Mayor Proclaims November As Adopt-A-Senior Pet Month and Launches New Senior to Senior Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 29, 2008

For more information:
Laurie Ringquist, Director, Animal Care & Control Department, City of Bloomington, 349.3870
Daniel Lopez, Communications Director, City of Bloomington, 349.3569



Bloomington, IN - City of Bloomington Mayor Mark Kruzan has proclaimed November as Adopt a Senior Pet Month and has announced the creation of a new Senior-to-Senior Adoption Program.

Adopt-a-Senior Pet month is recognized nationally and helps raise awareness of older animals that arrive at shelters nationwide, including the City of Bloomington Animal Shelter. To celebrate the month and promote adoption of older animals at the shelter, half price adoption fees of $27.50 for senior animals (5 years and older) will be offered throughout November. The adoption fee includes a first round of vaccinations, a free visit to a local veterinary office, heartworm testing for dogs, feline leukemia/FIV testing for cats, microchip identification and spay/neuter surgery. Market cost of these services is more than $200.

Further, in recognition that pets provide particular benefits to senior citizens, the City of Bloomington Animal Shelter is launching a new Senior-to-Senior Adoption program to offer half-price adoptions year-round to qualified senior citizens 60 years and older who adopt a senior pet five (5) years and older.

"Older animals are so deserving of a second chance at happiness," Kruzan said. "They can be a source of joy and companionship to seniors as well as others in our community. We are excited to launch this new service."

There are many benefits to adopting an older pet, including:

• Most senior pets are already housetrained or litter trained.

• Older dogs are not teething puppies and won't chew your shoes or furniture.

• Older animals already have grown into their shape and personality.

• Senior pets are generally calmer and quieter and won't demand as much time and attention as younger, more energetic animals.

• Older animals are grateful for the second chance they have been given and will give you a lifetime of love.

Adoptable animals can be visited at the City of Bloomington Animal Shelter, 3410 S Walnut, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from noon to 5 p.m. and Tuesdays and Fridays from noon to 7 p.m. and online at the shelter web site, www.bloomington.in.gov/animalshelter.

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