Adopt A Senior Pet Month
November 1 - November 30
About Adopt A Senior Pet Month
Adopt A Senior Pet Month is observed every November in the United States, encouraging animal lovers to consider giving an older dog or cat a second chance at a loving home. Founded by the ASPCA and Petfinder, the month-long campaign highlights the many benefits of adopting senior pets while drawing attention to the disproportionately long shelter stays and higher euthanasia rates that older animals face.
What is Adopt A Senior Pet Month?
Adopt A Senior Pet Month is a November awareness campaign that aims to improve public perceptions of senior pets and promote their adoption from shelters and rescue organisations. A “senior” pet is generally defined as a dog aged seven or older or a cat aged 10 or older, though this varies by breed and size. The ASPCA, Petfinder, and numerous animal shelters across the country participate by offering reduced adoption fees, hosting senior pet adoption events, and sharing stories of successful senior adoptions. The campaign addresses a persistent challenge in animal welfare: older pets are routinely overlooked in favour of puppies and kittens, despite often being better suited to many households.
When is Adopt A Senior Pet Month?
Adopt A Senior Pet Month runs from Sunday, 1 November to Monday, 30 November 2026. It is observed annually throughout November, coinciding with National Pet Month awareness efforts and the holiday season, when many families begin thinking about adding a new member to their household.
Why Adopt A Senior Pet Month Matters
The adoption disparity for senior pets is stark. The adoption rate for senior dogs is approximately 25%, compared to 60% for younger dogs and puppies. For cats, adoption rates for those over 1.5 years old sit at roughly 60%, while kittens are adopted at a rate of 82%. Senior pets consistently spend the longest time in shelters, and older animals face significantly higher euthanasia rates than their younger counterparts. Every year, approximately 6.3 million companion animals enter U.S. animal shelters, and of those, around 920,000 are euthanised, with senior animals disproportionately represented in that number. Adopt A Senior Pet Month works to reverse these statistics by educating the public about the unique advantages of older pets: they are typically calmer, housetrained, and their personalities and temperaments are already established, making it easier to find the right match for your lifestyle.
How to Get Involved in Adopt A Senior Pet Month
Whether you are ready to adopt or simply want to support senior pets, there are several ways to make a difference:
- Visit your local shelter and meet a senior pet — Many shelters offer meet-and-greet sessions where you can spend time with older dogs and cats. You may be surprised by how quickly a senior pet bonds with a new person. Ask shelter staff about the animal’s history, temperament, and any medical needs.
- Foster a senior pet — If adoption is not an option right now, fostering provides a temporary home for an older animal, freeing up shelter space and giving the pet a more comfortable environment. Many shelters cover veterinary costs for foster animals.
- Donate to senior pet programmes — Organisations like Old Dog Haven, Grey Muzzle Organisation, and local senior pet rescue groups rely on donations to cover the often higher medical costs associated with caring for older animals.
- Share senior pet adoption stories — If you have adopted a senior pet, share your experience on social media. Personal stories are one of the most effective ways to change perceptions and encourage others to consider older animals.
- Sponsor a shelter senior — Some shelters offer sponsorship programmes where you can cover the food, medical care, or adoption fee for a specific senior pet, making it easier for the next adopter to bring that animal home.
- Organise a donation drive — Collect supplies that senior pets need, such as orthopaedic beds, joint supplements, soft food, and warm blankets, and donate them to your local shelter or rescue group.
- Spread the word online — Share adoptable senior pets from your local shelter’s website on social media. A single share can reach the right person and change an animal’s life. Use the hashtags #AdoptASeniorPet and #SeniorPetMonth to join the wider conversation.
History of Adopt A Senior Pet Month
Adopt A Senior Pet Month was created by the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) and Petfinder, one of the largest online pet adoption databases in North America. The initiative arose from a persistent problem in animal welfare: while puppies and kittens are adopted quickly, older animals languish in shelters for weeks, months, or even years, often until they are euthanised to make room for incoming animals.
Petfinder, founded in 1996, had accumulated years of data showing the adoption disparity between young and senior pets. By designating November as a dedicated awareness month, the organisations aimed to create a sustained campaign that would shift public attitudes. The choice of November was strategic, falling just before the holiday season when many families consider pet adoption as a way to add joy to their homes.
Since its establishment, the campaign has been embraced by thousands of shelters and rescue groups across the United States. Many offer reduced adoption fees or waive them entirely for senior pets during November. The movement has also inspired year-round senior pet adoption programmes and has helped to fund veterinary care programmes specifically designed for older shelter animals, recognising that senior pets may need dental work, joint care, or management of chronic conditions to be adoption-ready.
Noteworthy Facts About Senior Pet Adoption
- Senior dogs typically come already housetrained and past the destructive chewing phase, saving adopters the time and patience required for puppy training.
- Older pets’ temperaments are fully developed, meaning what you see is what you get. There are no surprises about size, energy level, or personality, making it easier to find a good match for your household.
- Many senior pets end up in shelters not because of behavioural issues but because of changes in their owner’s circumstances, such as moving, financial hardship, or the owner’s death.
- Studies have shown that pet ownership, particularly dog ownership, is associated with lower blood pressure, reduced stress, and improved cardiovascular health, benefits that come regardless of the pet’s age.
- The Grey Muzzle Organisation has awarded over $3.7 million in grants to animal shelters and rescue groups across the United States to improve the lives of senior dogs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Adopt A Senior Pet Month?
Adopt A Senior Pet Month is a November awareness campaign that encourages the adoption of older dogs and cats from shelters, highlighting the benefits of senior pets and the challenges they face in finding homes.
When is Adopt A Senior Pet Month in 2026?
Adopt A Senior Pet Month runs throughout November 2026, from Sunday, 1 November to Monday, 30 November.
What age is a pet considered “senior”?
Generally, dogs are considered senior at around seven years of age, though larger breeds may reach senior status earlier. Cats are typically classified as senior from around 10 years old. These thresholds vary by breed and individual health.
Spread the Word
Help raise awareness by sharing Adopt A Senior Pet Month with your friends, family, and followers. Use the hashtags #AdoptASeniorPet and #SeniorPetMonth2026 on social media. Every share could help an older pet find their forever home.
Related Awareness Days
- National Pet Day — Celebrated on 11 April, this day honours the joy that pets of all ages bring to our lives and encourages adoption from shelters.
- National Pet Month — Held each April, this month celebrates the bond between people and their pets while promoting responsible pet ownership.
- National Cat Lovers’ Month — Observed in December, this month celebrates feline companions and can inspire year-end adoptions of cats of all ages.
Links
]]>Plan your next campaign
Use Awareness Planner to discover events, build content calendars, and stay ahead of key dates.
2026 Awareness Days Wall Planner
Every key awareness day at a glance. Perfect for offices, staff rooms, and team planning.
View Calendar →
