Although any time is a good time to adopt a pet, petfinder.com named September 17 – 25, 2011 as Adopt a Less Adoptable Pet Week. This may leave some people wondering; “Just what is a less adoptable pet?”.

Animal shelters know that certain pets are more likely to get homes than others. Kittens and puppies tend to be preferred over adult cats and dogs, and are nearly always preferred over senior pets. Certain colors of pets are more likely to get adopted, leaving black cats, and dogs, among the last to find homes. Certain breeds are less adoptable, particularly those of the Pit Bull Terrier group. Animals with special needs have a very hard time finding a new home. Finally, those pets who are not perfect have less likely to get adopted.

Senior Pets

Cats who are over 7 years of age, small dogs over the age of 8, and large dogs over the age of 5, are often considered seniors, even though they may have many years of life left. Sadly most pet adoptions are for pets under the age of 1 year, leaving the senior pets with very little hope. Senior pets sometimes have more health concerns in their final years but are ideally suited for senior people who want a gentle, quieter, pet. Senior pets are also an ideal choice for people with quite lifestyles and do not have time for a younger, more active, pet.

Less Adoptable Colors of Pets

Black dogs have one of the highest rates of euthanasia in shelters. They do not stand out in a crowd of dogs who are hopeful for an adoptive home, and are fairly common in some areas (particularly black labs). As such black dogs have a tough time getting a home.

Black cats often fail to find homes, partially due to some superstitions, and due to the fact they are fairly common. White cats also have a hard time, as people do not want white hair on their furniture. Tuxedo black and white pattern, and tabby, cats many also have a harder time finding homes simply due to an abundance of cats of these colors in some shelters. With color often being the only thing differentiating one kitten from another, cats with unusual colorings often find homes quicker than those with common color patterns.

Less Adoptable Breeds of Pets

The Pit Bull Terrier is one type of dog that has a hard time getting adopted. They have a reputation for being ruthless killers. You should note that an animal shelter would never put a dog up for adoption if they know it is unsafe.

Large breed dogs have harder times getting adopted in some areas, as do some of the more common breeds.

Among cats, there is not really a breed of cat less likely to get adopted over another, as most shelter cats are domestic mixes anyhow.

Less Adoptable Special Needs Pets

Some pets have health issues that leave them with special needs. A cat who has issues with the litter box, or a dog who is diabetic, are two examples of special needs pets. Some special needs pets require homes without children, or homes where the owner is home a lot.

Less Adoptable Less than Perfect Pets

Sometimes a pet lost a limb in an accident, or was born without an eye. These pets also need loving homes but since they do not look as cute they are less adoptable. This would also include pets who are deaf, or blind. Whether born this way, or the result of an injury, these pets are seen as damaged goods and have a difficult time finding a loving home.

Summary

Adopting a pet is saving a life, but not everyone is suited for a less adoptable pet. It takes a special person to open their heart, and home, to such an animal. Not all homes are suited to all pets, it is important to find a pet that suits your lifestyle.

If you would like to learn more about adopting a less adoptable pet, or are ready to adopt, please visit your local animal shelter, or petfinder.