Reasons to adopt a senior pet in Delaware are vast. All dogs and cats, regardless of age, deserve loving homes and to be kept out of shelters and rescue centres. Potential pet parents often overlook senior dogs and cats when they make the perfect companions and additions to your family. If you have been considering adopting a pet, please consider these reasons for adopting a senior pet into your family.
Senior Pets Are Usually Already Housebroken
Older dogs are less likely to have accidents in your home. They also won’t chew on your belongings like puppies do, or scratch up your furniture as kittens do. Having a pet that is already housebroken and used to using either a litter box or going outside to relieve themselves saves you lots of teaching and training time.
You may have to show your dog their place in their new home and block off any areas you don’t want them to access.
They Are Likely Already Trained
Your senior dog will know basic commands such as “sit,” “stay,” “come,” and “down.” You may need to reinforce those commands when your new dog comes home with you, but the foundation has already been set with them. Don’t forget, you can contact a professional dog trainer for help too.
Senior Animals Require Less Attention
Puppies and kittens have lots of energy and love to romp and play all day and night. A senior dog or cat will be perfect if a pet with lots of energy doesn’t suit your lifestyle. Your older dog or cat will be so happy to just relax with you on the couch or your lap. Of course, all dogs and cats, no matter what age, need to play for that much-needed daily stimulation. However, they will likely become tired much more quickly.
A puppy will also require frequent bathroom breaks during the day and night and will be bugging you for food and treats. An older pet will adapt to your schedule and understand that bedtime and feeding times occur when you’re ready.
Senior Pets Are Usually Cheaper to Adopt
Most of the time, adopting a senior pet is cheaper than adopting a younger dog or cat. You might even get a discount for adopting multiple pets, such as a bonded pair of cats.
You Know Exactly What You Are Getting
With an older pet, you don’t have to wonder what their personality will turn out to be or wonder about their grooming requirements. What you see is what you get with an older dog, so you know exactly what you are getting yourself into. Your older dog or cat will already be fully grown, and you will know all about their fun quirks and personality traits. There is no need to navigate the different stages of development with an older dog since they are already set in their ways.
You Will Save a Life
The bottom line is older dogs need homes too. Older pets deserve a loving home like any younger puppy or kitten. Adopting an older animal gives them a chance to live with a fantastic family for the rest of their years. People think that senior dogs are still in shelters because there is something wrong with them physically or because they have behavioral issues. That is usually never the case. Most of the time, dogs or cats are given up due to a change in family circumstances like moving, a new baby or the death of their previous owner.
Adopting a pet is a very rewarding experience. We hope this blog has outlined the benefits of adopting a senior pet in Delaware to complete your family. If you are looking for places to adopt a pet locally, check out our last blog here for your guide to adopting a pet in Delaware.
As always, Content Critter is here for you for your pet care needs. Contact us today and let us know how we can help with your dog-walking or cat-sitting needs.
Dog Walkers & Pet Sitters in Newark, Hockessin, Greenville, Wilmington, Bear and New Castle, DE – Landenberg, Avondale and Kennett Square, PA and parts of Elkton, MD.
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