Pets come in various shapes, sizes, and species. While some people prefer caring for birds, lizards, or fish, others enjoy sharing their lives with cats and/or dogs. Senior pets, just like humans, enter into their golden years, and not all of them have loving and safe homes. Many spend their final years in animal shelters due to unavoidable circumstances, such as their caretakers passing away. In recognition of the importance of caring for our senior furry companions, a national holiday called National Senior Pet Month, also known as Adopt a Senior Pet Month, has been established. This holiday promotes the adoption and care of senior pets throughout the United States by advocating for their need for a safe and comfortable home.
National Senior Pet Month is observed in November, which coincides with other American holidays. It provides an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the many senior animals living in shelters throughout the country that are hoping to find loving and caring homes. The goal is to encourage people who are thinking of adopting a pet to consider a senior animal instead of a younger one. The holiday serves to educate pet lovers and veterinarians alike to care for their senior pets and to create awareness of the challenges the elderly pets may face.
It is important to note that senior pet month emphasizes the significance of adopting senior pets. Puppies, kittens, and other younger pets are adorable and tend to get homes more easily than senior pets do. It is common for senior pets to be overlooked in shelters compared to young pets because they are perceived to have “already experienced life” or “won’t be easy to bond with” which is a misconception. Senior pets still have plenty of life left to experience, and they are just as eager to bond with human companions as younger animals are.
Generally speaking, any animal within a few years of their expected lifespan is considered a senior. Every pet ages differently, and it all depends on the animal and the type of care that they have received throughout their lives. Some senior pets may still have a lot of energy and are playful like younger animals. Whereas, other senior pets may prefer to snooze, relax, and take it easy. This is why older pets require specialized care and attention to ensure their happy and healthy aging.
Celebrating National Senior Pet Month is as easy as reaching out to your local shelter and seeking ways to alleviate their needs. You can volunteer at a community fundraiser or adoption event or spread the word about the benefits of adopting a senior pet to prospective pet owners. You can also consider having a celebration for all the senior pets living in your neighborhood. Finally, you may want to think about adopting a senior pet of your own during November or any other time of the year.
Adopting a senior pet in November, or at any time of the year, has many advantages. They are just as adorable and cuddly as younger animals and love to snuggle and bond with their owners. Senior pets are less likely to need constant supervision and require less training to adjust to a household setting. Most senior pets are already housetrained and familiar with leash walking and living with other animals. Furthermore, senior pets have a distinct personality and grooming needs that are unlikely to change, unlike younger animals. Also, senior pets make sound companions for those looking for calm and steady companions. Finally, they are less likely to destroy furniture and other properties within a home.
In conclusion, senior pets are just as deserving of good homes as younger animals. National Senior Pet Month, which takes place every November, serves as a reminder of their value and promotes the need for their care and adoption. Even if you cannot adopt a pet, you can still celebrate this noble cause by getting in touch with your local animal shelter and getting involved. By promoting the idea of adopting senior pets, you can help provide a forever home for these loving and deserving animals.
