Seniors have a chance to gift their household with unconditional senior love this holiday season — and for a bargain price if they act by the end of November.

In celebration of National Adopt a Senior Pet Month, Flathead County Animal Shelter has reduced its adoption fee to $10 for people 55 and older to take home a dog or cat older than 7. Those who select a dog need to also buy a $15 county dog license.

“That’s a bargain because they’ve been spayed or neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. And they come with a bag of food,” said Cliff Bennett, shelter director.

He estimates that a person would have to spend $250 to $300 to obtain these services and food in the marketplace. The money saved comes as a small benefit compared to the pet companionship, which has been proved to boost mental and physical health.

According to Bennett, people looking to adopt pets often overlook older animals, making them the last to leave. Ironically, the older dogs and cats often adjust better to their new surroundings.

“They are the ones that stick the best and get brought back the least,” he said.

Bennett said new adoptive parents don’t have to worry about older cats running the Indy 500 through their living room or climbing their curtains. He also points out that a kitten changes quickly, while what you see is what you get with an older cat.

That’s true of Fluffy, a 15-year-old male cat with medium-length black fur with specks of white. Bennett describes him as a gentle and quiet boy who gets along well with other cats like Kit Kit, a pretty little 10-year-old Siamese.

“She’s got those beautiful blue eyes, but she has a real interesting face,” Bennett said. “She has some darkness in her face that’s a little different from your typical Siamese.”

According to Bennett, the lucky person who adopts Kit Kit will have a calm and friendly, as well as beautiful, companion.  

He said older dogs also offer advantages like quickly adapting to their surroundings. Bennett added that grown-up dogs usually don’t chew things up and don’t make as many messes since they have been housebroken.

“The old adage that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks is not true,” he said. “They’re a lot easier to teach because they’re a lot calmer and pay closer attention.”

He said older dogs like to be by your side, although plenty of senior dogs still love to exercise. But if the owner isn’t reaching for the doorknob, they remain content to sit by your side.

Bennett counts Stony, an older black Lab, as an available older male dog in that category.

“He’s just the happiest dog,” he said. “He’s one of those who comes up and leans against you. He sits down and wags his tail.”

A foster family is caring for Stony as he waits for his forever home. Bennett said that fostering helps keep the dogs habituated to people and gives them a rest from the shelter.

Another dog, an Australian shepherd/coon hound cross named Valley, would also make a senior an excellent pet. Bennett describes her as very pretty and multicolored.

“She’s a sweetheart of a dog, very mellow,” he said. “That’s probably what people like best. The senior dogs tend to be mellow. They’re not going to knock over your cup of coffee or TV tray.”

 For those looking for a small dog, a 12-year-old miniature poodle named Button fits the bill. Bennett said he’s not only a nice dog but he doesn’t shed.

“There’s never a better time to adopt a senior pet,” he said. “We’ve just got this going for the month of November.”

People interested in more information may visit the shelter at 225 Cemetery Road in South Kalispell Tuesday through Friday from noon to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 11 to 4 p.m., or visit the website at www.flathead.mt.gov/animal. They may also call 752-1310.

Reporter Candace Chase may be reached at 758-4436 or by email at cchase@dailyinterlake.com.