Don't Overlook the Seniors.

Animal shelters throughout Australia are presently playing home to thousands of senior pets. Seniors, so termed because they range in age from approximately two years to fifteen or beyond, are often a second choice to their bouncy, furry and young companions. But animal shelters urge prospective adopters to consider their age an advantage.

Part of the Education team with RSPCA Burwood East, Emma Ginsberg can list a lot of positives about mature-aged pets. “A lot of people come in and want a puppy or a kitten... The way that we do it is we try to encourage somebody to get a more mature animal. They’re a lot more settled, they’re more likely to adjust to a new routine faster, you can leave them at home for longer periods. For a first pet owner... if you take on a baby animal and you don’t know what you’re doing, it can be very full on and difficult.”

Far from being set in their ways, senior pets can respond well to new routines, basic training, and other pets. They’re beyond the manic puppy or kitten stage, and their personalities can be more clearly defined than their junior counterparts.

Senior citizens are advised to consider senior pets when looking to adopt. The pet can match their slower lifestyle, it can be more of a companion dog, or a lap cat, and if a person chooses carefully, they may find a pet with manners from pre-existing training.

Because some of the animals in the RSPCA shelters are strays, it’s not always possible for senior pets to have a complete vaccination and health history. To get them ready for re-homing the clinic updates their shots, microchips, and de-sexes them, and all animals are temperament assessed.

Senior pets makes wonderful, steady companions, and whilst a puppy or kitten may be a tempting alternative, just remember that they only stay that way for a few weeks or months. Consider senior pets when you next want to bring a pet into your home. Some have said that they seem to know they’ve had a second chance.