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Everything You Need to Know About Senior Pet Month

November is National Adopt a Senior Pet Month. This holiday is dedicated to raising awareness of the number of senior pets in shelters and helping them find safe, loving homes. This November, you can do your part to increase the chances that senior animals in need find their forever homes. Here’s everything you need to know about Senior Pet Month.

Who Created Senior Pet Month?

National Adopt a Senior Pet Month was developed by the ASPCA and petfinder.com to raise awareness of the joys of adopting a senior pet. Senior pets are often the last ones left in animal shelters due to their age, appearance, and perceived health issues. The longer senior pets stay in the shelter, the greater their risk of illness, disease, and depression. 

Why Should People Adopt a Senior Pet?

Senior pets are already trained and housebroken. They generally make much calmer pets and are ideal for families with young children or people who have never had a pet before. They can typically fit into any household and home environment, and they are low-maintenance and easy to please. Most people who adopt senior pets describe it as an incredibly fulfilling and rewarding experience. Senior animals, especially ones that have spent time in a shelter, are so grateful for a chance at a loving home that they make amazing companions and loving members of the family.

What Can You Do if You Can’t Adopt? 

Even if you can’t adopt, you can still spread awareness about the importance of adopting senior animals. You can volunteer at your local animal shelter, or foster senior pets that are waiting for homes. Just getting senior pets out of the shelters can extend their lifespans and improve their overall health. You can also let your friends, family, and colleagues know about the increased need for adopters of senior pets. 

After adopting a senior pet, you should make an appointment with your veterinarian so that your new family member can get a clean bill of health.