Adopting a Senior Pet

Senior animals wait longest in shelters and are frequently the easiest to live with.

What you get

A known temperament and size, usually house-trained, past the destructive stage, and generally content with moderate exercise. What you see is what you get, which is not true of a puppy.

What to budget for

More frequent vet checks, likely dental work, and possible long-term medication for arthritis or organ disease. Ask for existing records and a recent blood panel.

Questions for the shelter

Why was the animal surrendered, how is it with other animals and children, and what medication is it currently on.

Settling in

Older animals often settle faster than young ones, but need soft bedding, easy access to food, water and toilet, and patience with any house-training lapses in the first weeks.