How to Adopt a Pet if You're a Senior

If life has slowed down these days and you don’t get out and about like you used to—so what? Does that mean you should deprive yourself of a pet’s love—and vice versa? I don’t think so. There are plenty of homeless pets out there that need a second chance at life, would fit your lifestyle, have love to share and want to be loved back. What are you waiting for? You just need to find the right pet for you.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Find out the pet policy if you rent an apartment, townhouse, condominium or reside at a retirement or assisted living property. Some may not allow pets, some will require a deposit and some may have weight and breed restrictions for dogs. This may help narrow down your choices.
2. Decide what pet you would like to have. If you are a dog lover but aren’t able to go on long walks—a senior, low-energy dog that only requires a few short walks a day may be just the pet for you. If you can’t get out and walk at all, consider a cat. You may never have been a “cat person” but you’d be surprised at how soon you’ll start loving your own cat. And kitties are pretty simple: food, a litter box and love are the main requirements. Also keep in mind there are rabbits up for adoption at local shelters that don’t require walks—just an ample-sized cage to move around in—and they make sweet pets.
3. Figure out your budget and approximately how much you will need to spend on pet supplies such as food and litter, as well as veterinary bills. Consider the smaller the pet, the less you're likely to spend on food. If you haven’t had a pet in a while you might ask a relative or friend with a pet what they feed them and about how much food and supplies cost each month. Also ask them to recommend a nearby vet. If you don’t drive, make sure that someone trustworthy is willing to take you to the vet and pick up food and supplies when necessary.
4. If you have Internet access or a friend or relative with a computer, search online or have them help you search for animal shelters and rescues in your area. Search under the name of your city and "pet adoption"—that should bring up the city shelters as well as independent shelters and rescues, or you can go directly to your city's website and look under animal services or animal control. If you are interested in a specific breed of dog, type in the name of your city, the breed and the word "rescue." If you live in Kansas City and want to adopt a poodle, for instance, you would type in "Kansas City poodle rescue." Most shelters and rescues have websites with pictures of their animals up for adoption, including details such as age, temperament, whether they’re suited for an apartment and whether or not they’re OK in a one-pet household. There is also a great website called Petfinder.com that lists pets available for adoption all over the United States and Canada. All you have to do is type in your location and what type of pet you're looking for. You can even search under breed, size, age and gender (see link in Resources below).
5. Write down all of the pets that interest you and the phone numbers of the shelters. Then call to make sure they are still available for adoption (in case the Internet information hasn’t been updated). Ask any important questions you can think of including details about the pet's health. If a friend or relative will be picking up the pet for you, make sure all of your questions and concerns are addressed and be absolutely certain you want that pet. If you are considering adopting a dog or cat, many independent rescues will visit your home first to assess the living situation and determine if the one you have in mind is right for you. If not, they can suggest another pet that would probably work out better. The key is for both you and your pet to be happy.

Tips & Warnings

• The adoption fees at shelters and rescues are very inexpensive and many offer additional discounts if the pet is a senior. Plus, the pet will already have their required shots, health checkups and are spayed or neutered before you take them home.
• If you want to take your new pet to the vet just to be certain he or she is in good health, most vets don't charge for the first exam if the pet was adopted and many vets also offer ongoing discounts to seniors.
• Pets are a daily responsibility. Make sure that you are able to feed, meet their exercise requirements and give them the attention they need. And in the event you become ill, make sure that you have the word of a couple of dependable relatives, friends or neighbors that they will help out with the pet's daily care. You should also line up someone you trust to take your pet permanently in case of your death.
• Keep in mind that pets need love more than anything. If you have love to share and a roof and four walls, you can already satisfy most of the needs of a homeless pet.
• Pets can cheer you up, lower your blood pressure and make you feel younger.
• Spend a little time with the pet at the shelter and be absolutely certain you want that pet before bringing it home. It’s not fair to make the pet go back and forth.
• Never sneak a pet in without the consent of your residence management. Odds are they will find out eventually.