Why Adopt a Senior Pet?

Why Adopt a Senior Pet?

This month is one of our favourites - it’s adopt a Senior Pet Month!

There is no animal that goes unloved around here, but the seniors do hold a special place in our hearts. Whether they are our own and we have had many valuable years with one another or they're in a shelter looking for a place to retire- we adore them.

We unfortunately have to touch upon the pet cycle that occurs and why rescue shelters end up with unwanted animals. Puppies and kittens get bought across the country from breeders by people who think they’re cute, cuddly and great companions. They’re not wrong! But sometimes these new owners aren’t as educated on the upkeep of these animals as they should be, it becomes too much or they realise they can’t handle the responsibility. This is when they get sent to rescue shelters, but others looking for pets head to these breeders for puppies and kittens rather than going to their local rescue shelter for pets a little bit older.

For our much more senior companions, they end up in shelters for a variety of other reasons. Sometimes a heartbreaking move from their owner because of their age, sometimes because of loss. These seniors have known love and given love. They’ve found themselves in the most unfortunate situation and we should be giving them the best retirement!

Here’s why:

Loyalty

A senior pet is in search of someone to love like they have done before. After knowing and being trained to be in a household, it is of course their forever wish to find another home for them to retire to. Whilst shelters do a tremendous job of caring for these animals, I think we can all agree that 'there is nowhere quite like home' and this is also almost certainly true for animals too.

Calm and Laid Backed

The seniors have reached the age of knowing what's going on. They’re happy to potter and take each day as it comes without the excited energy you’d expect from a younger animal. They make great first pets because they know more than their owners and will show them the ropes!

Simplicity

We all know that animals are great for our mental health. They reduce our stress levels with strokes, boost our mood with their happy greetings and especially with dogs - they keep us active. These seniors don’t want anything more from us, they want a chilled out, relaxed and happy place to be. Warmth, food and love.

As hard as it is to stomach, seniors get overlooked in rescue shelters. As much as we’re all gracious that new owners are heading to shelters to give a pet a second chance, these older pets are still not getting the time they deserve. There isn’t a soul out there who doesn’t deserve a decent home. Charities are being formed specifically for the older animals to try and help them reach forever homes or at least foster homes for their remaining years. We should be doing more, we should all consider adopting a senior!

Check out our POTP Senior Bundle, a handpicked selection of the best products for the more mature dog