Second Chances: Why Adopting a Senior Pet Might be Right for You
Dr Lisa Chimes, a veterinarian from 'Bondi Vet' and 'Dr Lisa to the Rescue', shares advice on giving a senior pet a home
There are thousands of senior dogs and cats in shelters and rescue organisations across Australia. Many people choose to adopt younger animals, but there are plenty of reasons why an older pet might tick all of your boxes. Here are some points to consider before you make your decision.
How old and active is your family?
If your family is very active, perhaps it’s not a wise choice to adopt a sedentary, senior pet. A younger dog or cat may be more suitable for you. Older pets who previously lived in a family with young children will most likely be tolerant of them in their new home, too. On the other hand, it can often be a perfect match for an elderly person to adopt an older dog or cat.
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If your family is very active, perhaps it’s not a wise choice to adopt a sedentary, senior pet. A younger dog or cat may be more suitable for you. Older pets who previously lived in a family with young children will most likely be tolerant of them in their new home, too. On the other hand, it can often be a perfect match for an elderly person to adopt an older dog or cat.
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Is the pet toilet trained?
Most senior pets are house-trained, although it’s quite normal for them to have some accidents initially. If you can’t bear the thought of toilet training a puppy for months on end, then an older pet might be the way to go.
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Most senior pets are house-trained, although it’s quite normal for them to have some accidents initially. If you can’t bear the thought of toilet training a puppy for months on end, then an older pet might be the way to go.
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Will your lifestyle change in the future?
If you are planning on travelling or moving overseas in a few years’ time, it isn’t wise to adopt a puppy or kitten who will need care for 12 to 15 years. A mature pet, sadly, doesn’t have the lifespan of a younger pet, but they are still desperately in need of a loving home for the last chapter of their lives – this might fit in perfectly with your timeline.
If you are planning on travelling or moving overseas in a few years’ time, it isn’t wise to adopt a puppy or kitten who will need care for 12 to 15 years. A mature pet, sadly, doesn’t have the lifespan of a younger pet, but they are still desperately in need of a loving home for the last chapter of their lives – this might fit in perfectly with your timeline.
You will be giving an unwanted or abandoned pet a second chance
Unfortunately, senior pets are usually the ones who have the hardest time finding a new home. This is because they may have age-related health issues, which you should thoroughly consider during the adoption process. Mose people are also concerned about the fact that you will have to deal with the loss of an older pet sooner than you would with a younger one, making mature furry friends even more in need of a home.
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Unfortunately, senior pets are usually the ones who have the hardest time finding a new home. This is because they may have age-related health issues, which you should thoroughly consider during the adoption process. Mose people are also concerned about the fact that you will have to deal with the loss of an older pet sooner than you would with a younger one, making mature furry friends even more in need of a home.
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No matter what type of pet you decide to adopt, please make sure you are ready for the big commitment that it is. Think about your lifestyle, home environment and financial situation before making the choice to bring a new pet into your family. Make sure you talk to your local vet and shelter staff about the specific requirements for each individual animal, because the last thing anyone wants is for a pet to end up back in a shelter.
Adopting a pet that no-one else wants is a truly wonderful thing to do and if you carefully choose the right one, you will be just as happy as they will be.
Adopting a pet that no-one else wants is a truly wonderful thing to do and if you carefully choose the right one, you will be just as happy as they will be.
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Have you adopted a senior pet? Tell us your story in the Comments below. And don’t forget to like and share this story, save your favourite images, and join the conversation.
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Need more animal inspiration? Read more pet stories on Houzz
Have you adopted a senior pet? Tell us your story in the Comments below. And don’t forget to like and share this story, save your favourite images, and join the conversation.
More
Need more animal inspiration? Read more pet stories on Houzz
Obviously, each individual has their own personality, but senior pets are generally less boisterous compared to their younger counterparts. So, if you are looking for a pet who enjoys some quiet R&R, then consider a dog or cat over the age of seven.
The older a pet gets, the more difficult it can be to address certain behaviours, such as aggression towards other animals or children, so it’s very important that you and your family are well suited to the pet you choose.