Research shows a link between pets and happiness, with health too. Pets can lower blood pressure, decrease stress, lower cholesterol levels, even increase survival rates for those with cardiac problems. And of course, they’re great company.
Many programs now connect people with senior pets. Although kittens and puppies are cute, they aren’t necessarily a great choice. Not only can adopting a senior animal save it’s life, but the pet can be a better fit. Mature cats and dogs are easier to handle; they usually have calmer temperaments. Many older dogs are already well trained, eliminating the need to spend large amounts of time and patience on things like housebreaking. With a young animal, you often can’t tell the pet’s size and personality until it is full-grown – fewer unwelcome surprises with a mature pet! These cats and dogs really need a loving home. Some shelters reduce or waive the adoption fee if you adopt an older pet.
Here are some good links:
- At Petfinder.org, you can search for adoptable pets in your area, filter by species, size, age and breed
- Visit the St. Louis Senior Dog Project’s blog or animal listing on Petfinder
- Pasadena Humane Society “Seniors for Seniors” program
- Massachusetts Humane Society “Seniors for Seniors” program
- San Diego Humane Society “Seniors for Seniors” program
- SAINTS Rescue (Senior Animals In Need Today Society) provides shelter for older animals in British Columbia
- For more information on adopting senior pets, visit SrDogs.com, including their nation-wide senior pet adoption directory
- Or visit your local city shelter and talk to them about what you are looking for.
