, new individuals. Keep consistency of their established habits if recognized.

Behavioral consciousness: Some older pets might have quirks or previous trauma. In case you’re working by conduct coaching, be affected person, optimistic, and respectful of their tempo.

Have a good time the worth: Remind your self and your family that age is an asset, not a legal responsibility. The enjoyment of offering a forever-home to a senior companion is significant.

How Animal Conduct Faculty Alumni Can Help Senior Canines

Since ABC focuses on conduct, coaching, and accountable pet possession, this subject is a pure match when discussing together with your shoppers:

Emphasize how conduct coaching works splendidly with senior pets — reinforcing good habits, serving to them really feel safe, and adapting coaching strategies to their tempo.

Encourage adopters to see senior pets not as “finish of life” leftovers however as fully-capable companions — with coaching wants that could be easier, however simply as rewarding.

Present sources (both by way of your weblog or as downloadable content material) about the way to practice, bond with, and assist senior pets successfully — serving to shoppers perceive that coaching isn’t only for puppies.

Contemplate partnerships with native shelters for senior pet adoption drives, that includes senior pets in your weblog or social media to lift consciousness.

Contemplate providing a free introductory coaching session for any shoppers who undertake a senior pet from a shelter. It will assist them with a clean integration for his or her new grownup 4 legged good friend into their house, and assist you to presumably acquire a brand new shopper serious about future periods. 

A Name to Motion

On the finish of the day, Undertake a Senior Pet Month isn’t nearly senior canine and cats — it’s concerning the values we select: compassion, duty, coaching, and inclusion. By viewing senior pets by the lens of potential fairly than limitation, we elevate our pet-care practices and deepen the human-animal bond in exceptional methods. If adopting isn’t potential, you may foster a senior pet, volunteer with them, or just assist unfold the phrase that “outdated” doesn’t imply “performed.”