- Categories:
- Animal
- Tags:
- AwarenessPet
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every November
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- 🐾
Adopt A Senior Pet Month, celebrated throughout November, shines a light on the often-overlooked older animals in shelters. These loving companions deserve a second chance at a forever home. Consider visiting your local shelter, fostering a senior pet, or donating to organizations dedicated to their care.
Want to sponsor Adopt A Senior Pet Month? Learn how
Expected Adopt A Senior Pet Month Deals
Throughout November, Adopt A Senior Pet Month inspires a range of compassionate initiatives rather than commercial deals. Organizations like the ASPCA and the Humane Society often waive or reduce adoption fees for senior pets, encouraging more families to open their homes. Many local shelters collaborate with corporate partners such as Petco and Chewy for donation drives, supplying essential food, blankets, and medical supplies. Veterinary clinics may offer discounted health checks for newly adopted senior animals, while brands like Purina highlight their senior-specific nutrition lines. We will update this page with confirmed live programs and events as November approaches.
Platform Guide for Adopt A Senior Pet Month
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #AdoptASeniorPetMonth. Share heartwarming photos and videos of senior pets and their new families to inspire others.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #AdoptASeniorPetMonth. Create an event for a local shelter’s adoption drive or share success stories.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #AdoptASeniorPetMonth. Tweet facts about the benefits of adopting older pets and highlight adoptable seniors from local shelters.
Adopt A Senior Pet Month Hero
Sherri Franklin
History of Adopt A Senior Pet Month
Many people walk into a shelter hoping to adopt a puppy or a kitten, while overlooking the older animals living in the same shelter. Older pets are seen as less desirable; however, they are often easier to adopt than younger animals. The ASPCA and petfinder.com founded Adopt a Senior Pet Month to help improve the perception surrounding senior pets. Their aim is to present senior animals as quality candidates for adoption.
Sadly, senior pets are often the last ones to be adopted from the shelter. Most never find a home and spend the rest of their lives caged inside a shelter kennel. They spend the longest amount of time at shelters, which also puts them at an increased risk of being euthanized.
One misconception older animals suffer from is that they are in shelters because of their destructive or bad behavior. Though this is far from the truth, there are many reasons why a pet would end up in a shelter. Many of these senior pets were once someone’s faithful companions. Changing home circumstances, financial restrictions, death, or relocation can have adverse effects on a pet’s life. These pets have much to offer, and they are usually adaptable. Younger pets can be adorable, but they also demand a lot of attention and can be destructive and very hard work to keep up with. Usually, an older pet can easily fit into your lifestyle and adapt well to a loving new home.
Adopt A Senior Pet Month timeline
Caroline Earl starts the Women’s Branch of the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals in Philadelphia.
SPCA's Maddie’s Pet Adoption Center, housing adoptable dogs and cats in home-like settings instead of cages, opens.
Non-profit fundraising organization for senior dogs uses grants to provide specialized care for homeless senior dogs.
Los Angeles Animal Services officially becomes a ‘No-Kill Shelter City’, the largest city in the U.S. to achieve that rating.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Adopt A Senior Pet Month
Local businesses can meaningfully participate in Adopt A Senior Pet Month by partnering with nearby shelters and rescue groups. Pet stores can host in-store adoption events, offer discounts on senior pet food and supplies, or set up donation bins for blankets and toys. Veterinary clinics might provide free initial health checks for newly adopted senior pets or educational workshops on senior pet care. Grooming salons could offer discounted services for older animals, making them feel more comfortable and ready for their new homes. Emphasize the unique charm and benefits of senior pets in all promotions.
Adopt A Senior Pet Month FAQs
When is Adopt A Senior Pet Month?
Adopt A Senior Pet Month runs throughout November 2026, dedicated to raising awareness for older animals in need of loving homes. It’s a perfect time to consider opening your heart to a mature companion.
What is considered a senior pet?
While definitions vary by breed and size, most veterinarians consider cats and small dogs to be ‘senior’ around 7-10 years old. Larger dog breeds may reach senior status earlier, often around 5-6 years of age, as their life expectancies are generally shorter.
How many senior pets are in shelters?
Exact numbers fluctuate, but senior pets represent a significant portion of the shelter population. Many older animals are surrendered due to owner health issues, financial hardship, or relocation, making their need for adoption particularly urgent.
What are the benefits of adopting a senior pet?
Senior pets often come house-trained, have a calmer demeanor, and are past the destructive puppy/kitten phase. They offer immediate companionship and are incredibly grateful for a second chance, quickly bonding with their new families.
How To Celebrate Adopt A Senior Pet Month
Adopt a senior pet
If you are thinking about adding a four-legged friend to your family, then perhaps you could open your home and your heart to an older dog or cat in need. Visit the nearest shelter to adopt a senior pet and help save a life.
Encourage senior pet adoption
Persuade people to adopt senior pets. If anyone in your friends and family is planning to adopt a pet, then encourage them to adopt older animals who are in desperate need of a home.
Volunteer at a shelter
Financial restrictions, long working hours, or sometimes even unfriendly living spaces can shatter our dreams of having a loving pet in our homes. Thankfully, there is more than one way to show your love for animals, so volunteer at a local pet shelter and help out in any way you can.
5 Adorable Facts About Senior Pets
They grow old so fast
In general, dogs and cats are considered seniors between the ages of seven and ten years.
Old pet, new tricks
Contrary to popular belief, old pets can learn new routines, skills, and habits as they adapt to a new family.
Senior pets need exercise as well
Exercise can help slow degenerative joint disease and keep your pet at a healthy weight.
Older pets are super friendly
Older pets often bond with people more quickly than their younger counterparts, as they already know how to get along with other pets and different people.
Beds for senior pets
There are ‘orthopedic’ beds specially made for senior pets.
Why We Love Adopt A Senior Pet Month
Senior pets make good companions
Older dogs or cats are usually well-trained. When you adopt an older pet, you can expect them to be trained and follow basic commands. This makes them excellent companions for older people.
They are very calm
Older pets are usually calmer than puppies and kittens. They make excellent companions for people who don’t have the time and energy to run around after their pets. They are happier lounging around with their families and are more comfortable with a relaxing day-to-day routine.
Adopting a senior pet means saving a life
Cute kittens and puppies have an easier time getting adopted, unlike senior animals, who are often the last ones to find a home. This puts them at greater risk in the shelters. So when you adopt a senior pet, you’re truly saving a life!
Adopt A Senior Pet Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | November 1 | Sunday |
| 2027 | November 1 | Monday |
| 2028 | November 1 | Wednesday |
| 2029 | November 1 | Thursday |
| 2030 | November 1 | Friday |
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