Why "Adopt a Senior Pet Month" Matters
November is “Adopt a Senior Pet Month,” an important time to consider some of the most overlooked animals who are desperate to know the safety of a loving home.
The grim reality: Senior dogs have a 25% adoption rate. Cats who are above the age of 7 years old have an 8% adoption rate.
Senior dogs and cats are, of course, just as deserving of companionship as all other animals.
In this piece, we delve into the importance of Adopt a Senior Pet Month, shattering myths about older companion animals, and understanding why bringing a senior animal into your life might be one of the best decisions you could make.
Understanding "Adopt a Senior Pet Month"
Animal shelters and rescue organizations worldwide often face a common challenge: finding forever homes for senior animals. While puppies and kittens easily charm potential adopters, older animals are frequently overlooked. "Adopt a Senior Pet Month" arose from the necessity to highlight these wise, loving souls who still have much to offer. It isn't just about finding them homes; it's about raising awareness and changing perceptions about senior animals.
Dispelling the Myths
Many misconceptions surround the adoption of older animals, often causing people to hesitate about welcoming an elderly animal into their homes. Let's set the record straight on some common myths:
"Older pets are a heartbreak waiting to happen." While it's true that senior companion animals might not have as many years left as a youngster, the quality of time spent with them is profoundly meaningful. They teach us about resilience, acceptance, and unconditional love. Their departure might feel closer on the horizon, but the lessons and love they provide live on forever.
"Seniors have insurmountable health issues." Like humans, companion animals can face health issues as they age, but many conditions are easily manageable with regular veterinary care and a loving environment. Also, not all senior animals have health problems, and they often still have plenty of energy and love to give.
"It's impossible to teach old dogs (or cats) new tricks." Absolutely not! Senior dogs and cats can, and do, learn new things. In fact, their attention spans can often outmatch that of their younger counterparts, making training sessions more focused and productive.
The Unsung Advantages of Adopting Senior Pets
Beyond debunking misconceptions, let's spotlight the unique benefits of adopting a senior companion animal:
What You See Is What You Get: Senior dogs and cats often have established personalities, and this helps shelter workers guide you to a companion animal whose temperament suits your lifestyle. Unlike puppies and kittens, with senior companion animals, there are few surprises regarding their size, energy levels, or temperament.
Soothing Companions: Older dogs and cats are typically less destructive and more relaxed than younger animals. They're often content with a slower pace of life, making them excellent companions for quiet nights in or gentle walks outside. Their presence can be a grounding influence in any home.
They’re Thankful: There’s something about a senior companion animal’s gratitude that resonates differently. When you adopt a senior, you're giving them comfort, love, and dignity during their golden years — something they seem to understand and appreciate deeply.
How You Can Make a Difference
If adopting a senior animal isn't viable for you currently, there are other ways to contribute during "Adopt a Senior Pet Month" and beyond:
Spread the Word: Use your social media platforms to share profiles of senior dogs and cats looking for homes from local shelters' websites, or share memes that celebrate the benefits of adopting older animals.
Donate: Shelters and rescue groups often need money for specialized care that older companion animals require. Contributing funds or even supplies (such as orthopedic pet beds, wet food for animals with dental issues, etc.) can make a significant difference.
Volunteer: Spend time with senior animals at your local shelter. Walking, socializing with them, or even fostering can make them happier and increase their chances of finding a forever home.
Strays Rarely get the Chance to Age…
Stray dogs and cats rarely have the chance to grow old.
The average lifespan of a cat who has a guardian is 12-14 years, whereas the average lifespan for a stray or feral cat is just 2-5 years.
The average lifespan of a dog in a loving home is 10-13 years (with variability amongst different sizes and breeds). For stray dogs, the average life span is just 3-4 years.
Life on the streets is cruel and unforgiving--stray animals suffer immensely without access to food, shelter, and a loving guardian.
That’s why 600 Million Dogs is working to address the stray overpopulation crisis right at the source of the issue.
Our nonprofit science-centered mission is to significantly reduce animal suffering on a global scale by developing a safe, edible, one-dose, permanent-lasting birth control Cookie for stray dogs and cats.
All companion animals deserve the chance to live life to the fullest in loving homes.
Celebrate Adopt a Senior Pet Month!
Senior dogs and cats matter and are just as worthy of love and care as their younger counterparts. They ask for nothing but love, and in return, they gift us with lessons in courage, acceptance, and unconditional affection.
This "Adopt a Senior Pet Month," let's rewrite the narrative for older companion animals everywhere, one loving home at a time. After all, love knows no age.