This page contains some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about adult pets. Check back, as we update this section often. If you have a question that you don’t see here, send it to us at info at petsforpatriots dot org. Please see additional FAQs about how we work and supporting our cause.
FAQ sections
Adult pets
Q: When is a pet considered an adult?
Physiological and behavioral maturity in pets don’t always occur at the same time, and adult behavior often varies with the life expectancy of a particular breed or type of animal. Cats tend to live longer than most dog breeds, and might not be considered adult til they’re five or six years of age. Most dogs are considered young adults by age 2, and mature adults by age five.
Q: What is Pets for Patriots’ criteria for an adult pet?
We consider a dog or cat an adult if it’s at least two years old. However, many animals in shelters are older, yet are still valuable pets and with many years of love to give. Our member shelters have discretion as to the adult pets they adopt out through Pets for Patriots; we simply require that they be at least two years old.
Q: What is a special needs pet?
A special needs pet might be an animal that is disabled or otherwise limited in its physical abilities due to injury, abuse or birth defect, or an animal that has a medical condition that requires vigilance, medication or other treatment. Some previously abused or neglected animals might require special living situations - for example, no small children or other household pets. Our member shelters do their best to match your needs and household situation with an appropriate pet, and can counsel you on whether you’re a good fit for a special needs dog or cat.
Q: What happens to adult pets who don’t get adopted?
At least half of the nearly eight million pets sent to shelters annually in the U.S. are killed because no one adopts them. Puppies and kittens are readily adopted, so the math suggests that a majority of adult dogs and cats are put to death if they aren’t re-homed.
Q: Are adult pets good for families with children?
Many are, but the shelter will be best able to advise you on whether a specific pet is good for your household. Some animals are good with children while others are not. Speak to a member shelter near you and they’ll help you find a pet suitable to your family and living situation.
Q: Are adult pets good for the elderly?
Older pets are often a better choice for an elderly family member because they’re already trained and are over their exuberant puppy or kitten stage. In short, they’re more sedate and less likely to engage in erratic behavior. They are already trained and housebroken, or litter box trained, if it’s a cat. In a stable, loving home, these animals will give years of unconditional friendship, companionship and joy. For more on this topic, see Benefits of an adult pet and How pets help Patriots.
Q: Do adult pets require special food or care?
As dogs and cats enter adulthood they often require food with different nutrients than they needed as puppies or kittens. With age their metabolism will slow, at which time you’ll want to consider switching to foods that are developed specifically for adult pets. Spaying and neutering, which we strongly recommend, can impact metabolism as well. Most adult animals will have received their major vaccinations when they were young, but might require preventative treatments for heart worms, fleas or other issues. Consult our member shelters and veterinarians for specific advice on the best nutrition and care plan for your adopted pet’s stage of life.