
This November, you can raise awareness about the needs of senior pets in shelters by celebrating National Adopt a Senior Pet Month. This national awareness month, which occurs every November, was created by petfinder.com and the ASPCA. Its goal is to raise awareness of the number of senior pets in shelters awaiting their forever homes, and to spread information about the joys of adopting a senior pet. Here are a few ways you can celebrate senior pets this November.
Adopt or Foster a Senior Pet
Adopting a senior pet gives them a second chance at life. Many senior pets are in shelters because their previous owner died, moved into a care home or assisted living facility, or was no longer able to care for them. Shelter life is very stressful, especially for senior animals. If you can’t adopt a pet, you can foster one so that it gets away from the animal shelter and into a safe, comfortable home while awaiting its forever home.
Tell Other People About the Benefits of Senior Pet Adoptions
You can share information about the benefits of senior pet adoptions with friends, family, and colleagues. Follow your local animal shelter and animal rescue organizations on social media. Share their posts, and share information about senior pets that are available for adoption. Senior pets are wonderful companions, and a great choice for families with young children or who have never had a pet before. Senior pets are often calmer and less energetic than younger animals. They are often house-trained already, and can be very low-maintenance, loving companions.
Volunteer at Your Local Animal Shelter
If you are unable to adopt or foster, you can give back by volunteering at your local animal shelter. They may need volunteers to socialize with animals, take them for walks, play with them, guide visitors, or answer questions. It’s a great way to support the mission of animal rescue organizations, even if you can’t adopt or foster.
If you do choose to adopt a senior pet, make an appointment for a check-up right away with your local veterinarian.