Adopting a senior or adult dog delivers as many joys as adopting a puppy—along with some unique benefits. But senior dogs are frequently bypassed for younger dogs in rescue shelters because of common misconceptions about them, according to the ASPCA. If you’re considering adopting a dog with some miles under his paws, read on for a closer look at older dog adoptions, the special considerations to keep in mind, and the steps to adopting an adult or senior dog.
Adult Dog Adoption vs. Puppy Adoption
All dogs require attention and hard work—whether you bring home an eight-week-old puppy from a breeder or an eight-year-old mutt from a rescue. But there are some fundamental differences between the experience of adopting an adult or senior dog and bringing home a puppy. Spend some time pondering your family’s and your own expectations for life with a new dog, so you understand what’s in store, and can make the best choice for everyone.

Here’s what you need to know about adopting an older dog:
1. You often get a housetrained dog.
Housetraining is a stressful, exhausting time for the new parents of puppies. But an adult or senior dog often knows how to wait until walk time, and has the bladder control to avoid accidents.
2. You get a more mature dog.
Adult and senior dogs have been around the block a few times. While older dogs can have some quirks and behavior issues, you’ll probably know what they are in advance. And, they should be well past the naturally destructive, boundary-pushing developmental phases of a puppy.
3. You get a fully grown dog.
Puppies from the rescue can grow up into larger adult dogs than expected. If you know the size dog that works for your home and lifestyle, you can choose an adult or senior dog who’s already a perfect fit.
4. You might get a fully trained dog.
Many adult dogs in shelters already know basic, or even advanced commands. This can make older dogs a great choice for first-time dog owners. If you don’t have time to train your new dog, talk with rescue volunteers so they pair you with only well-trained dogs.
5. You skip past the puppy medical expenses.
Owning a dog is expensive, but the first year in a new puppy’s life requires repeat visits to the vet, for spaying or neutering surgery, and for vaccinations. With an older dog, many routine medical issues are already managed.
6. You miss the cute puppy phase.
There are endless rewards to adopting an adult or senior dog, but you do skip past the cute, frolicking, roly-poly, world-discovering phase of puppyhood. For some people, this period is a can’t-miss.
Misconceptions About Adopting a Senior Dog
Mistaken beliefs about adopting senior and older dogs are pervasive, so let’s take a closer at those and learn why they are (mostly) untrue:
1. You won’t have the dog for long.
Some people think they are setting themselves up for grief when they adopt an older dog. But there are no guarantees in life with a dog of any age, and most older and senior dogs in shelters have many healthy years ahead of them. There are, however, VERY old dogs in shelters who need adopting too. In these cases, you are choosing to give a loving home to a geriatric dog who assuredly won’t be in your life for a decade, but who will deliver oodles of joy in the relatively short time they spend with you.
2. You’ll have more medical expenses.
As mentioned above, adopted adult and senior dogs are often healthy for years. You can adopt a puppy who develops a chronic illness at an early age, or an adult dog who is well for the long haul. In some cases, people choose to adopt senior dogs with health issues and knowingly take on their care and the associated expenses.
3. You’ll love an older dog less, or they’ll love you less.
This is simply not true. Search “senior dogs” on Facebook or Instagram and you’ll find endless stories of people and older pooches whose lives changed for the better when they made the choice to adopt each other.
How to Adopt an Older Dog
To adopt an older dog, you simply have to keep that intention in mind throughout your search. When you visit rescue shelters in your area, or reach out to shelters online, let them know you are committed to adopting a senior dog. Be specific. Do you prefer an older dog between seven and ten years old, older than age ten?
While the number of people willing to adopt older dogs with serious health issues is increasing, they are still a rare breed. Clarify your intentions if you want to give a forever home to an ailing senior dog, because many rescue workers will assume otherwise.
Some helpful resources for adopting older dogs include:
- Muttville Senior Dog Rescue
- The Grey Muzzle Organization
- Petfinder (narrow your search to ‘Senior’ dogs)
There are many other organizations, likely including rescues in your area that focus on finding homes for senior dogs. You can also reach out to breed-specific rescues for older dogs of a favorite breed.
Should You Adopt a Senior Dog?
Yes! If you’ve read through this post and the thought of adopting a sweet older dog is beginning to seem like a good idea—then, by all means, you should adopt a senior dog.
What dog supplies will you need when you bring home your new adult or senior dog? The supplies are the same as those you need when bringing home a dog of any age. Talk with your veterinarian, however, about the need for senior dog food and an orthopedic dog bed, which offers extra support for aging joints. You’ll find a handy list of supplies for new dog owners in our post on the cost of owning a dog—another good thing to read up on as you contemplate this major (and exciting!) decision.
When you adopt a dog of any age from a shelter, you’re saving a life. But there’s something especially beautiful about adopting an adult or senior dog, who has been at the shelter as younger dogs come and go. If you have the room in your budget, your heart, and your house—bring home an older dog during Adopt a Senior Dog Month this coming November, or jump right in to give a senior dog his forever home today.
Have you adopted a senior dog? We’d love to hear all about your experience and your older best friend in the comments below!
I would be interested in adopting an older trained hunting dog and providing a permanent home if the former owner agreed to pay for its medical expenses until death. I would pay for the dog’s regular care and maintenance.
I imagine providing a loving, safe and secure ongoing second home to a dog who needs to be retired from hunting, from a serious hunter-owner who needs to continue to work with active hunting dogs at their peak. This way, the loved animal will have continued stability, security and care in its retirement and its former owner can have the peace of mind knowing that his or her hardworking and loyal dog will be well taken care of as the hunter continues to hone and practice his/her skills.
Does this sound realistic and/or practical?
It’s likely the owner dumped the dog and needs a big-hearted individual to give him or her a loving home. Therefore, the responsibility falls on the adopter. You can insure older dogs, though, check pet insurance plans, it’s worth it.
Owning a dog is expensive, but the first year in a new puppy’s life requires repeat visits to the vet, for spaying or neutering surgery, and for vaccinations. With an older dog, many routine medical issues are already managed.
http://www.anchoragekitchenremodeling.com
Absolutely true, adopting a senior or adult dog delivers as many joys as adopting a puppy.
Cheers from Albany Deck and Fence
You are choosing to give a loving home to a geriatric dog who assuredly won’t be in your life for a decade, but who will deliver oodles of joy in the relatively short time they spend with you. | Web Design Clearwater
I actually thought it’s good because senior dogs aren’t that clingy type anymore
https://www.shreveportmasonry.org/
Only get a dog, if you can nurture and care for it like another human. Otherwise, don’t waste his time and your time or money. We love our dog very much.
A. http://www.brickpavingcl.com
Some people think they are setting themselves up for grief when they adopt an older dog. But there are no guarantees in life with a dog of any age, and most older and senior dogs in shelters have many healthy years ahead of them. – General Contractor
You have a point. There’s something especially beautiful about adopting an adult or senior dog, who has been at the shelter as younger dogs come and go.
________________
http://www.scrantondeckandfence.com
Puppies from the rescue can grow up into larger adult dogs than expected. If you know the size dog that works for your home and lifestyle, you can choose an adult or senior dog who’s already a perfect fit. Visit us
You are choosing to give a loving home to a geriatric dog who assuredly won’t be in your life for a decade, but who will deliver oodles of joy in the relatively short time they spend with you.
Check us: http://www.artificialgrasschandler.com
They should be well past the naturally destructive, boundary-pushing developmental phases of a puppy.
–Diego Preston
If I could, I would definitely love to have one! They are awesome.
https://ebicyclesite.com/
You are choosing to give a loving home to a geriatric dog who assuredly won’t be in your life for a decade, but who will deliver oodles of joy in the relatively short time they spend with you. visit us to know more!
Spend some time pondering your family’s and your own expectations for life with a new dog, so you understand what’s in store, and can make the best choice for everyone click here..
They should be well past the naturally destructive, boundary-pushing developmental phases of a puppy. – epoxy floor coating
Spend some time pondering your family’s and your own expectations for life with a new dog, so you understand what’s in store, and can make the best choice for everyone. – Crawlspace Lexington KY
If you know the size dog that works for your home, crawlspace waterproofing and lifestyle, you can choose an adult or senior dog who’s already a perfect fit.
There are many other organizations, likely including rescues in your area that focus on finding homes for senior dogs. – hvac repair
An adult or senior dog often knows how to wait until walk time, and has the bladder control to avoid cactus accidents.
Senior dog often knows how to wait until walk time, and has the bladder control to avoid accidents. – crawlspace vapor barrier
The special considerations to keep in mind for dog walker, and the steps to adopting an adult or senior dog.
The supplies are the same as crawlspace and those you need when bringing home a dog of any age.
The supplies are the same as those you need when bringing home a dog of any age. https://www.mobilefoundationrepair.com
But there are no guarantees in life with a dog of any age, and most older and senior dogs in shelters have many healthy years ahead of them. | https://chesterbrookwaterproofing.com/
Do you prefer an older dog between seven and ten years old, older than age ten?
– crawlspace vapor barrier
Awesome post! Thanks for this great share.
Thank you for this amazing information you shared. info
Glad to check this great site. Nice work! website
Adult dogs are often passed over by potential adopters for puppies and younger dogs. Many senior dogs available for adoption were once owned and loved but, for one reason or another, found themselves in our care and in need of new homes through no fault of their own. They deserve a chance for a new home and for a new family.
Top Mexico Destinations
There are endless rewards to adopting an adult or senior dog, but you do skip past the cute, frolicking, roly-poly, world-discovering phase of puppyhood. Click here
Glad to found this amazing website. treeremovalraleighpro.com
Great and informational website. fencecompaniestampa.com 813-532-3771
Thanks for the information. http://www.foundationrepairwichitaks.net
I really appreciate your effort here. Keep it up https://applicationfiling.com/
It would be nice to skip the puppy phase where they chew on everything they can find!
– Tree removal near me
Great website content. Thanks for sharing. Fence repair milwaukee
Thanks for sharing such a nice information. Fence companies raleigh nc
Great website. Thanks for sharing. Concrete company kansas city
I’ll save this content! Keep it up click
I am proud to be a pur mum and I am happy about your blog post skilled woodworker/
dogs are the most adorable animals https://www.electriciansgloucestercity.co.uk/
we should love our dogs electrical repairs/
Nice post! Thanks for this great information you shared here. our site
Wow, they are so cute and awesome! get this
I own a foundation repair company in macon ga and we love our black lab and border collie dogs.
Great site to visit, nice content indeed. federalprocessingregistry.com
Thanks for sharing
Good job, I’ll save this information later. Thank you! https://online-application.org/social-security-administration-office/
Dogs literally are the best!
Call us
The longer a dog lives with someone, the more attached they tend to become. Some dogs may seem a bit depressed at first when suddenly uprooted from their familiar surroundings – Visit our site
If you know the size dog that works for your home and lifestyle, you can choose an adult or senior dog who’s already a perfect fit. auto care
I love this content as How much I love pets. Thanks for this. bossjetskirentals.com/
I was simply making up stories in my head, and you confirmed what I had been thinking about. Thank you very much for your help!
TravelrNews
Title You ask your questions to your seer and you receive your answers very quickly. Your psychic gives you his predictions and advice.
cedar rapids certified electrician Best electrician in Cedar Rapids.
eau dynamisée Know how energized water can have impact to your health.
They should be well past the naturally destructive
It proved to be Very helpful to me and I am sure to all the commentators here! http://www.concreteoakville.com
This is a great post. I like this topic.
visit my site
I am also a dog lover and want to adopt more for basement waterproofing macon ga charity .
Good site! Nice information. Check it out
It was quite beneficial to me, and I’m sure to all of the commentators here! interior painting new Smyrna beach
It was quite valuable to me, as well as I’m sure to all of the commentators! wholesale tires Houston tx
You pose your inquiries to your seer, and you receive prompt responses. Your psychic makes forecasts and offers guidance. boudoir photography tomball
Potential adopters sometimes overlook adult pets in favor of puppies and younger pups. Many of the older dogs available for adoption were formerly owned and loved but, due to no fault of their own, found themselves in our care and in need of new homes. They are deserving of a new home and a new family. interior painting lake mary
Potential adopters frequently choose pups and younger canines over adult dogs. Many of the older dogs available for adoption were formerly loved and cared for but, due to no fault of their own, have ended up in our care and needing new homes. They are deserving of a new family and home.interior painting lake mary
I adopted an 8 year old retired racing greyhound (she was in 94 races, won 22 and placed second in 9 of them) . I was told that life expectancy is about 11 years. She is the most laid back, lovable dog I’ve ever lived with. Extremely compliant. All of my dogs have been adopted and I strongly recommend them over buying a dog.
cek gaji tiktok
This is a great to read article, I have a dog that I need to look for a new owner but he is an adult dog, and it’s hard for me to find a new owner because of the misconception listed above. I will share this on my FB account so my friends can read it. If anyone here wants to adopt an adult dog just contact us Thank you.
Very interesting topic, thank you!
http://www.sidingcontractorvictoriabc.com
This is a great post. I like this topic.
click here
Hmmm. I really recommend you start adopting one.
https://www.oktocincinnati.com/
Thank you for sharing this with us.
Drywall Installations
Beautiful. Adopt a dog and give them a loving home
Carpentry Victoria
I was once attached to a senior dog and we had a lovely time together but “Poti” passed away after 5 years. Greetings from us at roofingkamloops.com.
Awesome! I love seeing blog that understand the value of providing a quality resource for free. sound proofing companies
All dogs are very loyal and a lovely companion. Please adopt and help them find their loving family and home.
Mobile Welding Services
Thank you for posting that it could be just the thing to give inspiration to someone who needs it!
http://www.drywallsurreybc.com
Great post! Been reading a lot of info like this! Local Concrete Contractor
Thank you so much for the amazing information. I hope that there’s more to come.
visit now
Ohh! this is so awesome. Thank you https://www.change-of-address-form-online.com
Great tips. Please give the dogs a loving home and treat them like family.
Bellevue Retaining Walls
Thanks for making this blog so informative! Thanks https://coutureusa.com/collections/chanel
This is actually a forewarning.
Thank you for the info.
Adopting a senior dog can be a wonderful experience for both the dog and the owner. Here are some benefits of adopting a senior dog:
They need you: Senior dogs often have a harder time finding homes than puppies or younger dogs 1.
They are less likely to get adopted than puppies: Many people prefer to adopt puppies over older dogs, which means that senior dogs often spend more time in shelters waiting for their forever homes 1.
Adopting a senior dog gives them a good home to spend their golden years: Senior dogs deserve to live out their lives in comfort and surrounded by love 1.
Puppy bills are already paid: Senior dogs are usually already spayed or neutered and have had all their vaccinations, which can save you money on vet bills 1.
Seniors are usually housebroken: Older dogs are often already trained and housebroken, which can make the transition into your home much easier 1.
You won’t have to walk the dog (as much): Senior dogs usually require less exercise than younger dogs, which can be beneficial if you have limited mobility or live in an apartment 2.
Seniors have relatively fixed personalities: Unlike puppies or younger dogs, senior dogs have already developed their personalities and quirks, so you know what you’re getting when you adopt them 1.
Elderly pets are less expensive to adopt: The adoption fees for senior dogs are often lower than those for puppies or younger dogs 3.
If you’re considering adopting a senior dog, there are many resources available online that can help you find the perfect companion. You might want to check out Pet Keen’s article on the benefits of adopting a senior dog for more information 1.
I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions. Link: Tower Defense