Are you considering adopting a puppy or a kitten? Perhaps you have children who want a pet, or maybe as someone who lives alone, you have been thinking about adding an animal companion to your home. You may have heard that November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month, and while this sounds like a nice concept, you have wondered if adopting an aging animal will be too much of a challenge. There are many surprising benefits of welcoming a senior animal into your home that far outweigh the potential difficulties of caring for an older pet.

1. You Can Understand Your Pet’s Personality Right Away

Kittens and puppies can be full of energy, and their personalities are still emerging and may change as they grow up. Older animals may need time to warm up to new humans, but you will get a better sense of their personalities at the first meeting than you will with a rambunctious puppy or playful kitten. This allows you to better predict whether this animal fits into your family and household.

2. Senior Pets Need Homes Too

It probably will not surprise you to know that most people wanting a pet look for a bright-eyed puppy or kitten. However, animals of all ages end up needing new owners. Perhaps the senior dog that makes you smile was left behind when his elderly owner passed away, or maybe the older cat gazing calmly from the corner was given away when her owner became allergic. These pets often end up at shelters through no fault of their own, and they are waiting for homes without having another option, just like their younger counterparts.

3. The “Toddler Phase” Is Over

When you adopt an older pet, especially an aging dog, you can be thankful that your pet is already housebroken or litterbox-trained and understands how to do its business without your constant supervision. Young animals are like toddlers: They need lots of attention to make sure they do not get into your pantry, scratch your furniture, or have accidents on your new rugs. Older pets are set in their ways, and most of them can quickly acclimate to a new house and a new routine.

4. Your Senior Pet Will Be Grateful

Many people think that older animals, when adopted as seniors, understand that they have been given a second chance at a happy, healthy life. Whether or not this is true, you can be sure to develop a deep bond with your new animal friend for the rest of its life. In some ways, your bond can be even more meaningful as you begin this relationship when you and the animal are both adults, and you can better appreciate all the time you have together.

5. You Are Setting an Example of Kindness for Your Children

If you are thinking about adopting a pet for the whole family, you have the added benefit of setting an example of kindness for your children: Older animals have needs, preferences, and feelings just like puppies and kittens do, and they are just as deserving of good homes. Though your children may want that bouncy puppy or fluffy kitten, they may develop a close relationship with the aging but friendly dog or shy but cuddly senior cat that you adopt from your local shelter.

While there are numerous benefits to adding a senior animal to your family or household, adopting an older pet is not for everyone and should be carefully considered before making any decisions. Contact Pet Hospitals of Hawaii for more advice and information about adopting older pets and welcoming a deserving senior animal into your home.