SENIORS
PROGRAM
Financial & medical assistance for seniors who adopt a senior dog or cat from NARF.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
NARF's Seniors program helps place people with senior dogs and cats. The benefits of this program include:
No Adoption Fee
NARF will cover the usual adoption fee.
Medical Expense Assistance
Financial assistance to cover routine medical expenses available upon review and approval.
A Loving Friend!
The pet gets a new guardian to love it, and the individual gets an adoring and grateful companion.
DO I QUALIFY?
Make sure you and the pet you'd like to adopt meet the following requirements:
Cats & Dogs
Must be over the age of 8 years.
You
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Must be physically and mentally capable of caring for the animal including walking dog, feeding, exercising, cleaning cats litter boxes, and administering medications if needed.
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Must be capable of taking the animal to the Vet, if needed, and to the groomer.
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Must own home or rents with landlord's written approval. Renter must have lived at the same residence for at least one year. Committee must also talk to landlord.
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Committee must complete a normal interview application with applicant.
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You must be willing to allow us to do home checks and schedule periodic home visits.
INTERESTED?
Let us know if you or someone you know is interested in our Seniors Program and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
FREQUENTLY
ASKED
QUESTIONS.
Will I be adopting someone else's problems?
Some reasons why older animals lose their homes are:
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death of a guardian
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not enough time for the cat or dog
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change in work schedule
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new baby
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need to move to a place where pets are not allowed
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kids going off to college
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allergies
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change in "lifestyle"
Most cases are not a direct cause of the animal but usually due to circumstances of the person or family.
What advantages do older cats and dogs have vs. younger cats and dogs?
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Older pets generally have had some training, either in obedience or house manners. Due to the confusion and upset of being in a temporary fostering environment, sometimes they may “forget” this, and a refresher course might be needed.
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Older cats and dogs have learned what "no" means and how to behave in a home.
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They have been "socialized" and know what it takes to be part of the home and to get along with family members and other pets.
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Older animals generally have a lower energy level than puppies and kittens and are ideal for working families and seniors.
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Finally, a potential adopter is able to assess the size and temperament of the older cat or dog as there is no guessing on how big they will grow or what their personality will be!
Don’t older animals cost more in vet bills?Don’t older animals cost more in vet bills?
When adopting a pet, whether it be a puppy, a young cat or senior, there will always be medical expenses. There are no guarantees that when you adopt a younger animal the vet bills will be lower, and being realistic about this will help you plan accordingly. Good nutrition, exercise and preventive care are all important factors in keeping your pet healthy.
Grief…how do I handle it?
Grief is a very personal matter. Some people feel that giving a home to an older cat or dog is a tribute to their former pet and actually eases their pain. Saving an animal from euthanasia through adoption enables people to focus on the positives and to deal better with loss. Consider also that there are never any guarantees about length of life with any cat or dog. Quality of time together can matter a great deal more than quantity.
“You can’t teach old dogs new tricks”.
Patience, patience, patience! Dogs (and cats) can be trained at any age. There are training classes that you can sign up for to help you with this transition. However, most older animals have had some training in one way or another…so they may only need a refresher course.
How long will it take for an older cat or dog to settle into a routine with me?
Each animal is an individual and comes with a unique set of experiences and varying circumstances, so it is hard to predict how much time is required to make an adjustment. With care, patience, and a kind, understanding, loving attitude, just about any cat or dog will come around.
Lastly, what kind of support can an adopter expect from NARF?
We will guide you carefully through any adjustment period that may be needed, and provide resources as we are able.