Adoption by elderly people is currently a topic of debate in the press.
At Veeweyde, we do not impose any arbitrary age limits: we assess each case according to the animal’s profile, the adopter’s capabilities and the support network available.
Older people can be excellent adopters. Many offer stability, time and affection. However, we do not systematically recommend that they adopt puppies or kittens, as these very young animals often require a lot of energy, time and patience. In these cases, we prefer older or calmer animals that require less exercise or stimulation.
At the same time, we also see many animals being abandoned due to their owners entering nursing homes, losing their independence or having health problems. This requires us to act with clarity, without stigmatising anyone, to avoid a return to the shelter.
If the animal’s life expectancy exceeds that of the human, we ensure that the family or loved ones can take over if necessary.