Celebrating Adopt a Senior Pet Month in Durham

November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month, a special time to shine a light on the many wonderful senior cats and dogs waiting in shelters and rescues. Senior pets bring unique gifts: calm companionship, enduring love, and often a quieter adjustment to a new home. Yet, they are frequently overlooked in favor of younger animals, even here in Bull City. Today, we’re celebrating Adopt a Senior Pet Month in Durham by encouraging families to consider opening their hearts and homes to these seasoned friends who have so much to give.

The Joy of Adopting Senior Pets

Adopting a senior pet can be a deeply rewarding experience. These pets often have established personalities, making it easier for adopters to find a perfect match for their lifestyles. Many seniors come already trained, and their calmer nature fits well in cozy homes, families with older children, or retirees looking for a steady companion.

Many senior pets appreciate comfort and routine but still enjoy playtime, walks, and affection just as much as younger pets! As I said in last week’s blog, when I refer to seniors, I mean cats 8 to 10 years and older, and dogs over 8. The only catch is with very large dogs, in which case they are considered seniors around/after age 6.

Durham Rescues and Shelters

For prospective adopters in Durham, several organizations focus on connecting senior pets with loving families:

• Animal Protection Society of Durham (APS) is a key shelter located at 2117 E. Club Blvd in Durham. They provide care and socialization for senior dogs and cats, encouraging adoption with special programs and fee reductions during the year.​

• Paws4ever works rescue and adoption efforts with a strong community focus. They help senior cats and dogs by providing quality care as they seek their forever homes.​

• Laps and Naps is a sanctuary geared specifically toward senior cats, giving them a serene, dignified place to live while awaiting adoption or foster care. They take on cats rescued from shelters and provide a home-like environment tailored to seniors’ special needs.​

• Carolina Animal Rescue and Adoption (CARA) is a dedicated organization focused on finding permanent homes for senior dogs and cats across North Carolina, including Durham. They pride themselves on matching pets with families for a lifelong partnership.​

• Paws for Life NC is actively promoting Adopt a Senior Pet Month by reducing adoption fees on select senior animals to $75, helping make it more accessible to bring home an older furry friend.​

Why Adopt a Senior Pet in Durham?

Adopting a senior pet is more than rescuing an animal; it’s gaining a new family member with a lifetime of love still to give. Seniors are often calmer, less destructive, and usually past the chewing and hyperactive puppy or kitten stages. The majority are also potty trained, taking that daunting task off your plate.

Durham’s local rescues and shelters not only facilitate adoption but also offer support. From reduced adoption fees in November and health care checks to behavioral guidance and support during the adjustment period, these organizations ensure that you and your senior pet start your new journey on the right foot.

When Adopting A Senior Pet Isn’t Possible

If adoption isn’t an option, consider fostering senior pets. If fostering isn’t a viable option either, volunteering with a shelter or rescue is a great way to support these special pets. Senior pets especially benefit from extra socialization and love, which shelters and sanctuaries in Durham rely on volunteers to provide.

Donations also help fund critical care and enrichment programs tailored for seniors. Your generosity can help senior pets receive the veterinary care and daily support they need.

Celebrating Adopt a Senior Pet Month in Durham

This November, think beyond the puppy or kitten and consider taking home a senior cat or dog – either as your pet or as a foster. Visit Durham’s local shelters, attend adoption events, or contact organizations like APS and Paws4ever to learn about available seniors waiting to enrich your life. Your home could be the warm, loving place a senior pet has been dreaming of. Your family could be the ideal match for a senior pet.

By adopting or helping senior pets, you change a life—and quite possibly your own—forever. Seniors deserve second chances, and Durham’s rescues are ready to help you find your new best friend.

The Best Dog Walking & Pet Sitting in Durham

Join the Bull City Pet Care family today! Contact us via bullcitypetsitting@gmail.com or 919-740-7481. We offer dog walking, dog sitting, and specialty services. You can also get started by clicking this link to schedule your meet and greet.

We proudly serve the following areas of Durham: Downtown, Lakewood, Tuscaloosa, Old West Durham, Old North Durham, Northgate Park, Watts-Hillandale, Trinity Park, Duke Park, Erwin/LaSalle, North Durham, Southside, Croasdaile, Walltown, Braggtown, Historic East Durham, Hope Valley, and Forest Hills.