Be A Hero To An Older Pet: November Is Adopt-A-Senior Pet Month

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center is asking residents to become a hero to a silver-snouted sweetheart.

While puppies and kittens are undoubtedly adorable, they often come with a level of care and attention that requires a lot of time and patience.

For people seeking a furry friend that is ready to love and settle manageably into a home routine, the Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center is encouraging residents to consider adopting an older dog or cat during November's Adopt-a-Senior Pet Month.\

Older dogs and cats often spend a longer time waiting for their forever home, as people come to the shelter in search of puppies or kittens.

Senior pets frequently end up at the shelter for more life-related than behavior-related situations: the death of an elderly owner, the addition of a baby to the family or owner lifestyle changes that no longer allow them to care for their pet. The shelter can be a scary and confusing place for a pet who has spent many years in the comfort of a home.

There are benefits to adopting a mature dog or cat:

• A senior pet is generally calmer and more relaxed (but not boring.) As dogs and cats age, they demand less exercise and can be calmer throughout the day. A sweet senior may move at a more peaceful pace, making them ideal for older owners or homes with children who can interact with them gently. If you're looking for a four-legged companion that you can snuggle with and binge watch your favorite TV shows, an older pet might be the perfect match for you.
• Constant monitoring and stressful housetraining are typically not required. Most older animals are already housetrained, saving owners from weeks or months of stress teaching a puppy to do its business outside or a kitten to use the litter box. Older dogs and cats often come from a household environment and have learned basic manners that a younger dog or cat has not yet acquired. An older dog may have had prior obedience training and may even know some commands. Older dogs are also less likely to be destructive, as they are well past a puppy's chewing and teething phase.
• There's a fully developed personality behind those soulful eyes (and they're full-grown). Unlike puppies and kittens that are still developing, an older pet has already grown into its personality, and you can more accurately select a dog or cat that closely matches what you are looking for in a companion. And the size of a mature pet is already established, helping to avoid the scenario of the cute little puppy that grows into the size of a horse.
• Pet owners who have chosen to add a senior dog or cat to their family typically feel a great level of satisfaction with the adoption experience. By adopting an older animal, you are giving them a new life, and in return they sense the value of your rescue, are eager to love and settle gratefully back into the home life they have known for so long.

The Pet Resource Center has a number of senior pets available during Adopt-a-Senior Pet Month. If you would like to schedule a visit to the Pet Resource Center, appointments are strongly encouraged and are available from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday (the center will be closed on Thursday and Friday for Thanksgiving.)

Among those available for adoption are:

Kane is a 10-year-old, 61-pound white neutered Labrador retriever male. Kane easily allowed a leash and walked. He loves to be petted and, when a puppy went into the yard next to his, Kane ran over to the fence with a wagging tail, and appeared to want to play with the other dog.

Marlon is an 11-year-old, 37-pound neutered black-mouthed cur male, described as gentle and dainty though he'll need some practice walking on a leash.

Monique is an 11-year-old chow chow who's been spayed. She weighs about 50 pounds. Monique walks well on a leash and does not pull.

Lola is a 9-year-old spayed American Staffordshire terrier weighing 54 pounds. She's best in a home with no children or other pets. She loves car rides and walks, and did not attempt to run away when taken off the leash.

Zoey Woo Woo is an 8-year-old spayed female plott hound. She is fully crate- and house-trained and gets along well with her new feline and canine friends at her foster home.

Ella is a 10-year-old spayed female cat who is sweet, affectionate and loves hanging out with her owner.

Leia is a 9-year-old spayed female cat who likes being around people. She is social, out and about all day, and enjoys being petted and brushed all the time now. She is very playful with her toy mouse and shoestring.

Mildred is a 10-year-old spayed female cat that enjoys people. However, she does have dental disease and required wet cat food.

Priority will be given to those with appointments, but walk-up customers will be seen between scheduled appointments.