Senior dogs are often overlooked by adopters and rescues. But, those who decide they'd like to adopt an older dog find them to be genuine companions and get much joy in owning an adult dog. Older dogs tend to adapt quicker, they are most likely already housebroken and seem to have better manners than younger dogs or puppies.

Dogs older than 7 years old fall into the senior dog category. Depending on the dog's breed, they could live for many years after that. If you choose to adopt a senior dog, you can look forward to several benefits. Senior pets don't require the constant monitoring and training that puppies and kittens do, for one, and many are already housetrained¹.

Adopting an older dog gives you instant knowledge, you'll know from the start important things like their full-grown size, personality and grooming requirements. This can make it easier for new or picky pet parents to pick the right dog².

Dogs with calmer temperaments will often have better manners than youthful, more excitable dogs. When the mail truck rolls up, an older adult dog may give it a sideways glance, rather than jump off the couch barking at the new intruder. Older dogs often have the benefit of being socialized previously with both other dogs and with other humans, making them more likely to have positive interactions in the future³.

Older animals already have their routines and while they still love to play, they love to relax, cuddle and nap as well. They are emotionally mature and more mellow than younger pets, and although they require exercise like any pet, it does not need to be as frequent or vigorous as with a younger animal⁴.

The sad fact is, older dogs get adopted at a much lower rate than younger dogs. They spend on average up to four times as long as a younger dog in shelters⁵.

When you adopt an older dog from the shelter, you will be changing a dog's life. The love you give to this dog is a love it would never have otherwise known. The same goes for the love this dog will return to you.

Help others experience this love, too. Sign the Senior Pet Pledge below and advocate for senior pet adoptions!

More on this issue:

1. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (13 November 2018), "The Benefits of Opening Your Heart to a Senior Pet."
2. The Animal Foundation (2021), "10 Reasons to Adopt a Senior Pet."
3. Kyle Johansen, How I Met My Dog, "7 Benefits of Adopting an Older Dog."
4. Pets for Patriots (21 October 2014), "Benefits of adopting senior pets."
5. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (16 November 2018), "Four Reasons to Open Your Mind to Older Pets."