With the cold fall weather upon us we tend to cling to home, which makes this time of year all the more poignant for those who don't have one. Across the province, BC SPCA shelters have many animals waiting patiently for new forever homes, but none more so than senior animals.

"At any given time we have upwards of 10-15 mature cats and dogs in most of our shelters," says Kim Monteith, BC SPCA regional animal welfare supervisor. "Older animals typically wait much longer for new homes than the younger animals, which is a shame because older companion animals are actually in some cases a better choice for someone wanting a pet, especially for first-time owners who may have little or no experience with the particular type of animal they are adopting."

The word "senior" is used to describe animals who are age eight or older. Shawna Willan, a volunteer adoption counsellor at the BC SPCA Vancouver Branch and guardian of several older companion animals, comments: "Eight is not very old given a healthy cat or dog can live to 15 or so."

Willan is a strong advocate for senior animals, based on the advantages they provide. "Older pets are a fantastic fit for many people. They’re calmer, litter trained and won’t destroy your home while you’re out. For working adults, people who are retired or semi-retired, or anyone who wants a pet but doesn’t want or cannot make a long commitment, they’re perfect. Seniors rock!"

One concern potential adopters sometimes have is worry that an older animal will have health problems. The fact is, animals of any age can become ill. "Anyone bringing an animal of any age into their home always has to be aware that they are signing on to take care of that animal's needs, whether or not that may in the future include vet bills. In any case, and at the very least, there will always be some annual costs such as checkups," says Monteith. Willan takes a philosophical approach: "When it’s an animal’s time to go, it’s time to go. For however long that time is, the animal should be in a loving home. "

Willan adds that in her experience, checkups, supplements and good quality food, along with appropriate exercise and stimulation are generally all that’s needed. She says other concerns are that an older animal who has already lived with someone else won’t bond with or love a new guardian. "In our experience nothing could be further from the truth."

To view senior animals looking for their forever homes, visit spca.bc.ca/adoptme.

Each year, the BC SPCA provides care and protection to more than 34,000 animals. Your gift can help give a homeless, injured or abused animal a second chance. Please donate today.

The BC SPCA is a non-profit organization funded primarily by public donations. Our mission is to prevent cruelty and to promote the welfare of animals through a wide range of services, including cruelty investigations, emergency rescue and treatment, sheltering and adoption of homeless and abused animals, humane education, advocacy, farm animal welfare, spay/neuter programs, and wildlife rescue and rehabilitation.