8 Key Facts To Know Before Adopting Older Pets

Adopting an older dog or cat can be a highly rewarding experience, but it's essential to consider the specific realities and challenges that come with it. Senior pets, generally dogs and cats aged seven and older, are more likely to have or develop age-related health conditions, such as arthritis, dental disease, kidney or liver function decline, vision or hearing loss, and various chronic conditions.

The adoption fee is often the smallest cost of pet ownership, and most of the actual financial commitment arrives later, spread across years of recurring and unpredictable expenses. Emergency veterinary care can be particularly costly, with a single incident potentially costing several thousand dollars. This expense is both the least predictable in timing and among the largest in magnitude of any cost a pet owner is likely to face.

In addition to medical costs, prospective adopters should also consider the shorter timeline that comes with adopting an older pet. While this can be a benefit for some households, it's crucial to be aware of the potential age-related health conditions that may arise.

For those considering adopting an older pet, it's essential to plan carefully and budget accordingly. This includes researching and understanding the potential costs of pet ownership, including emergency veterinary care and ongoing expenses.

## Why it matters The decision to adopt an older pet should not be taken lightly, and prospective adopters must be aware of the potential challenges and costs involved. However, with careful planning and consideration, adopting an older dog or cat can be a highly rewarding experience, providing a loving home to an animal in need.

## What happens next For those who have decided to adopt an older pet, it's crucial to research and understand the available resources and services that can help support pet ownership. This includes pet insurance, veterinary care, and pet-sitting services, such as those offered by Rover. With the right support and planning, adopting an older pet can be a highly positive experience for both the animal and the adopter.

In some countries, such as Portugal, there are laws in place to protect animals and prevent abandonment. For example, abandoning an animal in Portugal is a crime, punishable by law with a prison sentence of up to six months or a fine of up to 60 days. Microchipping dogs has been compulsory in Portugal since 2008, and cats since 2022.

Overall, adopting an older pet requires careful consideration and planning, but it can be a highly rewarding experience for those who are prepared to provide the necessary care and support.