It’s Adopt a Senior Pet Month! That means senior dogs and cats get a little extra spotlight this month. By shedding some light on these adorable animals shelters all across America hope to increase the adoption rate for them. Most of the time these older pets have a harder time getting adopted than say a bouncy puppy. 

Good reasons to adopt a senior pet

They are calmer than a puppy. They won’t be all yippy and want to be running around all the time. The older pet will want to take it slow and quiet. They also like to take naps in the sun and cuddle up to you when you are on the couch.

They are already trained. They may know basic commands and tricks. They won’t chew up everything and get into everything. They will know how to walk on a leash and not bark at other dogs. It can be good for those who don’t know how to train or don’t have the patience to train. These dogs can surprise you with what they know.

Commitment. Senior dogs don’t always need attention. They like to take it slow sometimes. They like to relax and take a nap. Don’t worry that they need a lot of exercise. Yes they need to get out once or so every day, but they don’t need to run around for a long time. With a puppy, it takes time for them to learn from the training and need focus. Senior pets need to have an environment where they can walk around and have a calm day.

Love. Even though humans and dogs don’t speak the same language the message gets through. Senior dogs can sense when they have been rescued by a new family. They love it when they get a pet and a voice close to them more often. By adopting a senior pet you are truly finding a home for a pet in need. Shelter will thank you for caring for the pets that have a hard time finding their forever home.

Aspca.org stated that the decision to adopt an older animal can also take on lifesaving importance because they are usually the last to be adopted—senior dogs, for example, have a 25% adoption rate, compared to the 60% adoption rate of younger dogs and puppies. 

There are many places in and around Madison, Alabama to adopt senior pets. Places like A New Leash On Life, Madison County Animal Control, Huntsville Animal Shelter, and the Greater Huntsville Humane Society. 

One adopter from New Leash On Life stated, “I think that all animals deserve a forever home but senior animals usually get overlooked. I am so grateful I got the chance to adopt my senior kitty because she loves to lay around and cuddle with me 24/7! It’s so fun to see her personality come out more and more as she gets comfortable. She’s not timid anymore and is quite sassy.”