By: The ABC Staff
Each November, adopters and shelters highlight the need to consider senior pets through Adopt a Senior Pet Month. It’s a perfect moment to pause, look beyond the puppy-and-kitten rush, and open our hearts (and homes) to the mature dogs and cats whose time and love still matter.
The Challenge: Senior Pets Are More At Risk
Though they often have a lot to offer, older pets face tougher odds in shelters.
Some key statistics:
- Research finds that older cats and dogs are among the greatest risk groups in shelters for euthanasia because their age makes them less “adoptable” in the eyes of many. (PMC)
- For example, a study showed that in one sample, senior cats who came in with illness and were assessed as terminal were euthanized at a rate of 80%. (Maddie’s Fund)
- One source says senior dogs in shelters may have only around a 25% adoption rate compared with much higher rates for younger dogs. (Pet Pardon)
- More broadly, the U.S. shelter system sees hundreds of thousands of dogs and cats euthanized each year — for example, more than 359,000 dogs and 330,000 cats in 2023. (Shelter Animals Count)
Because of all these factors — age, medical or behavioral concerns, and competition with younger animals for adopters — senior pets frequently end up overlooked. This issue is especially important when we consider the commitments of stewardship, responsible pet ownership, and behavior/health training, all of which are central to Animal Behavior College’s mission.
Why Older Pets Make Amazing Companions
Adopting a senior pet comes with benefits that are under-celebrated but very real:
- Predictable temperament: Senior pets often have fully developed personalities — you can more easily see how they will behave, rather than guessing what a puppy or kitten will become.
- Lower energy (often a plus): Many older pets are more relaxed, less rambunctious, more suited to families or caregivers looking for a calmer companion — a good match for someone balancing busy life or caregiving responsibilities (which may resonate with many pet owners!).
- Gratitude and loyalty: Many adopters of older pets say the animal seems to “know” they’ve been given a second chance — that bond can be powerful.
- Training maturity: Senior pets may already have some training or at least are more settled, meaning they can integrate smoothly into a household with fewer surprises. For Animal Behavior College alumni working with new training clients, this is a great opportunity to talk about how behavior training applies at any age.
- Satisfaction of giving a deserving pet a home: It’s a win-win: you give a senior pet quality of life, and your household is enriched by their presence.
How to Make Senior Adoption Work: Tips & Considerations
Adopting a senior pet does mean a little thoughtfulness and preparation. Here are some pointers (for yourself or your clients):
- Vet check-up and budget for routine care: Older pets may need more frequent vet visits, dental care, joint support, or monitoring for age-related conditions. Factoring this into your budget and planning sets everyone up for success.
- Adapt the home environment: Senior dogs may benefit from non-slip flooring, comfortable beds, ramps or lower entry points. Senior cats may appreciate softer litter box access, quieter spaces, and thermally comfortable spots.
- Go slowly with transitions: Because changes can be more stressful for older pets, give them space and time to adjust to new routines, new home, new people. Maintain consistency in their established habits if known.
- Behavioral awareness: Some older pets may have quirks or past trauma. If you’re working through behavior training, be patient, positive, and respectful of their pace.
- Celebrate the value: Remind yourself and your household that age is an asset, not a liability. The joy of providing a forever-home to a senior companion is meaningful.
How Animal Behavior College Alumni Can Support Senior Dogs
Since ABC focuses on behavior, training, and responsible pet ownership, this topic is a natural fit when discussing with your clients:
- Emphasize how behavior training works wonderfully with senior pets — reinforcing good habits, helping them feel secure, and adapting training methods to their pace.
- Encourage adopters to see senior pets not as “end of life” leftovers but as fully-capable companions — with training needs that may be simpler, but just as rewarding.
- Provide resources (either via your blog or as downloadable content) about how to train, bond with, and support senior pets effectively — helping clients understand that training isn’t just for puppies.
- Consider partnerships with local shelters for senior pet adoption drives, featuring senior pets on your blog or social media to raise awareness.
- Consider offering a free introductory training session for any clients who adopt a senior pet from a shelter. This will help them with a smooth integration for their new adult four legged friend into their home, and allow you to possibly gain a new client interested in future sessions.
A Call to Action
At the end of the day, Adopt a Senior Pet Month isn’t just about senior dogs and cats — it’s about the values we choose: compassion, responsibility, training, and inclusion. By viewing senior pets through the lens of potential rather than limitation, we elevate our pet-care practices and deepen the human-animal bond in remarkable ways. If adopting isn’t possible, you might foster a senior pet, volunteer with them, or simply help spread the word that “old” doesn’t mean “done.”
