Adopting an older pet can be rewarding
Older animals are seldom the favorites at local shelters.
There’s often the misconception that they are sickly, or there’s a reason their original owners did not want them. But there are plenty of reasons why an older pet might be the right fit for your home.
“It’s not true that you can’t get a healthy older pet,” says Angela Christianson, cat foster coordinator for PetPromise. “Everyone wants a puppy or kitten, but you don’t know how big they’re going to get. With an older pet, you know their size and health history.”
Christianson adds that, with an older pet, the owner will already know the animal’s personality. With a younger animal, it is impossible to know if personalities will be compatible in a couple of years.
While adopting younger pets isn’t difficult, Christianson says PetPromise takes extra measures to make sure its adult pets find good homes. The organization advertises in newsletters, posts photos online and takes animals to adoption events.
PetPromise makes sure to highlight important personality traits, Christianson says. That way, a potential owner can determine whether or not the adult pet is a good fit for them. Personality is key when adopting out an older animal. Older animals can be a great fit for retirees, Christianson says, as they are, day-to-day, lower maintenance. They still need financially responsible owners who can take them to vet appointments as needed.
And just because the owner isn’t raising the pet doesn’t mean he or she won’t be able to form a special bond with a new companion.
“Generally, I find that the adult animals are very appreciative of being rescued,” Christianson says. “For some reason, they seem to understand that they’re being saved.”
Hannah Bealer is an assistant editor. Feedback welcome at gbishop@cityscenecolumbus.com.
