Pets for Seniors Adoption Program
Uniting People 60 & older with pets who have reached adulthood. If you are at least 60 years of age, you can adopt a previously spayed/neutered adult dog or cat, at this special reduced rate:
Dogs……………$20.00
Cats…………….$15.00
Adoption package includes: *Wellness Veterinary Examination * Microchip * Rabies Vaccination * DHLPP (dog) or FVRCP (cat) Vaccination * A loving, grateful companion animal & special friend Older Pets for Older People
Many animal shelters, including Valley Oak SPCA, often have a number of wonderful adult dogs and cats. The fact is that the aging experience can be very similar for humans and animals. Like many people, a number of these older dogs and cats have undergone wrenching change and loss, and must now adjust to a new life. But like their human counterparts, age has not diminished the vast amounts of love they have to offer.
Older animals lose their homes for many reasons, most of which have nothing to do with a "problem" with the animal-- the death of their human, a work schedule that no longer accommodates a pet, a move to a new home where pets are not allowed. Unfortunately, adult animals often face a substantial period of time in a shelter, and a large number of overcrowded shelters must euthanize older animals as "unadoptable" because most people overlook them.
"Older pets for older people" makes a whole lot of sense. The lifestyle of an older person often blends well with the lifestyle of an older pet. The San Francisco Senior Dogs Project lists the Ten Top Reasons to adopt older dogs:
- they are most often housetrained
- they can focus well to learn
- what you see is what you get
- they settle in easily with the "pack"
- they are grateful for a 2nd chance
| - they won't chew inappropriate items
- they usually know what "no" means
- they're instant companions
- they leave you time for yourself
- they let you get a good night's sleep
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The health benefits of a companion animal are also now widely recognized. Research shows that living with a pet contributes to a longer and healthier life. After acquiring a pet, older people have up to fifty percent fewer minor medical problems, and fewer visits to the doctor. And pet dogs increase opportunities for outdoor activities and socialization. In fact, a loving pet is just what the doctor ordered!
Why not visit Valley Oak SPCA and see the variety of adult dogs and cats in need of a home? Our Pets for Seniors Adoption Program unites people 60 and older with adult pets, who are already spayed or neutered, at significantly reduced rates: dogs - $20; cats - $15. They are all looking for that special someone and hoping for a new leash on life. For more information, call the SPCA at 651-1111.
