We no longer have animals for adoption, except in rare cases. Nelson County Animal Shelter has many cats, kittens, dogs and puppies available for adoption. They also receive rabbits, guinea pigs and other small mammals. A completed application is needed to be considered for adoption.
Fees cover veterinary supplies and services, as follows: Feline Leukemia Test for cats and kittens, Heartworm test for dogs over the age of six months, spay/neuter surgery, treatment for fleas, ticks, and intestinal parasites, initial set of vaccinations, rabies vaccinations for animals 3 months and older, and a microchip. Fees also include a current license and tag for Nelson County residents.
TIPS FOR SENIORS ADOPTING PETS
by Jessica Brody
If you’re a senior considering adopting a pet in Bardstown, Kentucky, there are certain things you can do to make the transition easier for both you and your newfound best friend.
The Healing Power of Pets
Seniors are at an increased risk of experiencing depression. If you’re feeling distressed, your pet can often quickly pick up on it and offer comfort. In addition, pets have been shown to help alleviate stress and lower blood pressure.
Having nothing meaningful to do can result in the decline of cognitive ability. What better way to keep yourself active and busy than by adopting a pet? You’ll need to stay on top of feeding, grooming, and interacting with your adopted friend, which will help fill all those empty hours and keep your mind sharp and active. In addition, dog walking is a great way of keeping fit.
Choosing the Right Pet
After taking into account factors such as your physical well-being and the size of your accommodation, the following pets can all provide companionship and comfort when it’s needed:
- Cats: Ideal if you struggle with walking. Also shown to reduce stress and blood pressure. Cats can pose a tripping hazard so always be careful.
- Dogs: Not so big you’ll struggle to walk it and not so small you might trip over it. Dogs are ideal for seniors who like to keep active.
- Rabbits: They love to snuggle up on your lap and have their coats brushed. Your furry friend will thrive indoors and, like cats, can be trained to use a litter box.
- Birds: Take into consideration a bird’s lifespan before adopting one—some parrots can live for over 50 years. Avoid birds known as powder down birds if you suffer from allergies and respiratory conditions. An ideal bird for seniors is a parakeet.
All pets are curious by nature. Ensure any toxic cleaning products are locked away, and if you have a dog, crate training may be a good idea if you have to leave the house frequently.
Those Little Mishaps
Animals sometimes make messes. They’re more often than not minor mishaps that are easy to clean up, but some may require the attention of professionals, such as upholstery cleaners.
You can determine the reliability and professionalism of a company by reading online reviews from a trusted platform like Angi before getting a quote and hiring one. Insist on a couple of referrals from satisfied customers once you’ve narrowed it down, and avoid working with cleaners who use all-in-one cleaning tools.
The amount of vacuuming you do is likely to increase when you adopt a pet such as a dog or a cat. Investing in a robot vacuum can save you a lot of time and effort.
Pet-Friendly Features
If you’re moving, ensure your new home is pet-friendly before adopting. Are there parks nearby for daily walks? Have you noticed any poisonous plants in your yard? Consider installing a fence—if you don’t have one already—to keep your dog from wandering into your neighbor’s yard or escaping.
Comfort and Companionship
Pets offer companionship, help alleviate stress and depression, and are quick to provide comfort when you need it most. They really can offer a reason to get up in the morning.
To find out more about adopting an animal and which types of pets are available, visit the Humane Society of Nelson County today.