AARP Smart Guide to Pet Adoption

33 tips for finding a new furry best friend after 50

Eric Spitznagel,

AARP

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Published November 12, 2024

AARP (Getty Images, 2; Shutterstock)

According to a 2024 survey by the American Pet Products Association, 51% of all pet owners are either Gen Xers or Baby Boomers. What makes a pet so appealing to people over 50? Dogs and cats can provide physical, mental and emotional benefits to seniors, says Deana Corbin, executive director of the Animal Protective League.

“Seniors with pets see a doctor less often than non-owners, recover faster from illness and injury, have lower blood pressures and heart rates,” she says. Pets also help them deal with stress, get more active and stave off cognitive decline.

Our guide will walk you through each step to help your new four-legged companion feel instantly at home.

WHERE TO START

Any pet adoption should be considered a 10- to 15-year commitment, so be sure you're able to afford and care for your new addition.

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Consider the commitment

Adopting a dog or cat isn’t the same as raising a child, but they may be in the house almost as long. Any pet adoption “should be considered a 10- to 15-year commitment,” says Simone Olivieri, an adoption counselor at Berkshire Humane Society in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. That can run longer, depending on the pet — a domestic indoor cat can live 20 years or more, while the average dog lives 10 to 15 years, depending on the breed. “Large breeds don’t live as long as small breeds,” Olivieri says. “But in general, all animals can live longer with a healthy diet and exercise.”

Consider the cost

It can be surprisingly expensive to own a pet. For a dog, the costs range between $1,270 and $2,803 per year, according to a 2024 Synchrony study. That includes everything from food ($434 to $684), to health expenses like medications and vaccinations ($534 to $1,285), to general expenses like toys, supplies and grooming products ($231 to $551). For cats, the annual costs can range from $961 to $2,487, which includes food ($351 to $584), health expenses like checkup, vaccinations and medications ($374 to $965), and miscellaneous items like toys, grooming supplies and treats ($169 to $698). You should also consider whether you’ll need a dog walker — a professional service can cost, on average, between $20 and $30 per half hour — and boarding for when you’re out of town, which can cost between $40 and $50 a night for dogs and $25 and $40 for cats. Lisey Good, an adoption specialist at City Dogs & City Kitties Rescue in Washington, D.C., suggests looking into pet insurance, which can help with the burden of unexpected medical expenses. “Every new pet owner should be prepared for veterinary bills,” she says. Consider pet insurance providers such as Spot, Fetch and Pets Best. AARP also has tips for lowering vet bills.

Consider your lifestyle

If you still work for a living, how often are you at the office? If you’re retired, do you travel regularly, or visit places that might not be pet-friendly? Your lifestyle is a huge factor in choosing the right pet. “Do you want a dog that can travel everywhere with you, a dog that can go hiking, or a dog that just sits on your couch?” Olivieri asks. If you’re planning a big life change soon — like moving or getting married — it might be a good idea to delay getting a pet. And make sure to check with your landlord, HOA or home insurance company to see if certain breeds aren’t accepted, Olivieri adds.

WHICH PET IS BEST?

Choose a new pet based on behavior, size and expectations.

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Personality versus breed

You might have a specific breed in mind, but Good believes it’s more important to “choose a new pet based on behavior of the individual dog, not looks or breed.” This is easier to do if you adopt from a shelter rather than a “puppy mill” store — more on that later — as rescues tend to be “a variety of mixes, and we don’t always know what the breed is,” Olivieri says. She agrees that finding the right pet has more to do with energy and personality than breed. “The look of the animal might not be true to its breed,” she says. Olivieri suggests meeting with a few dogs and taking your time to get a better idea of what feels right for you. Think you might be more of a cat lover? Hang out in a cat cafe for an afternoon and see if that’s more your speed.

Dog breeds best for new owners

The best dogs for older adults will vary from person to person, but there are some general guidelines. Megan Conrad, an associate veterinarian at Milwaukie Animal Clinic in Portland, Oregon, recommends smaller-breed dogs for seniors “as large breeds can be difficult to manage,” she says. Also, high-energy dogs like border collies, golden retrievers, Russell terriers and German shepherds may be adorable, but steer clear unless you’re especially active. “My favorite dog breeds for seniors are Maltese, Bichon Frise, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Shih Tzu,” Conrad says. “All are generally mild-mannered and friendly.”

Cat breeds best for new owners

Cats are generally easier to manage than dogs, but some breeds — like Bengals, a high-energy cat that requires a lot of interaction — are best avoided unless you’re ready for the workload. Other popular breeds, like Savannah cats, Sphynxes, Siamese cats and Abyssinians, “tend to be more work and need more mental stimulation,” Conrad says. She encourages anyone over 50 to consider a domestic short-, medium- or long-hair cat. And above all, “focus on personality,” she says.

While you may be tempted to adopt a kitten, Samantha Bell, the resident “cat expert” at the nonprofit Best Friends Animal Society, advises against it. “Their true personalities don’t develop until they’re adults,” she says. “They’re also a lot more work than an adult. They have boundless energy while simultaneously learning to use their teeth and claws — not always a winning combination for a senior.”

Consider an older animal

A senior dog or cat might not be as instantly adorable as a puppy or kitten, but they might require much less maintenance when it comes to training, playtime or long walks. “Some senior pets are already trained,” says Gary Weitzman, president and CEO of the San Diego Humane Society. “Even if they’re not, they adapt faster and have an easier time focusing.” And unlike a puppy or kitten, what you see is what you get. “You already know what a senior animal’s full size, personality and required care will likely be,” Weitzman says. “This makes it easier to pick an animal who is the right fit for you.” There are local and national programs across the country that match older adults with older pets, like Pet Helpers’ Seniors for Seniors Adoption Program, Pets for the Elderly and Paws for Seniors. Many organizations also put on adoption events specifically for older adults.

Match your activity level

Good’s No. 1 rule for choosing a pet is finding one with less energy than you have. Even if you think having a super-active dog means you’ll finally have a reason to get off the couch and walk a few miles every day, it’s more likely that “you’ll both be miserable, because an active dog who doesn’t get enough exercise is not going to be happy,” Good says. Be realistic about your physical activity level, and not just whether you’re up for long walks in the park even during winter. “A young dog may be too rambunctious,” Corbin says. “Long-haired cats likely will need regular brushing. And there are always nails to clip.”

It’s not only whether you can keep up with your pet, but if your pet can keep up with you. If you’re accustomed to running five miles every Saturday morning and want your dog to join you, make sure you’re well aware of their physical limitations.

WHERE TO FIND PETS

If you’re not sure where to begin when looking for a new pet, Rescue Me and Petfinder have state-by-state lists of shelters.

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Research area shelters

It may be tempting to head to a pet store, but many of these animals at these stores come from “puppy mills,” according to animal welfare group PAWS. Puppy mills, Corbin says, are “breeders who raise puppies in poor conditions and fail to provide the routine care that ensures they are healthy.” Pets from shelters or rescues, meanwhile, are “typically microchipped, have all age-appropriate vaccines, and are spayed or neutered,” Corbin says. “This can add up to significant savings for the adopter.”

Find the right shelter for you

Over 6.5 million cats and dogs entered shelters in the U.S. last year, according to the most recent Shelter Animals Count estimates. But giving an animal a second chance at life isn’t just about finding the nearest shelter to you. There are public open-admission animal shelters, which accept any stray or abandoned animal that comes to them, regardless of age or breed, and may euthanize animals when they become overcrowded. Privately run shelters, which can operate like a business with an executive director and board of directors, are more likely to advertise as “no kill” operations, although according to the Humane Society, this isn’t always the case. There are also rescue groups not affiliated with shelters, which can range from brick-and-mortar shelters to foster-based organizations. Most private rescue groups are run by volunteers and have no-kill policies, though not all are the same. If you’re not sure where to begin, Rescue Me and Petfinder have state-by-state lists of shelters.

Beware of pet scammers

Scams involving pet adoptions have been growing in recent years. According to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), pet scams approached $2 million for 2022, the most recent year with available data. On an individual level, some of these scammers have robbed people of their life’s savings. BBB suggests that you meet the pet in person before any transaction or arrange a video call so that you can view the pet. Do research online about the person or organization that is offering the pet. And research the pet itself with a reverse-image search — scammers will often use a stock photo of an animal over and over again to lure people in.

Ask volunteers for guidance

The volunteers and adoption counselors at most rescue organizations do more than help connect animals with homes. They’ve also spent serious time with the dogs and cats at their shelters. “They’ve had opportunities to observe a cat or dog’s personality and their likes and dislikes,” Corbin says. “Maybe you want a lap cat, or one that is content to just be near you. Maybe a dog who is going to be unfazed by strangers, or one who is inclined to bark at new people. Talk to the shelter staff about what you are looking for, and let them help match you with the perfect pet.”

Consider fostering first

Fostering is like a test run for adoption, and it can be a great way to determine if you’re compatible with a specific pet, or a type/breed of animal. It also comes with some extra benefits. “In our shelter, fosters always get the first chance to adopt if they think the pet is a good fit for them,” Corbin says. And if you travel during the year, “fostering can be a good way to enjoy the companionship of a pet while you are at home and not have to worry about what to do with them when you are gone,” she says. Some shelters even have permanent foster programs for cats and dogs with health issues or that are too old to be easily adoptable. “The animal is placed permanently in the home, but the shelter continues to provide food and medical care,” Corbin says. “This can be a great option for seniors who are on a limited budget or who are worried that if something happens to them, their pet will have nowhere to go.”

THE NUTS AND BOLTS OF PET ADOPTION

It’s not just about determining which pet is right for you; at any reputable shelter, the staff will want to determine if you are a right match for their animals.

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Window-shop online before you visit

Before going to shelters in your area, Corbin recommends skimming their websites, many of which have photos, stats and other useful information about their adoptable pets. You can also visit sites like petfinder.com, adoptapet.com and adopt-a-pet.com, where you can search for adoptable animals by ZIP code. “It’ll really help to narrow your search,” she says. “Chances are, there’s a dog or cat close by that’ll catch your eye.”

Bring your checkbook

Every rescue is different, Good says, “but most rescues have to charge an adoption fee to help keep the lights on.” Those fees can range from $50 to $2,000. “For us, it costs from $250 for a cat, kitten or senior dog to $450 for a puppy or young dog,” Good says. “That fee covers a comprehensive medical and behavioral exam, all the pet’s vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery and microchipping.” Some government-run shelters occasionally offer steep discounts on their usual adoption fees when they’re overcrowded, as one Milwaukee shelter did last summer, when it slashed adoption fees to just $4 per pet.

Be ready to answer a lot of questions

It’s not just about determining which pet is right for you; at any reputable shelter, the staff will want to determine if you are a good match for their animals. “At a minimum, most shelters will check that you are able to keep pets in your home,” says Kristin Kenney, a director at Animal Haven, a nonprofit animal rescue in New York City. If you’re a renter, you’ll need to bring a copy of your lease stipulating that pets are allowed, or the contact information for your landlord or management company. They’ll also want to know if you have other pets in the home or have owned pets in the past. “Some organizations check references and ask questions about past pets, training methods and where the animal will live,” Kenney says. You’ll also need to fill out and sign an adoption contract.

When it’s time to bring them home, come prepared

A parent wouldn’t leave a maternity hospital with their new baby slung over a shoulder. The same rules apply with pet adoption. “For cats, bring a carrier with a soft bed to take them home in,” Conrad says. “For dogs, have a leash, collar and/or harness.” She also recommends bringing a crate or seatbelt for the transport home. “Animals may be nervous leaving the shelter, so having them properly restrained in your vehicle is important,” Conrad says. Also, don’t leave without getting your adoption agreement and up-to-date medical records, including proof that your pet is heartworm-negative and a schedule for upcoming vaccines.

PREPARING YOUR HOME

Make sure you have plenty of toys around — these shouldn't just entertain them; the best toys also challenge them, stimulate their minds and keep them engaged.

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Make your house animal-friendly

Dog- or cat-proofing your home isn’t just about making sure a pet doesn’t make a mess of your abode like a bull in a china shop; it’s also about keeping them safe and secure. “Start by removing small items they could swallow and securing electrical cords,” Weitzman says. “In the kitchen, keep food that could be harmful — like chocolate or grapes — out of reach. In the bathroom, make sure medications and cleaning supplies are stored safely.” She suggests evaluating each room with an animal's curiosity in mind: “Pets, especially puppies and kittens, will explore,” he says. Consider investing in a baby gate to keep your little explorers away from dangers, and make sure any indoor plants are out of reach, as many of them can be toxic if ingested. “Check if houseplants are pet safe and keep them safely out of reach,” says Amanda Farah, a national training and behavior coordinator for Best Friends Animal Society. And throw rugs can provide much-needed traction on slippery tile or wood floors. “But they can also be a trip hazard for people, so be sure to secure the edges,” Farah adds.

Give them an area that’s all their own

Even the most loving and attentive pet will need a break from their humans occasionally. Farah suggests setting up a safe space in a quiet corner of a living room, or an entire room that can be closed off with a pet gate. “Add a bed, a water dish, some toys and anything else they might need to feel at home,” she says. “This gives them a place of their own to retreat to any time they’re feeling overwhelmed with all the new experiences in the first few weeks.” You might also consider adding a bed to any room where you spend a lot of time. “That can be especially comforting for older dogs,” Farah says.

Stock up on the basics

Pets require accessories beyond the basics like a leash and a comfortable bed. “They’ll need food and water bowls, appropriate food specific to your pet's age and health, toys for mental stimulation, and grooming supplies like a brush and nail clippers,” Weitzman says. For dogs, a collar with an ID tag is essential, he says. And for cats, don’t forget a litter box and scratching post. If you adopt a senior pet, there are many products designed to make their lives easier and happier.

Pick the right leash

Pets are a leading cause of falls for older adults, so it’s vital to choose a leash — yes, even for a cat — that will ensure a morning walk doesn’t end with an ER visit. “A well-fitting harness with a front attachment point helps keep a dog from using all their weight to pull forward,” Farah says. “It’s a great tool while they're working on their loose-leash walking training.” However, Anthony Rodriguez, a certified behavior consultant and dog trainer, doesn’t recommend retractable leashes. “While they may seem convenient, they can be very problematic and can cause injury in a variety of ways,” he says. Stick with a standard six-foot leash, which is the “most appropriate for handling dogs out in the world,” Rodriguez says.

Find toys that do more than entertain

Pet toys shouldn't just entertain them; the best toys also challenge them, stimulate their minds and keep them engaged. Studies have shown that enrichment toys — from interactive puzzle toys to treat-dispensing chew toys — can enhance their happiness and cognitive function. “I love feeding my dogs in novel ways,” Rodriguez says. “With feeder balls, snuffle mats or towels, and interactive feeders.” For cats, Carla Wudi, a senior animal care and training manager at Hinsdale Humane Society Pet Rescue in Hinsdale, Illinois, suggests investing in a wand toy, which can stimulate your cat's natural hunting instincts “without playing with your hands,” she says. “They can jump and play with you,” and you won’t end up covered in scratches.

Make that first vet appointment

Don’t wait till your pet comes home to find a veterinarian. Ideally, your cat or dog should have their first vet appointment within three to five days of adoption, says Charles McMillan, the medical director and owner of GoodVets in Atlanta. “Your veterinarian will tailor a vaccine program based on your pet's age and prior vaccine history.” For puppies and kittens, an initial vaccine schedule includes doses every two to four weeks until they reach 16 weeks of age. After that, booster vaccines are typically given annually or triannually. That first visit is also a good time to get your pet started on preventative treatments for heartworm, fleas and ticks, and to get them spayed or neutered if it wasn’t done by the shelter. (Six months is the standard age for spaying/neutering, but it can vary based on a pet’s size.)

For adult pets, McMillan recommends semiannual (twice a year) visits rather than the typical once-a-year appointment. “This proactive approach allows us to catch potential issues early, establish health baselines, and help your pet acclimate to the clinic in a low-stress environment,” he says.

Decide on your pet’s emergency contact

Even if you’re retired or work from home, it’s important to have a support system in place to help with pet care when you’re away. That could include everything from a professional pet sitter to a trusted friend or family member. Weitzman also strongly recommends planning for the unthinkable. Establish an emergency contact for your pet if you’re unable to get to them. “Make sure this person has access to your pet’s medical records, veterinarian contact information, and any special care instructions,” he says. If you live in an area vulnerable to hurricanes, earthquakes or other disasters, he also suggests preparing a pet emergency kit, which should include a two-week supply of food, water and your pet’s medications in a sturdy container.

YOUR NEW PET AT HOME

Remember, adoption isn’t just stressful for you. For your pet, their entire world has been upended, so give them plenty of space and quiet time to adjust.

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Be patient (especially in the beginning)

Your pet won’t acclimate to their new surroundings overnight. Rodriguez suggests setting low expectations for your animal during the first few months of your relationship. “The best way to set them up for success is to be patient,” he says. “Recognize that they’re in a new environment and will need time to adjust.” One popular guideline for transitioning a rescue animal into a new home is the 3-3-3 rule. It involves letting your new pet “decompress” during its first three days, then introducing new routines during the first three weeks, and then in-depth training beginning at the three-month mark. Remember, adoption isn’t just stressful for you; for your pet, their entire world has been upended. “I remember one cat who slept for three days straight after his adoption,” Good says. “The new owners were worried something was wrong, but after a few days, he went back to his normal, happy, playful self.”

If you have other pets, introduce them slowly

If you already have dogs or cats, you don’t want to throw a new animal into the mix without taking precautions. For cats, Good recommends placing the new cat in your bedroom with the door closed, while allowing your current cat or dog to roam the rest of your home. “Each day swap out bedding so that all animals can get used to the other’s scent.” From there, keep your new cat separated through a baby gate placed across the open bedroom door. “Once all the animals appear calm and curious on either side of the baby gate, you can progress to supervised time together.” The most important thing is patience, she adds. “Rushing the process often results in setbacks and stress for everybody.”

Donna Culbert, a certified dog trainer, suggests that the best way to introduce dogs is to go for a walk. “You want a neutral territory where they can sniff and smell each other without the pressure of playing or being trapped in a room together,” she says. Once inside, make sure all animals, dogs and cats alike, have their own private area, whether it’s a crate or bed in the corner of a bedroom. “Give the new dog short periods of time with the other animal and the family, and then alone so they can have time to decompress,” she says.

Good also recommends interviewing the shelter staff about your potential new pet’s history with other animals. “Most will know which of their dogs are better recommended to live with a cat, or vice versa, based on past experience,” she says.

Establish their routine

Consistency is key, especially during a pet’s first few months with you. “Dogs thrive with predictability, and they recognize patterns quickly,” Farah says. So give them a routine they can count on, from consistent meal times to scheduled walks. A routine won’t just make your pet calmer; structure also supports healthy eating habits and helps them maintain a healthy sleep schedule, Corbin says.

Give them positive reinforcement

Punishing your pet when they do something wrong isn’t a path to better behavior. Good is a big advocate of positive reinforcement — rewarding good choices and ignoring bad behavior. “If a dog gets showered with praise, petted and given biscuits when he’s quietly sitting in his bed, but completely ignored when he is barking crazily, he’ll start to figure out which one is more fun for him pretty quickly,” she says. Rodriguez also suggests giving them opportunities to become good decision-makers. “Try to give them time to come to the decision on their own versus telling them,” he says. “If you must ask/cue, do so, but try not to cue them twice in a row.”

Consider a professional trainer

There are some basic cues that every pet should be taught within the first few months of adoption, Farah says. Start with “sit,” “wait” (a very brief, informal stay), “let’s go” (we're walking now!), and most importantly, “come.” With a new pet, she tries to work on these commands multiple times a day, “in every situation, since it’s so important for safety.” Even if you’re reluctant to hire a professional trainer — dog training can cost anywhere between $55 to $215 a session on average — Farah recommends “taking at least one round of training classes.” There are a lot of options out there, from online obedience classes to sleepaway camps. And yes, there’s even agility training for cats.

Don’t stress about co-sleeping

There are many compelling arguments both for and against letting your pet sleep on your bed. (They might bring dirt and germs into your sheets. But also, sleeping with a pet is so cozy!) “Unless your dog displays unwanted behaviors related to being on the bed, this is entirely a personal choice,” Farah says. “Some people sleep better with their dog next to them. For others, it disrupts their sleep. Some people just don’t enjoy having fur on the sheets.” If you start to notice unwanted behaviors, like your pet begins aggressively guarding the bed or bedroom, it may be time to consult a trainer or set up a different area in the house for your pet to sleep.

Make sure they get enough exercise

The exact amount of physical activity your pet needs can vary by breed and age, but in general, most dogs need between 30 minutes (at a minimum) and two hours of exercise every day. (Same for cats.) A fenced-in yard is great for games of fetch, and daily walks can be a form of exercise for both you and your furry friend. “They don’t have to cover a great distance or be quick,” Farah says. “Most dogs enjoy a very slow walk where they’re allowed to sniff as much as they want, and it’s a very calming activity for them.” When you’re stuck indoors, you can still find ways to keep your pet active. One of Farah’s favorite indoor games is hide and seek. “One person holds the dog until the second person hides, and then the hunt is on,” she says. “It’s a great way to combine physical and mental exercise.”

Talk to your vet about a microchip

One in three pets in the U.S. will go missing in their lifetimes. That’s about 10 million pets every year, according to the Animal Humane Society. Microchips, which are roughly the size of a grain of rice and are placed under a pet's skin, are “one of the best ways to ensure that your pet can be returned to you if they get lost,” Weitzman says. It’s relatively inexpensive, costing between $25 and $60 per pet, and it’s “a simple and relatively painless procedure, providing a permanent form of identification,” Weitzman says. “Just make sure to keep your contact information up to date in the microchip registry.”

Give them something to do when they’re home alone

Whether your pet has separation issues or just gets bored after too much time left alone, it’s important to leave them some busy work when you’re away. “This could be a filled frozen Kong (peanut butter, Greek yogurt, carrots, dog food, treats), bully sticks, feeding enrichment, nylabones, Himalayan wood chews or yak chews,” Rodriguez says. Make sure to supervise when they’re first exploring any new toy, but once you trust that they can interact safely, these “projects” will provide them with hours of busywork. “The purpose of this is to create a positive association with being alone,” Rodriguez says.

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