Adopt a Senior Pet Month
November is National Adopt a Senior Pet Month.
Senior pets can be the perfect choice for some people when they are looking for a new furry friend.
One of the great things about adopting a more mature animal is that what you see is what you get. They are already fully grown. You don't have to guess about their personality. And you will know who they are the moment you meet them.
And the old saying, "You can't teach an old dog new tricks" just isn't true. Older pets are usually calmer, more focused, but just as eager to please you.
Houston animal rescue group, Red Collar Rescue has several senior dogs available for adoption.
RCR's founder, Charlotte Liberda, says older pets are instant companions. "Most older dogs and cats have been in homes before, so they settle in quickly and get along well with other pets. At the same time, they don't need the constant attention of a younger pet, so they leave you some time for yourself."
You can also search for adoptable older pets online at Petfinder.com. Petfinder.com is a great resource anytime you are looking to adopt a new dog, cat or other companion animal. It's an online, easily searchable database of available animals from rescue groups and shelters from around the country.
Some people worry that a senior pet comes with problems, but according to Petfinder.com's VP of Shelter Outreach and Public Relations, Kim Saunders, the opposite is true.
"Think of a pet that is already trained and doesn't chew or scratch everything in sight-a pet who will love you unconditionally," says Saunders. "That's what you get when you adopt a senior pet."
You'll find profiles for all of Red Collar Rescue's adoptable animals, including their senior dogs, online on Petfinder.com.
- https://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/29979096/
- https://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/29440169/
- https://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/30310805/
Citizens for Animal Protection, or CAP, has a cool program to bring together senior humans and animals.
If you are 60 years old (or older) and adopt an animal from the shelter that is 7 years old (or older), your adoption fee is waived.
Here's are links to CAP's adoptable dogs and cats:
The Houston SPCA also has special programs to help older pets get adopted. Their "Golden Paws" program offers reduced adoption fees for animals that are 8 years old (or older). The SPCA's "Seniors for Seniors" program tries to match up people who are 65 years or older with older pets by offering $15 dollar adoptions.
Click here more information on either of these SPCA programs.
Right now the Houston Humane Society is offering reduced adoption fees on Monday's for senior's adopting any animal or for anyone adopting a senior animal.
Click here for HHS's current adoption promotions.
A couple of my fellow animal rescue friends are trying to help an elderly Houston woman find new homes for her three older dogs. The woman is in her 80s, with failing health and is having to move into a nursing home. However, she wants to make sure her dogs continue to be loved and cared for.
Good news! Lucky and Mutzy have both found new homes! Baby Girl still needs to be adopted.
For more information on Baby Girl, click here.
If you can help find a home for beloved Baby Girl, please contact: heather.rescue.houston@gmail.com
So the next time you are thinking about adding to your family, don't discount an older pet just because of their age. They might turn out to be the perfect new member of your family.
