Taoyuan opens adoption program for senior pets

WARM HOME: Older pets need long-term medication, specialized treatment and frequent care, so only people with sufficient time are suitable to adopt, an adopter said

• By Fion Khan / Staff writer, with CNA

• • Add TT as Preferred Source

The Taoyuan Animal Protection Office has launched a long-term care adoption program for animals aged seven and older at its shelters, offering medical discounts and other support measures to ease the financial burden on prospective owners.

People generally prefer adopting younger pets, leaving older dogs and cats among the most overlooked animals in shelters, the office said.

Younger animals are often the top choice, because they are considered cute, energetic and easier to train, whereas senior pets usually have developed personalities and require more medical care, making them the hardest group in shelters to find homes for, it said.

A dog is pictured in an undated photograph.

Photo courtesy of the Taoyuan Animal Protection Office

To address these concerns and lessen the economic strain on prospective owners, the office this month introduced a long-term care adoption program for shelter animals aged seven and older, providing comprehensive health check-ups, chronic disease medication and discounted advanced medical treatment, it said.

Prior to adoption, senior dogs and cats would undergo a complete physical examination, including blood tests, X-rays or ultrasound scans, ensuring that adopting families fully understand the animal’s health status and future care requirements, the office said.

The office would supply the medication needed by senior pets with chronic conditions to ease the financial pressure on adopting households, it said.

The office said it would also connect adopting families with advanced medical services at special discounted rates, ensuring that they receive financial support if their pets require more complex treatment.

An adopter surnamed Yu (余) said senior pets require more care, recalling her experience of taking care of a 10-year-old dog with paralyzed hind legs.

She said she had to change its diapers and administer medication every day until the dog died peacefully.

While puppies are adorable, older dogs are more in need of a warm home, Yu said.

Ho (何), who is caring for an elderly dog, said aging pets are susceptible to hip and neurological problems.

In addition to the cost of long-term medication, specialized treatment can be expensive, she said.

Senior animals also tend to have limited mobility, and poor bladder and bowel control, requiring frequent care and cleaning, meaning only those with sufficient time are suitable to adopt, she said.

The new program would allow prospective adopters to understand an animal’s health before bringing it home, ensuring that they are genuinely committed to caring for their pets, Ho said.

The medical support would substantially ease the financial burden on owners, she said, expressing hope that the initiative would help more senior animals find homes.