The Thunder Bay & District Humane Society has been raising awareness and finding forever homes for senior pets with Senior Sundays.
Since May 7 of this year, the TBDHS has been posting photos of their senior animals ready for adoption on social media. So far, the program has been a huge success, with 17 senior pets finding new homes.
Stephanie Fraser is the community engagement coordinator for TBDHS and the innovator behind the program, seeing the need to highlight older animals that may otherwise go undiscovered.
“Our community has really enjoyed Senior Sundays as statistically, seniors tend to get looked over, especially when we have kittens and puppies come in. It is important to showcase our seniors since they deserve a home too! Fortunately, Senior Sundays posts have become more popular over the last few weeks, which is great for our older furry friends who need to be adopted.”
Fraser notes most of the senior animals are surrendered due to no fault of their own,
“One of our most common reasons a senior animal is surrendered is usually due to an owner who can no longer care for them due to personal barriers (i.e medical, financial). In addition, a lot seniors come in after their owner has sadly passed and the family does not have the capacity to care for said animals.”
The perks of adopting a senior pet are many, she said, including that they are already trained and ready to be an easy-going companion. The TBDHS also offers some incentives for senior adoptions.
For cats, that includes a reduced adoption fee of $50, which covers spay or neuter if needed, vaccinations with boosters, deworming, FIV/Feleuk testing for cats, a microchip, flea and mite treatment, and an adoption starter kit from PetValu.
The adoption fee for senior dogs is $150.
To keep up with Senior Sundays, follow the Thunder Bay & District Humane Society’s website, Facebook page and Instagram for updates and photos of fabulous senior felines and other pets ready for their new family.
