Should I Adopt an Older Dog?

Older dogs are all too often overlooked in rescue centres across the UK. It’s a heart-breaking truth that some will remain in shelters for months, sometimes years, and sadly many will stay there for the rest of their lives. A lot of potential adopters avoid rescuing older dogs in favour of a younger more active companion, but older dogs can often be the very best choice.

When you rescue an older dog, you save a life, and you can rest assured your canine companion will be secure and happy for the rest of their days, no matter how long that may be.

Why should I adopt an older dog?

Aside from the amazing feeling of offering an overlooked dog a home, there are many other benefits and advantages to adopting an older dog.

1. Older dogs usually need less exercise

If you have a busy lifestyle, are less active, don’t have too much time for long walks every day or are not as young as you once were, an older dog can be a great fit. Senior canines can still be playful and will appreciate a gentle daily stroll, but it’s likely that they won’t want to go for more lengthy walks or have frequent vigorous play sessions.

2. Older dogs don’t need puppy training

Most older dogs needing homes will have mastered the basics. Depending where they have come from, they will be used to a household routine (so are more likely to sleep through the night), will probably be toilet trained (although will need a brush-up in a new environment so they know where the toilet is) and some may even know the basics such as ‘sit’ and walking on a lead, so you won’t have the time-consuming work of having to train them from the beginning – a lengthy process that can take months with puppies. Not to mention you’ll also miss the teething phase, saving your sofa, shoes and sanity as well as the ‘terrible teens’.

3. You CAN teach an old dog new tricks

You might have heard it said that ‘you can’t teach an old dog new tricks’ – but this is not true. Older dogs are more than capable of continuing their education especially if they have received training in the past. It might take a little longer – especially while they are still settling in – but with patience and time, you will be surprised how much they can learn.

It is important however that when you adopt an older dog you think to yourself “if they stayed exactly as they are now, would they fit into my life?”.

4. Older dogs have an established personality

Older dogs for adoption are fully grown and have an established personality, which means you know what you’re going to get. When you meet an older dog at a rescue centre, you’ll be able to get a good idea about their personality, as well as whether their size and energy levels are the best fit for you and your household.

What should I know before I adopt an older dog?

If you’re considering giving an older dog a home, it shouldn’t be a decision taken lightly and there are some things you’ll need to bear in mind.

1. Understand why older dogs end up in rescue centres

A huge reason people overlook older canines is the belief that they’re in a rescue centre because they have a behavioural problem – what other reason could there be for someone giving up their family pet, after all? In reality, this is rarely the truth. Most dogs who have behavioural issues are given up when they are much younger. If a dog stays with a family or an owner into their more senior years, there are usually other reasons they find themselves in need of a new home. It may be that their previous owner had an unprecedented change in their life such as a new baby, a house move or a change in work schedule, or that the owner died or went into care and wasn’t able to look after their pet anymore.

Some older dogs may have behavioural issues (or could have in a new environment), and it’s important that you check the history of any dog you’re thinking of taking on with the rescue centre. That way, you can be more confident that your new dog will be a good fit for your household.

2. Recognise that some older dogs may have pre-existing health issues

A key consideration is that older dogs for adoption may be more likely than puppies to have pre-existing health conditions or to develop problems in the near future. It’s important to be aware of any relevant concerns before you take on a new pet, to make sure you’re happy with any care and treatment you may need to give.

Prior to adopting, get a detailed briefing on health issues from the rescue centre or previous owner by a vet. They can explain any need for ongoing treatments, discuss costs, and make sure you fully understand the commitment. You may get support on pre-existing conditions from the rescue centre, so a health problem doesn’t always have to prevent you from adopting a loving companion if finances are an issue.

3. Think about how your older dog will settle in

How your older dog settles in will often depend on where they have come from, how long they have been in rescue, and their previous experiences.

In some cases, senior dogs can take a little longer to settle than puppies, particularly if they used to live in a home with one dedicated owner for all of their live until now. Dogs form very close attachments to their humans and will mourn the loss of their previous companion but given time, patience and understanding, they will make space in their heart for you too. 

You can help your older rescue dog settle in faster by giving them time to settle in and get to know you in their own time with no pressure. With all best intentions, it’s easy to overwhelm them with love at a time when everything in their life has changed and they need to feel safe and secure, and to gradually build a bond with you. Find out what their routine has been in the rescue centre with regards to mealtimes etc and to start with ,try to keep this constant so they have some predictability in their new home.

When it comes to physical affection, let them come to you when they feel safe and happy to do so as this will help them build their confidence and get to know you. Before long, they will settle in and feel at home.

How can I find older dogs for adoption?

If you are looking to rescue an older dog, it’s generally quite easy to find one! Most rescue centres across the country are bursting at the seams with golden oldies looking for their next chance at love, so get in touch with them to discuss your requirements and they’ll help you find the right match!

That’s our guide to rescuing older dogs! Want to get ready for your new arrival? Find out how to care for senior dogs.

Adopting an older dog FAQs