Older Dogs for Adoption: Pros and Cons

They say you can’t treat an old dog new tricks, but that’s not true. Older dogs for adoption tend to get shifted to the back of the queue and perhaps this misnomer is why. This and the fact that most people want a cute, fluffy puppy.

In truth, an older dog can bring just as much joy to a new home as a young pup. Older dogs have many virtues and deserve to have a second chance in life. If you’re planning on bringing home an adopted dog, an old dog may just be that best friend you’ve been waiting for.

5 reasons to consider older dogs for adoption

Dogs in shelters have hearts in all shapes and sizes. And in all likelihood there’s a pooch somewhere in a shelter whose heart is pumping at just the same rate as yours. They’re hoping, waiting and wishing to lock hearts with you. Here are five reasons to consider finding them and providing that chance.

Find out about younger and older dogs for adoption from HUHA. They’ll help make sure your adopted dog is your perfect match. Also read about the Barkery – New Zealand’s adoptable dog café in the making.

1. Older dogs deserve a second chance too

Grown up dogs at shelters often get overlooked. Not because they’re messy, odd looking or aggressive. Simply because it’s in our DNA to beeline for the youngest, most vulnerable creature in the room. Puppies get rescued while older dogs often get lonelier and more desolate as their time at shelters drags on.

Often, you see this in the expressions of older dogs for adoption. It’s not that they’ve given up hope, it’s just that nobody’s giving them reason to hope.

Many shelters resort to euthanising pets due to overpopulation. It’s the old dogs, the ones who’ve been the most patient and waited the longest in hopes of being rescued, that get euthanised first. This is the sad reality. And while it’s no one’s fault, you or I could be the one person that stands between the end of a dog’s life or the beginning of a new chapter.

People may also worry they won’t get to share as many years with an old dog as a young one. When it comes to time spent with pets, it’s the quality of the years that counts. And you could still have plenty of time with an adult dog, especially a bigger breed with a longer lifespan.

2. Older dogs for adoption might be trained already

Most adult dogs have some degree of training, from house training to walking on a leash. Puppies, on the other hand, tend to need around the clock attention. Especially when you’re training them not to pee and poop on your carpet.

Of course, any well-trained adult dog that’s scared or traumatised may also briefly go through a quirky toileting routine. A grown-up dog coming home to a new home from a shelter has reason to feel scared.
In most cases, a little understanding and love will help your adult adopted see the light at the other end of the tunnel.

3. Older dogs for adoption aren’t always problem dogs

People tend to picture shelter dogs as problem dogs. And yes, sometimes dogs have been hurt and need more makeup lessons to reach that settled place. However, there also are plenty of dogs that are calm and cheerful yet have nonetheless landed in a shelter.

Firstly, senior pet parents who can no longer care for pets often have to give them up. Secondly, animals sometimes wander and get lost. When they’re not microchipped the chances of being reunited with their original owners get slimmer. Read about why the dog microchip is necessary in New Zealand.

The pandemic has caused many Kiwis to give up pets for adoption because of changes to their financial, social and living circumstances.

New Zealand is also one of the very few countries that still allows greyhound racing. Greyhounds typically get put up for adoption after racing. They’re sweet, gentle and intelligent dogs (who happen to be very neat too). Find out more about retired greyhounds adoption in NZ.

4. Adult dogs don’t need as much supervision as puppies

Grown up dogs tend to be a bit more independent than puppies. They’ve used up their wild off-the-hook puppy zoomies and are happy with a regular walk and some quality hanging out time.

Puppies are great; we love them too. But if you’re someone who isn’t keen on constant jumping, licking and small muddy paw prints dotting your hallway, then older dogs for adoption could be your happy solution.

That said, it’s still very important to know you’ll need to provide lots of supervision and guidance for any dog that comes home. This applies whether they’re a puppy or adult and whether you’ve bought or adopted them.

It’s also important to know a shelter dog has been through something extra. They’ve been in a position where they have no person to love and be loved by, and they know it. They may need that added paw on their shoulder as they settle in.

5. You can also get purebred dogs at shelters

People often think only mixed breed dogs end up in shelters, but that’s not the case. Dog breeds of all kinds end up at shelters, however they’re often without papers. That means you can get a dog that everyone agrees is a Border Collie, but there are no dog papers to prove it.

Then it’s up to you to decide if you’re after the dog and the papers or just the dog (read how to prove your dog is purebred). You should also ask yourself why you want a purebred dog. There are plenty of good reasons, such as being able to anticipate a dog’s health and personality needs, just as there are plenty of good reasons not to.

Mixed breed dogs are known to be healthier, generally speaking. Purebred dogs are bred from smaller gene pools, which can result in many hereditary conditions. So choosing a bitzer may actually mean you have a dog who is happier, healthier and will have a much longer life.

Dog insurance for your adopted dog

Whether you get a purebred or mixed, puppy or an adult dog, having dog insurance will help support their wellbeing. Dog insurance helps cover both known and unforeseen pet health costs, like non-routine vet visits, hospital stays, prescription medicine and so much more! Just click on that orange button to get a quote. It’s fast, easy and all online.