The ASPCA Celebrates November As Adopt-a-Senior-Pet Month

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Friday, 31 October 2003

"No Time To Teach New Tricks? Adopt a Senior Pet!"

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and Petfinder.com celebrate November as Adopt-a-Senior-Pet Month. The upcoming holiday season may be an excellent time to put some balance in your life and adopt a senior pet. Senior pets can and do bond very strongly with adopters. Many seem to understand they have been given another chance at a happy life and are grateful for the opportunity to love someone and be loved in return.

At animal shelters and rescue groups across the nation, there are an abundance of healthy senior pets looking for a special home to cherish them for the rest of their life. Although shaping the life of a youngster sounds appealing, giving a second chance to an older companion can be equally rewarding. They like to share quiet moments, are already trained and don't chew or scratch everything in sight. "Older pets have plenty to offer adopters - not the least of which is love," comments Jacque Schultz, ASPCA Companion Animal Programs Advisor. "Instead of passing by them in the shelter, stop for a cuddle and you may find the most wonderful companion possible!"

The following are some of the benefits of adopting a senior pet:

• What You See is What You Get:
  With adopted older dogs or cats you will usually know about any behavior challenges or health considerations before you adopt. In other words, there are no surprises.
• Previous Training:
  Adult animals often already know how to live harmoniously with humans. In general, adult dogs and cats require far less supervision and less constant care, which can make them ideal companions for people with already busy lives. They may already be litter box or housetrained. An older dog might also have some obedience training.
• Physical Demands are Low:
  Fortunately, senior animals are not as demanding as a younger animal. Like any animal, give them quality time in the form of attention and walks. They may be more content to sleep and curl up at your feet and nap. The nice thing about older animals is that they will prefer quiet walks to running or active play and will usually not pull you around on the leash or jump on you.
• Dietary Intake:
  Nutritional requirements are important to an older dog. The caloric value needs to be less if they are to remain fit and trim. Rich foods, as a rule, should be avoided.
• Matching Lifestyles:
  An adult animal's relatively calm demeanor and less intense exercise needs make them the perfect match for an older person seeking friendship and love and in a full-time working household. They often make excellent or at the very least, agreeable companions for other animals.

For more information about adopting and caring for a senior pet, log on to our website.

For more information, or to contact American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, see their website at: www.aspca.org