Adopt-a-Senior Pet Month

Ever wonder which animals in shelters are least likely to be adopted quickly? If you guessed seniors, you’re right. Unfortunately, senior pets are often among the last rescue pets to find homes, receiving far less adoption interest than puppies and kittens. Here at Baypath, we experience this phenomenon all too often. While puppies and kittens may inspire immediate adoption interest, seniors are frequently overlooked.

According to Animal Care Associate & Adoption Counselor Heather Stevens, “When staff discuss age preferences with potential adopters, many tell us they want a younger pet and are not interested in meeting our seniors.” This is truly unfortunate, she explains, as senior animals have so much love to give and make wonderful, easygoing companions.

At Baypath, we work to break down common senior pet misconceptions by highlighting the unique joys of mature cats and dogs. Many adopters fail to realize that senior animals possess several highly desirable traits, including established personality and temperament, comfort and experience with training, and an innate ability to form deep, meaningful bonds with their new families.

Dog Foster Program Coordinator, Lauren DiMartino, emphasizes these benefits:

“It’s unfortunate that seniors are often overlooked at the shelter because they make such wonderful pets. They tend to be more low-key and perfectly happy enjoying the simpler things in life.”

Just ask Baypath adopter Brittany, who understands the delight in rescuing seniors:

When you adopt an older dog, you get fewer years with them than if you adopt a puppy. However, it is so rewarding to make senior pets so happy for their final years! Maggie is the sweetest dog I’ve ever had. Even though she’s a senior, she is so full of life, always wagging her tail and happy to see me. She’s definitely a mama’s girl!

Dozens of incredible senior pets come through our shelter doors each year, each with a storied history. “Most of these animals have had to adjust to many new environments and go through multiple transitions prior to finding their forever homes,” Lauren explains. “I recommend patience and a slow transition to adopters of these special pets. Most of the time, good things – like senior dogs and cats – are worth the wait!”