According to the ASPCA, senior dogs have a 25 percent adoption rate, compared to a 60 percent rate for younger dogs and puppies. This is heartbreaking when you consider how much love they still have to give. All people need to hear is the word “senior,” and many of them shut down as to their willingness to consider adoption.

But when are they considered to be in their golden years? VCA Animal Hospitals break it down like this: Small dogs are considered senior citizens of the canine community when they reach 11-12. Their medium-sized friends become seniors at 10 years of age. Their larger-sized colleagues are seniors at 8 years of age. And, finally, their giant-breed counterparts are seniors at 7 years old.

Finding Homes for Senior Pets

From the age of 6 on, it can be tough to find homes for these animals. Doug Halsey, president and director of Ready for Rescue in NYC, noted, “It is significantly harder to find them homes because the large majority of people want puppies, kittens, or younger animals. People say they ‘want more time’ or they have kids and want young animals so they grow up together.”

People also make a lot of assumptions about older animals, such as a dog being relinquished due to behavioral issues or health problems.

“Older pets are not necessarily problem animals,” says Aimee Gilbreath, president of PetSmart Charities. “Senior pets are often relinquished for a variety of reasons, usually having nothing to do with the behavior or temperament, but because their families are unable to keep them due to lifestyle changes such as a move, new infant, or change in marital status.”

Sometimes, it’s because their previous human has died and there’s no one willing to take them. These dogs have been part of a family for most of their lives. They just want that same feeling again, and they’ll give back the love they’re given tenfold.

Adoptable Dog Duece

One of those canines is Duece, an American Pit Bull Terrier Mix who’s 11.8 years old. A relatively petite boy at 58 pounds, he was brought in by his previous owner and doesn’t understand why he now finds himself at the San Diego Humane Society when he’s done nothing wrong.

Duece is looking for the chance to be your best friend. His puppy days are over, but that just means he is more content with hanging out instead of roughhousing. Rather than raring to go on strenuous adventures, this little one would prefer hanging out on the couch with you during movie night.

He’s up to date on his vaccinations, microchipped, and neutered. Described as a sweet boy, he’s not big on cats, though. If you’re interested in him, he has a low adoption fee. He can be found at the El Cajon Campus at 1373 N. Marshall Ave. Contact 619-299-7012 or info@sdhumane.org for an application. His ID# is 147283.

Reasons to Adopt Senior Pets

If you need more convincing regarding the adoption of seniors, read the valid points that the folks at Coastal Pet Products have provided for people that might still be on the fence.