November is National Adopt-a-Senior Pet Month

Adopt-a-Senior Month is dedicated to helping older pets find their loving forever homes. If you’ve been thinking about adding a four-legged friend to your family, consider opening your heart and home to an older dog in need.

Most seniors have some training
Young animals have a lot of energy and need patience and training to help them flourish. Senior pets are usually potty-trained, do well on a leash and know basic commands. Because they are more mellow, it can be easier to teach them new tricks.

Senior pets are usually easier 
If you value your shoe collection and don’t want your shoes chewed up by a puppy, consider a senior pet.  Since puppies are energetic, people aren’t always up for the work and training required. On the contrary, senior pets are typically calmer, easygoing and potty-trained.

You can see what you’re getting
With a puppy and particularly a mixed breed, questions arise about the pup’s eventual size and traits. With an older pet, that is not the case. Senior pets have history, which is often learned from former owners. 

Because senior pets are often at animal shelters the longest, they are more at risk of being put down. The Mission Viejo Animal Services Center is a pro-humane shelter but many are not. By adopting a senior pet, you are saving a life. If you’re feeling inspired to bring home an older pet, check out the Mission Viejo Animal Services website to find your new best friend.