As the holidays approach remember: Don’t trade your senior dog for a new Christmas puppy!

A senior dog being held at an animal shelter. Sadly, many loyal old dogs find themselves left behind at shelters when new Christmas puppies arrive. In the United States, animal shelters see a surge of pet surrenders right after the holidays – and disturbingly, some families surrender their senior dogs to make room for a new puppy. This heartbreaking trend is preventable. A dog who has spent years by your side is family, not a disposable gift. This holiday season, let’s blend compassion with education and call to action: don’t abandon your senior dog for the sake of a Christmas puppy. They’ve given you a lifetime of love, and they deserve the same in return.

Holiday Puppy Fever and the Shelter Surge:

It’s an unfortunate reality: after the holiday season, shelters experience an influx of surrendered animals – more than at any other time of year. Puppies and kittens given as surprise gifts often overwhelm unprepared owners, leading some to relinquish them once the novelty wears off. By January, many of those “present” pets join the over 6 million animals entering U.S. shelters each year. For example, one shelter in Fargo, North Dakota, reported taking in more than 700 animals after the holidays each year, and a Texas rescue group sees about 400 post-Christmas surrenders annually. Shelters nationwide are stretched to capacity dealing with this post-holiday “shelter surge.”

While much of the focus is on the puppies being returned, there’s another tragic aspect: families surrendering their older resident dogs because a new puppy arrived. In what one shelter director calls a “disturbing national trend,” people have been giving up senior dogs just to purchase or adopt a puppy – especially around the holidays. The influx of aged dogs being surrendered is “shockingly high,” according to Pam Peebles, an animal shelter executive. Why would anyone do this? Some owners mistakenly think their senior dog might not tolerate a young puppy, or they worry about the cost and effort of caring for an aging pet. Others convince themselves that a puppy will be easier or cheaper to manage. In reality, they couldn’t be more wrong – puppies come with their own hefty expenses (multiple vet visits for vaccines, spay/neuter surgery, training classes, etc.) and demanding house breaking schedules. “Whether they’re free or not, you still have the expense of veterinary visits and booster vaccinations. The cost of taking care of the older dog is, arguably, not that much more expensive,” said Peebles. In short, getting a new puppy is no excuse or solution for giving up a senior dog.

There’s also a cruel irony at play: puppies find homes quickly, but older dogs do not. “Adopting rates are high for puppies during the holidays, but not for older dogs,” notes Mardi Rivetti, a rescue founder who sees the annual burden on shelters. So when an older dog is surrendered, their chances of finding a new home are slim – especially amid the flood of cute younger animals. Often, these grey-muzzled pets will linger in the shelter far longer than any puppy, if they get adopted at all.

Senior Dogs at Risk - Last to Be Adopted, First to Be Euthanized:

Surrendering a senior dog doesn’t just mean giving up a pet – it can be a death sentence for that animal. Shelters do their best, but space and resources are limited. Older animals are typically the last to be adopted and the first to be euthanized in overcrowded shelters. The ASPCA confirms this heartbreaking truth: older shelter pets are just as loving as younger ones, yet they are often overlooked by adopters and at higher risk of being put down. Imagine your dog, who has devoted a decade of companionship to you, suddenly sitting in a loud, unfamiliar kennel, confused and scared. If no one comes for them, they could be among the approximately 1.5 million shelter animals euthanized each year in the U.S. (about 670,000 dogs and 860,000 cats). In fact, a dog or cat is killed in America’s shelters every 90 seconds simply because they don’t have a home. Senior dogs in shelters are at particularly high risk. “Unfortunately, senior pets can be among the most at-risk in shelters, even though they’re tried and true companions that just need a second chance,” says Julie Castle, CEO of Best Friends Animal Society. These dogs have so much love left to give, yet when abandoned in their final years, they often don’t get that chance. It’s heart-wrenching to think of a loyal old dog spending its last days feeling unloved or being euthanized alone. They don’t deserve that fate. As adopters, we might gravitate to bouncy puppies, but we must remember that the sweet senior at the shelter once had a home and heart of its own – and still yearns for comfort and affection.

“A Pet Is for Life” – Experts Urge Lifelong Commitment:

Animal welfare organizations across the country are speaking in unison: pets are family members, not disposable items, and adopting an animal means caring for it for its entire life. “Don’t bring home a puppy just because it’s cute,” advises Dani Caouette of Santa Clarita’s Shelter Hope. “It is a life-long commitment.” This sentiment is echoed by major organizations:

• ASPCA: The President and CEO of the ASPCA, Matt Bershadker, emphasizes that we need to keep pets in their homes whenever possible. “With so many shelters struggling to find homes for the animals in their care, animal welfare organizations and their communities need to continue working together to keep pets in loving homes and out of shelters,” This means addressing the problems that often lead to surrender – whether it’s lack of access to vet care or pet-friendly housing – so that owners don’t feel they have no choice but to give up their pet.

• Humane Society of the United States (HSUS): The HSUS likewise stresses responsible pet ownership, especially around the holidays. “We are unaware of any data to support the assertion that pets adopted during the holiday season are returned to shelters at a higher rate, but it is important for potential pet parents to carefully consider the responsibilities required to properly care for a pet, regardless of source,”says Amy Nichols, HSUS Vice President for Companion Animals. In other words, whether you got a dog as a gift or had them for years, the duty of care is the same. You must be prepared – emotionally and financially – for the commitment of a pet’s lifetime, including their geriatric years.

• Best Friends Animal Society: Best Friends champions senior pet adoption and reminds us how rewarding it can be. “Whether you’re looking for an active senior to go on walks with or a couch potato to keep you company, there are plenty of older dogs and cats who would love to be your new best friend,” says CEO Julie Castle. She notes that most seniors were once in a home and thus have wonderful manners and the ability to fit right in once they acclimate. Best Friends encourages everyone to consider adopting a senior pet now, because those older animals truly need our help. After all, a senior dog’s loyalty and love are just as strong – if not stronger – than that of any puppy, and they show their gratitude in the most heartwarming ways.

The message from experts is clear: a pet is not a toy or trend – it’s a living being depending on you. If you’ve cared for your dog through puppyhood and adulthood, don’t abandon them in their golden years. As the old saying goes (and as humane societies often remind us), a dog is for life, not just for Christmas. Your senior dog doesn’t understand why a new puppy has suddenly replaced them. They only know that they miss you. We owe it to these faithful companions to honor the commitment we made when we first brought them home.

How You Can Help Senior Dogs This Holiday Season:

Whether you’re a pet owner or simply an animal lover, you can take action to support senior dogs during the holidays. Here are some practical ways to make a difference:

• **Foster or Adopt a Senior Dog – If your family is set on adding a new pet, consider adopting an older dog instead of buying a puppy. You’ll be saving a life and gaining a gentle, grateful friend. Many shelters offer special incentives during the holidays – for instance, some adoption programs even have the adoption fees for senior pets covered by sponsors during this season. Not ready to commit fully? Try fostering.Most shelters and rescue groups welcome short-term “holiday fosters” to give senior dogs a cozy home break from the shelter. They often provide all necessary supplies and medical care while you foster, so all you need to give is your time and love. Who knows – you might fall in love and decide to make your foster dog a permanent family member (what rescuers playfully call a “foster win”). Fostering or adopting an older dog not only enriches your life, it directly saves that dog from the stress of the shelter and potential euthanasia.

• Support Your Local Shelters and Senior Rescues – Maybe you can’t take in another pet, but you can still help those in need. Donate to animal shelters or organizations that rescue senior pets. Your donations (money or supplies) go a long way in caring for older animals. For example, shelters often need soft blankets, heated beds, and joint supplements for their senior dogs in winter. (As one advocacy group noted, “It is winter season and shelters are cold. Turn in hardly worn blankets or pet beds or call and ask what they need. Donate the money you would spend… to help save lives.”) Even a bag of senior dog food or a few toys can make a shelter dog’s holiday brighter. Many rescues (like The Grey Muzzle Organization, Muttville, and others focused on seniors) have holiday donation drives. Additionally, consider volunteering – you could help walk dogs at your local shelter or spend time comforting an older dog who doesn’t have a family. Sometimes, shelters have “Santa Paws” programs where volunteers give treats and attention to the animals during Christmas. Your kindness can be the highlight of a senior dog’s day.

• Keep Your Senior Pet Comfortable and Included – If you have a senior dog at home, the hustle and bustle of holidays can be stressful for them. Help your grey-muzzled friend enjoy the season by creating a cozy, safe environment. Maintain their normal routine as much as possible (meals, walks, and bedtime at the usual times) to provide stability. When guests visit or festivities get noisy, set up a quiet retreat for your dog in a peaceful room. Provide a soft bed, their favorite toys, and water in this space so they can relax away from commotion. You might put on some gentle music or familiar background noise to soothe them. If your dog is crate-trained, make the crate extra comfy with plush bedding – it can be a den of safety for them. A baby gate in the doorway can let your senior see the family without getting trampled or overwhelmed. Also be mindful of holiday decorations and clutter: avoid rearranging furniture too drastically, as older dogs (especially those with poor vision or arthritis) can get confused or hurt navigating an obstacle course of new décor. Keep toxic plants, breakables, and wires out of reach. And while sharing holiday meals is tempting, stick to dog-safe treats – rich fatty leftovers or foods like chocolate, grapes, and onions can make any dog sick, and seniors are even more sensitive to dietary indiscretions. Instead, spoil your dog with a vet-approved special treat or a new chew toy as their “holiday gift.” Most importantly, give them attention and love: a few extra cuddle sessions or a short leisurely walk in the crisp air will make your old friend feel included in the festivities. If you do bring a new puppy into the home, never let your senior feel replaced: maintain one-on-one time with your older dog and establish gentle boundaries so the puppy doesn’t pester them. With a little planning, your senior pet can enjoy an stress-free, warm, and happy holiday alongside you.

• Find Solutions, Not Surrender – Life can throw curveballs – financial hardships, illnesses, or housing issues – that make pet care challenging. If you’re struggling to care for your senior dog, remember that surrendering them to a shelter should be the last resort, not the first. Today there are more resources than ever to help pet owners keep their animals. Reach out for help before you decide you “can’t keep” your dog. For instance, many communities have organizations that assist with vet bills or provide free pet food and supplies to those in need. Some shelters have intervention programs that offer temporary foster care for pets when owners are in crisis. If your senior dog has behavioral issues (perhaps aggravated by a new puppy or by aging), consult a trainer or your vet – often there are simple solutions or medications that can greatly improve an older pet’s quality of life. “Why is there a need to surrender? Maybe it’s an issue where a trainer could help or a dog walking service could help…,” suggests Dani Caouette, urging owners to consider other options. Families facing short-term difficulties might find a friend or relative willing to dog-sit for a while. And if, despite all efforts, you determine you absolutely cannot keep your senior dog, do right by them: contact a reputable rescue group or no-kill shelter and work on a rehoming plan (perhaps you can foster your dog until a new adopter is found, to spare them the trauma of the shelter). Never abandon the dog or give it away carelessly – that could put your pet at risk. As one shelter professional advises, “If you decide you must surrender your pet, you should work with a reputable rescue to help safely rehome your pet into the best fit for the pet."

  
  

  In short, exhaust every avenue to keep your senior dog safe and cared for – they depend on you to be their advocate.

  
  

The Greatest Gift: Love and Loyalty:

At the end of the day, the best gift you can give this Christmas isn’t a puppy – it’s honoring the bond you already share with your faithful old dog. Our senior dogs have been there through years of ups and downs, greeting us with wagging tails on our worst days and our best. They’ve earned a place in our hearts and homes forever. While a bouncy new puppy might bring momentary excitement, the loyalty of a senior dog is irreplaceable. These gentle souls deserve to spend their golden years surrounded by the familiar people and comforts they love, not in a bewildering shelter pen.

This holiday season, let’s celebrate compassion, responsibility, and lifelong love. If you know someone considering giving up a senior pet (or any pet), gently remind them of the commitment they made and encourage them to seek help or alternatives. Share the stories of seniors who got a “second chance” and the joy they brought to new families. Lead by example: cherish your own older pets, and maybe open your home to a senior foster or adoptee in need.

By keeping senior dogs in loving homes and out of shelters, we truly embody the spirit of the season. As the ASPCA’s leader said, it takes a community effort to keep pets with their families and out of overcrowded shelters. You can be part of that positive change. This Christmas and beyond, stand by your old furry friend. In return, you’ll receive the kind of pure, unconditional love that no shiny new gift can match. After all, love – especially the love we share with our animals – isn’t something to be exchanged or tossed aside; it’s something to treasure for a lifetime.

References:

• American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) – U.S. animal shelter statistics and senior pet adoption insights signalscv.comaspca.org

• Best Friends Animal Society – Statements from CEO Julie Castle on senior pets and no-kill initiatives bestfriends.orgbestfriends.org

• Humane Society of the United States – Holiday pet responsibility and commitment fox29.com

• Shelter and rescue experts – Media reports on post-holiday surrender surges and senior dog trends fox29.comfox29.comiheartdogs.com

• Pet care professionals – Tips for keeping senior dogs comfortable during holidays dogandcat.comdogandcat.com