Adopting a Senior Pet

November is a very special month for our animal friends: it’s Adopt A Senior Pet Month! Older dogs and cats have some very special qualities that make them great pets, but are often overlooked in favor of puppies and kittens. Here, a Moorpark, CA vet lists some wonderful reasons to consider adopting a senior pet.

No Surprises

With puppies and kittens, it can be hard to tell what they will look like as adults. With dogs, you also may have to guess at how big Fido will get. However, with senior pets, what you see is what you get!

Less Mischief

Puppies and kittens are basically adorable, furry little bundles of mischief. Older pets, however, are much calmer, and less likely to dig up your yard or knock things off your coffee table.

Shorter Commitment

When you adopt an animal, you’re making a commitment to care for that pet for the rest of their life. With younger animals, this can mean signing on for over a decade of pet care. Since senior pets don’t have that much time left, they’re a great option for those who aren’t sure where life will take them in the next few years.

Prior Experience

Older pets are typically already spayed or neutered, and are often already trained. Being able to skip the housetraining phase is definitely a bonus!

Less Active

While it is important to keep pets active, no matter what age they are, senior pets don’t need as much exercise as their younger counterparts. Younger dogs, for instance, often need quite a bit of playtime and exercise. However, instead of lunging after squirrels, a dog in his golden years may be content plodding along for a slow walk. A senior cat, on the other hand, will be more interested in napping than pouncing on your toes in the middle of the night. This makes senior pets a great choice for anyone without the time or energy to keep up with the activity needs of a frisky dog or cat.

They’re Adorable

Last but not least, older dogs and cats are super cute. They also have a very sweet and friendly demeanor, and often want nothing more than snuggles, treats, and ear scritches. What’s not to love?

Please contact us, your Moorpark, CA pet hospital, for all your pet’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!

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