Ten advantages of adopting an adult pet

Last year there were 161 adoptions. Unfortunately, the numbers of dog and cat abandonments are still far from decreasing. More than 286,000 dogs and cats were collected in 2023, according to the Affinity Foundation’s 2024 Abandonment and Adoption Study. This is a worrying fact and confirms that abandonment continues to be a structural problem that requires greater intervention and cooperation from all the agents involved to reduce this figure and ensure the well-being of companion animals in our society.

“The shelters are at the limit of their capacity, especially during the summer, when cases of abandonment skyrocket,” explains Nuria Gómez Constanzo, veterinary expert at Clinicanimal, the network of veterinary centers in Tiendanimal. «Abandonment is the great evil that animals suffer today. It is an inhumane practice that intensifies in the summer season and that we must abolish together,” he adds.

One of the problems that shelters and shelters face today lies in the difficulty of finding homes for adult dogs and cats. Often, these animals are the last to be adopted, despite the fact that they offer, as Nuria Gómez Constanzo assures, “numerous advantages that many are unaware of.”

From the Affinity Foundation they comment that by adopting adult cats or dogs, they will not grow any larger and we can be 100% aware of the space they need within our homes. One of the biggest benefits of adopting a senior dog or cat is that They are already adults and have a well-established personality. Unlike puppies, older animals are less likely to chew your shoes or scratch your furniture, and they often have a calmer, more relaxed temperament.

Older dogs and cats also tend to be less active than younger animals, which can make them ideal companions for elderly people or people with mobility problems. They are also less likely to jump on people or pull on the leash, which can make them a great choice for families with small children.

Ten advantages

Tiendanimal offers ABC a list of ten advantages of adopting an adult dog or cat.

–Formed personality: adult animals already have a defined personality, which makes it possible to choose one that best fits the adopter’s lifestyle.

–Less destruction at home: Adults are less likely to chew furniture or get into more puppy-like pranks.

–Greater sphincter control: Many adult animals are already trained to relieve themselves outside or in the sandbox, which makes their integration into the home easier.

–Lower energy: Adult animals tend to have lower energy levels than puppies, which is ideal for people with a slower pace of life.

–Final size– When adopting an adult, their size and weight is known in advance, with no surprises as they grow.

–Less supervision– They require less constant supervision, which is ideal for people who work outside the home.

–Immediate company: Adult animals are ready to provide love and companionship without going through the initial puppy socialization and training phase.

–Greater gratitude: Many times, adult animals show great gratitude and attachment to their adopters, creating strong bonds.

–Stable healthGenerally, adults have had most of their vaccinations and checkups, and their health problems are more predictable.

–Save a life: By adopting an adult animal, you are giving it a second chance at a home, which is especially meaningful and rewarding.

Finally, Nuria Gómez Constanzo calls on society to “consider the adoption of adult animals and thus contribute to easing the burden on shelters and, above all, to provide a home full of love to those animals that need it so much.” . Let us remember that love has no age and that every animal deserves a dignified and happy life. You know, when we humans fail them, they always give us a hard time.