Top 10 Reasons to Adopt an Older Dog

"Why on earth would anyone want to adopt an adult rescue or shelter dog? After all, aren't they like used cars? Who wants someone else's problems? If the dog is so wonderful, why would anyone give him away? If he was a stray, why didn't someone try to find him? I'd rather buy a puppy so I know what I'm getting, and besides they're so cute!"

Rescue groups often hear a variation of this conversation. Many prospective adopters are just not convinced that bringing an older (i.e, 4 yrs +) dog into the family is better than getting a puppy. But there are a number of reasons why adopting an older pet from a rescue that carefully screens and evaluates its dogs can provide an even better alternative.


1. Housetrained
Older dogs are housetrained. You won't have to go through the difficult stage(s) of teaching a puppy house manners and mopping/cleaning up after accidents.

2. Won't chew inappropriate items
Older dogs are not teething puppies, and won't chew your shoes and furniture while growing up.

3. Focus to learn
Older dogs can focus well because they've mellowed. Therefore, they learn quickly.

4. Know what "no" means
Older dogs have learned what "no" means. If they hadn't learned it, they wouldn't have gotten to be "older" dogs.

5. Settle in with the "pack"

Older dogs settle in easily, because they've learned what it takes to get along with others and become part of a pack.

6. Good at giving love
Older dogs are good at giving love, once they get into their new, loving home. They are grateful for the second chance they've been given.

7. WYSIWYG
What You See Is What You Get: Unlike puppies, older dogs have grown into their shape and personality. Puppies can grow up to be quite different from what they seemed at first.

8. Instant companions
Older dogs are instant companions -- ready for hiking, car trips, and other things you like to do.

9. Time for yourself
Older dogs leave you time for yourself, because they don't make the kinds of demands on your time and attention that puppies and young dogs do.

10. Save a Life, Be a Hero

At shelters, older dogs are often the last to be adopted and the first to be euthanized. Saving an animal’s life offers an unparalleled emotional return on your investment, and you’ll feel the rewards every day you spend together.

*Adapted from Labrador Retriever Rescue's "Top Ten Reasons to Adopt a Rescue"