November is "Adopt a Senior Pet Month," and we have a list of rescues and shelters where you can find one in and around the Evansville, Indiana and Henderson, Kentucky areas.

Shelters Across America Are Full of Animals Awaiting Their Forever Homes

Every day in shelters and rescues across the United States, there are countless animals waiting on the right person to come along. Many are puppies and kittens from unwanted or unexpected litters. Some are the "leftovers" from backyard breeders.

Plenty of Animals to Adopt - Young and Old

 

Sometimes the animals in those shelters found themselves loose on the streets and were never reclaimed by their owners, and some have been surrender at no fault of their own for any number of reasons. And while many of the animals in the rescues are young, there are plenty that may only still be young at heart.

WGBF-FM logo
Get our free mobile app

At What Age is an Animal Considered a "Senior"?

The word "senior" isn't indicative of a specific blanket age, as all animals, particularly dogs have different life expectancies. For example, cats are generally considered to be a senior after the age of 11, and a "super-senior" after the age of 15. As for dogs, large breeds typically age at a much faster rate than small breed dogs, according to Chewy.

  • Small breeds are considered senior dogs around 10–12 years old.

  • Medium size breeds are considered senior dogs around 8–9 years old.

  • Large and giant breeds are considered senior dogs around 6–7 years old.

attachment-Senior Pet Month (1)
Canva
loading...

There Are Lots of Reasons to Adopt a Senior Pet

Unfortunately, older pets are often overlooked in shelters and rescues, but, as PetFinder points out, there are lots of really great reasons to opt for a senior pet over a new puppy or kitten.

  • Older animals are often more low-key, making them ideal for a home with children.
  • Senior pets often have mastered the basics like potty-training and even basic commands.
  • Senior dogs are low maintenance - meaning they have already outgrown the destructive phase that often comes with a younger animal.
  • You know what to expect when it comes to size, energy level, and overall health.

Senior pets still have an infinite amount of love to give, and anyone who has ever rescued one can attest to that.

Where to Adopt a Senior Pet in So. IN and Western KY

If you're ready to adopt a senior pet, there are plenty of shelters and rescues in the area. Below you will find a list of the ones located here in Southern Indiana and Western Kentucky.

Animal Shelters and Rescues In and Around Evansville Indiana

Whether you are looking to foster or adopt a homeless animal, or you would like to volunteer or donate, here are the animal shelters and rescues in and around Evansville, Indiana.

Gallery Credit: Kat Mykals

LOOK: Longest-living dog breeds

To find out the longest-living dog breeds, Stacker examined data from the journal Genetics and American Kennel Club's 2023 breed popularity rankings. 

Gallery Credit: Sophia June

More From WGBF-FM