Why senior animals make great pets

November 02, 2021

Our older furry residents take life a little slower than the younger ones, particularly when it comes to finding a new forever home. 

If you’ve ever browsed our adoption pages, you may have noticed a long list of cats and dogs who are…. well…long in the tooth. But why is that?

While there are many reasons animals end up in our shelters, with older pets it’s often because their previous owners have fallen ill, or are no longer able to care for the animal themselves. Some owners have moved into residential care where animals are prohibited, while others have passed away.

Regardless of the way they come into our care, senior animals tend to face a similar situation – they often wait a longer time to be adopted than the younger animals.

Finding the perfect match 

When it comes to adopting an animal, there is nothing more important than compatibility. How will your new pet fit in with your family and lifestyle?

For older Australians, an older pet might just be the perfect match. A cat or pooch in its twilight years is often physically less demanding. Most of them are content to curl up on your lap and enjoy a pat, or to find a nice sunny spot to rest. 

Less risk of indoor “mistakes” or damage with older pets

Your table legs, curtains, carpets and cushions will give out a collective sigh of relief when they see a gentle senior woofer trot through the front door.

They usually have toileting-etiquette worked out, they have learnt not to jump up, aren’t interested in chewing the woodwork or ripping up cushions, and are generally calmer than younger animals. In a nutshell, senior animals tend to be less demanding to live with than younger ones.

This doesn’t mean that you can’t teach old animals new tricks! Even though older animals can be a bit slower and more placid, they still like to have fun with their owners. A lot of older animals are still young at heart 😊. 

There are considerable benefits in owning pets for your health 

Having animals in our lives can give us the push to become more active. Dogs, for example, need their daily walks and being outdoors in the fresh air is good for us too. 

For elderly dogs, some exercise will help safeguard against osteoarthritis. Daily gentle exercise rather than anything strenuous is the way to go, such as a stroll around the block to get the blood pumping. 

A 2019 study  found that people who own a dog are more likely to have a healthier heart. More than 40% of participants in the study owned a dog and, as a result of their more active lifestyle, they had lower blood pressure and had overall better heart health. 

You will be taken aback by their immense gratitude

Animals need the same thing we all do  . . . love and attention. And just because older animals have lived most of their lives with someone else, that doesn’t mean they are going to love living with you any less.

We have received lots of feedback from people who have adopted older animals from us, and they all say the same thing – “You can sense how grateful they are to have a new home.”


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18 thoughts on “Why senior animals make great pets”

  1. Chris McDonnell

    When looking up dogs for adoption there never seems to be any dogs either young or older other than big breeds. My sister and her husband who are in their seventies would love to adopt a dog, but there never seems to be anything available. They would be happy to have an older dog. Is there any particular way to go about this. They do not have a computer, but I look up things for them and keep coming back to the same problem, only big breeds available. With thanks

    1. Good afternoon Chris. It’s great news to hear that your family is interested in adopting a dog. Older dogs are typically more placid and physically less demanding. Whilst some breeds may be classified as large they can be smaller in stature and more suitable for older Australians. If your sister has her heart set on a smaller dog the best advice is to keep checking our website. I’m sure their next furry family member will make an appearance any day now. Best of luck to you all.

  2. Colleen

    Hi, I adopted a Large, 10yo Greyhound/Rhodesian Ridgeback, 4 years ago from RSPCA. I have my own health issues & physical limitations, but having a large dog I think is easier than bending down to smaller puppers, that scruffle around whilst you’re trying to pick them up? She’s pretty much attached to my leg & I do turn & bump into her (in the kitchen), but I don’t trip over her like can happen with little dogs? Just something to keep in mind with a larger dog, if it is a slimmer build with long legs… makes it easier for them getting up into the car, & on the lounge & bed (I know, spoilt girl). She doesn’t eat huge amounts either. What can be difficult now is, she’s been attacked several times, hit in the side at full speed by an out of control whippet, then recently 2 blue heelers, & her spine is damaged! (I’m sure she must give off pheromones that she’s weaker?). Sadly, her agility is gone & she does struggle getting up & down now. However, my spinal issues would make it impossible if I had to constantly bend down to pick her up & put her down if she was a small girl. We’re trialling different options, we’ll I am, she’s stubborn & determined! Hope this helps?

  3. Gill Gill

    We would really like an older dog .Live at Nelshaby near Port Pirie. What are our chances as neither of us move well ?

  4. Mike Bertholini

    We are a couple over 70 looking to adopt a mature dog. We are both active and would love a dog to take for walks and welcome it into our home. It would have to be house trained and of a good nature.

  5. Chris

    Are there every any senior dogs suitable to house with cats or other small animals? All those I see can’t be with cats.
    Thx…Chris

  6. Barbars Mail

    I cannot get a small dog all dogs for adoption are large or pups

  7. Maggie Samm

    Still only see massive or bull terrier type dogs I.m looking for a dog beetwen age 5 to 10 as I,m a senior but active like walks on the beach would love a Maltese cross or poodle cross( noshedding) dogs that mix well with other dogs Ihave donated with you but if I find a dog will make a monthly donation

  8. Elizabeth Nichols

    I am a senior of over 80 but still able to look after a small dog. My previous one died about two months ago and I miss her very much . She was a miniature poodle cross of 12 years.

    1. Hi Elizabeth, I’m sorry to hear about your loss. We have a number of dogs looking for a new home at the moment, which you can browse on our adoption page here: https://adopt.rspcasa.org.au/browse/?dog

      It’s updated daily, so if there isn’t a dog who’s the right fit for you, you can always come back another time to see who needs a loving new forever home.

  9. Aaron Ross

    Hi,

    We are looking into re-homeing our 10yr old Lab/Kelpie as we’re going travelling around Australia. She’s a great relaxed, low maintenance dog. Great with young kids, we love for her to goto a loving home.

  10. Jacquie Porter

    How do I find a small dog non shedding for my mum who is very fit for her 80 years owns her own home and needs no help. She’s home almost every day just wants a companion.

    1. Hi Jacquie, you can view the dogs and puppies currently available for adoption on our website, here: https://adopt.rspcasa.org.au Our website is frequently updated as more animals pass any required veterinary or behavioural tests, so please check back often to see if there is a dog that will be a good match for your mum. 🙂

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