Last updated: 21 Dec, 2020
Published on: 30 Jul, 2014
Seven super reasons to adopt an adult pet
1. They’ll be your perfect pet-match
Adoptable pets listed by rescue organisations have been health-checked and assessed for behaviour, basic manners and toilet training. That means the rescue group or shelter should be able to help you find the perfect pet-match for your family and lifestyle.
2. You're not starting from scratch
When you buy a baby pet, you're essentially bringing an infant into your home – a completely untrained, unsocialised little critter who thinks the crate you bought him is a jail. He thinks the newspaper you put down for him to squat on is a wonderful toy to be shredded. He also thinks your new shoes are much tastier than rawhide, and your best carpet is an excellent substitute for grass when nature calls!
Most rescue pets have been house pets in the past. They come to you with at least some basic manners and may have also been living with a foster family who has taught them the ropes. And compared to an attention-seeking playful kitten, an adopted older cat is likely to be content being home alone – the ideal fur kid for someone who has an active lifestyle.
3. What you see is what you get
When you buy a baby pet, you can never really be sure what type of adult pet you're going to end up with. All puppies are cute and playful, but their adult personalities aren't really visible until they're about two years old. So, you don't know whether you're getting a dog who wants to play ALL the time or a couch potato.
When you adopt a rescue dog, you already know what the dog's personality is like and whether it fits your idea of the ideal companion. You also know from day one whether there are any problem areas you’ll need to address as the new owners.
The same can be said of cats and kittens. Cat’s mature a little quicker, and by the time they’re one year old, their adult personality is plain to see. So, again, you know what you’re getting with an adult cat. A lap cat will always be a lap cat, and it’s easy to determine whether they’ll fit comfortably into a multi-cat household.
4. Adult pets are better for families
Older pets are generally better with kids. Puppies and kittens often like to play rough and can harm children by biting, nipping or scratching. An over-excited large breed pup can also knock children over accidentally. But the opposite also applies, children can get a little over-excited around puppies and kittens, and a pull, prod or accidental knock can cause harm to young animals too.
Adult pets are generally mellow in nature and often more cautious and patient around children.
5. The bond is just as strong
An adult dog that has been abandoned is usually eager to become part of a loving pack and will bond with a new family as soon as they feel safe and secure. In fact, we often find that rescue dogs are eager to please and win-over their new owners. Pups rescued from puppy mills tend to take this to the extreme, following you from room to room just to stay close to you at all times.
Most adult cats like to feel that they belong too. They’ll curl up at the foot of the bed, or find a cosy spot that’s close to you. In contrast, a kitten will most likely spend the night running, climbing and attacking anything low enough to jump on, including you.
6. A cost-effective choice
With a rescue pet you’re adopting an animal that’s been health checked, desexed, vaccinated and often, wormed and treated for fleas too. When you buy a puppy or kitten, all those medical expenses come out of your pocket, on top of the cost of the pet.
7. It sets a good example for your kids
Adopting a rescue pet presents a wonderful opportunity to teach your children the essential values of compassion, caring, and the selfless act of giving someone a second chance.
I can’t adopt, but I’m keen to help
If now’s not the right time for you to adopt, but you’d really like to get involved in rescue, subscribe to the free PetRescue Post and we’ll share some great ways you can make a difference and save lives.