Adopting a pet is a delightful experience for many families. When you decide to bring a furry friend home, you have various choices. Whether you choose a young puppy or a mature dog, your decision is crucial as it determines your pet’s lifespan and compatibility with you and your family. While younger animals are cute and cuddly, older pets have a lot of advantages and can often be a better choice. Here are some benefits of adopting an older animal.
Firstly, older animals are usually house trained and well behaved. They are less hyperactive and can settle in calmly to a new environment which makes training easier although it is recommended to enroll in puppy training class. You save yourself from the early stages of training such as potty training, chewing, and destructive behavior, which can be physically and mentally exhausting, especially if you are busy. Additionally, senior pets are already accustomed to living with humans, and they know what is expected of them in a home setting.
Secondly, adopting an older pet means that you know what you are getting. With younger animals, you don’t know what their adult size, coat type, and personality will be. However, with older animals, you are aware of the animal’s personality, energy level, and grooming requirements. Therefore, you can pick a pet that best suits your lifestyle and environment at home. This ensures that you don’t end up with an animal that has unexpected needs you can’t handle.
Thirdly, senior pets are generally calmer than their younger counterparts, which makes them excellent companions for seniors or families with young children. Businesses, such as nursing homes, hospices, and pet therapy programs, have adopted older pets for these reasons. Senior pets love to sit on their owner’s lap, cuddle, and just relax which can be relaxing for the pet owner.
Fourthly, adopting an older animal can be less expensive in terms of veterinary costs. Senior pets have already gone through the teething and destructive stage, requiring fewer medical expenses. Additionally, most elderly pets in shelters have already been neutered or spayed, up-to-date with their vaccines, and have relatively few health problems.
Lastly, adopting an older animal may be a life-saving opportunity since most sheltered older pets have less chance of finding a forever home as they aren’t the most sought after. Adopting a senior pet is a win-win situation, as you provide a loving home for the pet in their golden years, and they equally offer you companionship.
In conclusion, adopting an older animal has a lot of benefits. They are house trained, well-behaved, calm, and you know what you are getting without any surprises. Additionally, senior pets exude gratitude, devotion, and love, making them amazing companions for families and individuals alike. By choosing to adopt an older pet, you give them a chance to have a peaceful and loving home in their golden years.
