Several animal shelters call Franklin County home and in November, during Adopt a Senior Pet Month, the Franklin County Visitors Bureau asks all to consider bringing a new four-legged friend home with them. The county is home to pet-friendly festivals and has plenty of shopping to benefit local animal shelters. As well, Franklin County has many local and state parks to explore together. Consider visiting Franklin County to adopt a senior pet and enjoy it with the pets already part of the family.
The Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter in Chambersburg, The Antietam Humane Society in Waynesboro and Better Days Animal League in Shippensburg, all provide care for animals in Franklin County who are looking for a permanent home.
“Adopting a senior pet can be beneficial to both the pet and the person,” said Jennifer Vanderau, communications director for the Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter. “You’d really be helping out a sweet animal to adopt a senior pet. One of the biggest advantages I think for adopting a senior pet is they are often already trained and they tend to be a bit calmer than their younger counterparts.”
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) reports that 6.5 million animals enter shelters every year. Vanderau said the senior cats and dogs spend the longest in the shelters but are loveable and just want a chance for a forever home.
If adopting a senior pet is not an option, Vanderau said donating helps but also spending time with them as volunteers can be mutually beneficial as many of them want nothing more than a “lap or friendly pat.”
“Volunteering to snuggle with our older guys and gals could help not only the animal but you as well,” she said.
Other ways to support the shelters, include shopping at the local thrift stores that help in the care of their four-legged residents. Several stores are located throughout Franklin County, each with donated clothing, houseware and other gently used items whose purchase then goes to benefit the shelters.