Senior dog adoption near me: Older adults and older pets

Every year, about 4.1 million shelter animals get adopted according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. While kittens and puppies tend to be adopted quickly, older animals tend to have a longer wait. But there are great reasons to consider adopting an older pet — especially for seniors.

One perk is that their personality has already developed.

Explore3 Atlanta pet shelters that offer discounts to older adopters

“Knowing (a pet’s) personality is the biggest benefit when you’re looking at adopting,” Dr. Scott Kelley from Sixes Animal Hospital at Bridgemill told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “It’s all about matching the right pet to the right person.”

Senior pets can also make pet ownership more accessible for older adults who want companionship without the hard work.

Credit: Courtesy

Credit: Courtesy

Senior pets are also “less likely to be destructive in the home, and they require less exercise.” Dr. Tyler Human from Tritt Animal Hospital told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Older adults owning senior pets provide many benefits, but before running out to adopt, it’s important to also consider the challenges too.

“Any pet that lives long enough will have something happen related to their health,” Kelley said. “Testing them and having blood work early can prepare you for future complications, but have them seen annually, potentially twice a year based on the advice of your veterinarian.”

To make access to senior pets easy for older adults, some shelters offer incentives. The Golden Companions Program at Good Mews waives the adoption fee for all senior humans who adopt a senior cat. They understand the benefits of bringing senior owners and pets together.

“With a senior cat, you can expect lots of snuggles, loving affection, and the perfect companion to binge-watch a TV series with. They don’t want to play as much, preferring a nice lap to snuggle up in every day,” Bri Payne, Director of Marketing at Good Mews said.

Credit: Courtesy

Pet owner Cris Scopa is a proud senior owner of a senior pet. She adopted Fanny, her mother’s dachshund, upon her mother’s passing last fall. Scopa happily picked up the role of dog mom to keep Fanny in the family.

“Fanny makes me happy and brings me joy. She takes the edge off loneliness, and adds activity into my life,” Scopa said.

Linda Reeves became a senior cat mom to Pancake through a Good Mews adoption. Reeves found Pancake online through the CATalog.

“Pancake filled the void, and I hope we have many years of companionship and love,” Reeves said.

Scopa would recommend a senior pet to any of her friends, citing one particularly special moment they share each day.

“Our bedtime ritual is a perfect example of how our rhythms coincide seamlessly. I tuck her in, give her a kiss, and Fanny gives me a lick or two in return. This peaceful moment puts both our minds at rest.”

To get specialized news and articles about aging in place, health information and more, sign up for our Aging in Atlanta newsletter.

If you’re looking for a pet, consider these local shelters: