Page 18 2026 Animal Stories Lincoln Daily News February 2026 Adopting a senior or special needs pet Looking to adopt? A senior or special needs pet is a great option and there is a growing need to find loving, adaptable, and secure homes for these animals all around the country. While national statistics are not always tracked specifically for these groups, many shelters report that senior and special needs pets make up a significant portion of their adoptable animals. Unfortunately, senior, and special needs pets are often overlooked by potential adopters, leading to a higher number of these animals waiting for new homes. By choosing to adopt one of these deserving pets, you can make a significant difference in their quality of life and help reduce the number of overlooked animals in shelters. There are many reasons why so many senior or special needs pets end up in shelters or rescue organizations. Sometimes, owners face unexpected life changes such as illness, relocation, or financial hardship, making it difficult to continue caring for their pets as they age or develop medical needs. In other cases, pets may outlive their owners, or families might not be prepared for the additional time, cost, or commitment required to manage chronic conditions or age-related issues. Additionally, some pets develop special needs due to accidents, genetic conditions, or untreated medical problems, and are subsequently surrendered when their care becomes too complex or expensive. What is considered a ‘senior’ pet? A senior pet is generally considered to be an animal that has reached the later stages of its natural lifespan, though the exact age can vary depending on the species and breed. For many dogs and cats, pets are often classified as seniors around seven years of age, but larger
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