The Joys of Adopting an Older Pet

There is no arguing the fact that puppies and kittens are simply adorable. When choosing to adopt a pet, many families opt to adopt younger animals because they are excited about them being a part of the family for a long time. However, don’t overlook the joys of adopting an older pet. Here are three reasons adopting a senior animal is a great idea and might be the right option for you. 

*This little guy is Marty, and he has stolen all of our hearts!

An Older Pet is Already Trained 

One of the struggles of adopting a puppy or kitten is all the training that comes with it. However, with an older pet, you likely won’t have to worry about that. While you may think most older dogs are in the shelter due to poor behavior, that isn’t always the case. Many senior animals living at shelters are there because their family could no longer take care of them, possibly due to old age themselves. Nevertheless, it’s always a good idea to ask about the animal’s history to thoroughly understand their past experience. 

What you’ll likely find is that the animal grew up in a loving family. So, when they come into your home, they already know what to do (listen to commands) and what not to do (go to the bathroom in the house). This will save you a lot of time and frustration. 

Not only are older pets already housebroken, but they are typically trained in other ways as well. Senior animals are more well-mannered, from knowing how to go on walks without nearly tearing your arm out of the socket to being calm around new people and gentle with children. 

An Older Pet is Set in Their Ways

This is meant in the best way possible. Senior pets probably aren’t going to change much throughout their time with you–in size or personality. They are already full-grown physically, and their temperament is unlikely to change. To ensure this is a joy of adopting an older pet and not a trial, it’s a good idea to spend time getting to know the animal while at the shelter before taking them home. Do you like the dog’s attitude? Is the cat social and good with children? Consider making multiple trips to the shelter to get to know the older animal you might take home before you do. The last thing you want is to have to give them back because they don’t fit in with your family. 

An Older Pet is Still Looking for Love 

While a senior animal may have had a loving family before, they no longer do. You can step in and provide companionship and cuddles to these animals who get overlooked in the shelter too often. Older pets can still form close bonds with new families just like a puppy or kitten would. In fact, because they’ve had a loving family in the past, they can often be more receptive and loving than younger pets who have to learn. 

The joys of adopting an older pet aren’t just felt by the family but also by the animal. The sad reality is that 6.5 million dogs and cats enter shelters every year, and not all of them find forever homes. By adopting an older pet, you change the animal’s life forever. Plus, there is no telling how much the animal will change your life too.

For more information, check out The Protocol School of Texas. You may also like Summer Pet Safety Etiquette. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips, read her posts on Inc., subscribe to her articles on The Huffington Post, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow her on Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter.