Should Senior Citizens Be Denied the Chance to Adopt a Dog?
- Dawn Mimnaugh
- Jul 30
- 3 min read
Should Senior Citizens Be Denied the Chance to Adopt a Dog? It’s something I’ve seen far too often over the years, rescues turning away older adults who want to adopt a dog simply because of their age, and it really bothers me.
The reason?
Many rescues fear that the dog will outlive the adopter, or that the older person won’t be physically able to care for the dog long-term. Funny enough, many of the folks out there saving dogs every day are seniors themselves.
But in theory, it may sound like they're protecting the dog’s best interests, and I get that. Honestly, I do. We all want what’s best for these animals who’ve already been through enough.
But here's where it gets complicated… and deeply personal.
The Other Side of the Story
I’ve known many senior citizens who have provided the most loving, peaceful, and stable homes for dogs, especially senior dogs who often come with their own set of needs. People who are retired typically have more time to devote to daily care, more patience to offer, and a deeply rooted understanding of what it means to slow down and savor the little things. They’re not rushing out the door to work or juggling the chaos of raising young kids. Instead, they’re often in a stage of life where companionship, routine, and purpose are exactly what they’re seeking — and that’s something a dog can offer in spades.
Their homes are usually quieter and more predictable — the perfect environment for dogs who may be arthritic, anxious, or just looking for a soft place to land. These aren’t people adopting dogs on a whim. They’ve raised animals before. They’ve often grieved their losses. And still, they’re willing to open their hearts again.
And let’s be honest — in a world where countless dogs are passed over because they’re “too old,” “too gray,” or “not perfect,” shouldn’t we be doing everything we can to pair them with people who truly understand what it means to age with dignity and grace?
There’s something incredibly healing about watching an old dog and an older person find comfort in each other’s presence. They just get each other — no words needed.
These matches aren’t just good… they’re beautiful. And they deserve to be encouraged, not dismissed.
So What’s the Solution?
Do I think rescues should never consider age when placing a dog? No. I think it’s fair to ask questions, to be cautious, and to think ahead.
But I do not believe we should deny someone the joy of adopting a dog solely because they’ve lived more decades than the rest of us.
In my opinion, it should always be handled on a case-by-case basis — with compassion, common sense, and a good plan in place.
And yes, I firmly believe that every single adopter, especially seniors, should have a clear contingency plan in case they become too ill to care for their dog, or if they pass away before their dog does. This could be a family member, a close friend, or even a written agreement with a rescue or sanctuary. (Woody's Place Senior German Shepherd Sanctuary does this for older German Shepherds)
Because here’s the truth: anything can happen to any of us — at any age.
Planning for the unexpected is simply part of being a responsible pet parent, no matter how old you are.
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