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Adopting an Older Dog or Cat

by Petside Team

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We asked Devra Lyn of the North Shore Animal League America about older cats and dogs for adoption: Five and older would generally be considered an older dog. Cats live a little longer than dogs do so an older cat would be approximately eight-years-old. I adopted Lil a couple of weeks ago. I had taken her home because she had been in the kennel for a long time and I felt bad for her. I took her home to foster her and my husband and I fell in love with her and she now belongs to us. One reason why Lil was brought back to the shelter was because her people moved. So there are a variety of reasons why an older dog might be in a shelter. An older dog would be good for anyone. The only recommendation I have is that you talk with a cat or dog adoption counselor and make sure the dog is good with children or other pets. We check that with any dog that’s brought in here. Adopting an older dog, you get just as much love, if not more, than you do from a puppy and the gratification is invaluable.
If you're thinking about adding a pet to your family, you may want to consider adopting an older dog or cat.

Though old dogs and cats may be long in the tooth, they have wonderful qualities and can engage in an incredibly loving relationship. Plus, they most likely have some of the basics taken care of, including house training.

For insights about adopting an older cat or dog, view the video above featuring Devra Lyn, of North Shore Animal League America.

Interested in learning more about what it means to adopt a pet, specifically an older dog or cat? Check out these stories:

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Comments (8)

Anonymous (Unverified)
Added 12-03-2012 10:43am
Adopting a pet is wonderful...adopting a senior pet is even better!! We have adopted two senior dogs in the last couple of years. They are wonderful, so loving and it feels good to know that they will be loved and taken care of for whatever time they have left. They bring such joy & warmth to our lives every day that we are as thankful to them as they are to us.
Linda Bowman (Unverified)
Added 11-21-2012 01:27pm
I had a senior 7 years old,I loved him so much had rescued him from a shelter he had a slight limp nothingbad,I had him for a year then had to put him down cancer had claimed him but he had a good year and he was loved really loved ,it hurt to let him go but I would not let him suffer.But now i have a pointer now and he's a great dog no dog could take my Buddys place ever but I adopted another dog for companionship and he's a good kind dog wonderful markings and has good manners.If you want a good dog adopt they need us too.
Ann (Unverified)
Added 11-07-2012 05:35pm
Muttville, a senior dog rescue in the San Francisco bay area, adopts dogs to seniors for free!
Princess (Unverified)
Added 09-06-2012 06:21am
A little over a week ago I went to the most amazing Humane Societies and brought home the most affectionate and beautiful black cat. There had to be at least 250 adult kitties available there all begging to come home with someone. This lovebug was the best seven dollars ever spent! Definitely planning to return to adopt another. Please adopt. Its so rewarding...there is nothing in this world more precious than unconditional love.
Barbara Burghardt (Unverified)
Added 07-16-2012 10:05pm
We adopted an 11 year old basset hound, after we lost our first basset, whom we had for 9 years. It is so sad when you see an older dog, that had a horrible life, passed up for adoption, that is why we adopted our Willy, we want to make the rest of his life as special as he is!!!!!
Seray (Unverified)
Added 07-12-2012 12:46am
I think this is one of the most needful data for me. And i’m glad raiedng your write-up. But wanna remark on some general things, The internet site style is ideal, the articles is indeed great
.Carlo (Unverified)
Added 06-20-2012 05:04pm
I adopted an older mixed breed dog who has been a real joy. She was picked up as a stray and the dog pound was going to euthanatize her because of her age. I am a senior citizen and my little senior citizen dog is wonderful, trained, spade and small. Just what I wanted. Older dogs are worth saving.