A happy brown dog sits outdoors in the sun with its mouth wide open and tongue hanging out, looking up at the camera with a joyful expression. The dog is wearing a black collar and leash.

As the holidays draw near, our hearts turn to gratitude, family, and home. But for too many senior pets at the Jacksonville Humane Society, the season looks a little different — filled with uncertainty, stress, and longing for a soft place to fall.

Imagine the confusion of a gentle, gray-muzzled dog or cat suddenly finding themselves in a noisy shelter, watching families come and go, hoping for someone to stop, notice, and say “Let’s go home.”

This Thanksgiving, we invite you to open your heart — and maybe your home — to a senior pet in need. Because the love and gratitude you’ll receive in return truly is the greatest gift of all.

Why Adopt a Senior Pet?

A brown and black tabby cat with white paws and a white nose lies on a newspaper, looking up with wide, expressive eyes.

While puppies and kittens are undeniably adorable, senior pets often bring something even more special — a calm, steady companionship that fits perfectly into so many homes and lifestyles. Here are just a few reasons to consider adopting a senior pet this holiday season:

  • What you see is what you get. Senior pets already have their personalities, quirks, and routines, so there are fewer surprises down the road.

  • They’re often already trained. Many older pets come house-trained, leash-trained, and well-mannered, ready to fit right into your life.

  • They have hearts full of gratitude. There’s a special kind of love that comes from a pet who’s been given a second chance — it’s deep, loyal, and forever thankful.

They’re calmer companions. Senior pets usually have lower energy levels, making them ideal for families, empty-nesters, or anyone looking for a quieter kind of love.

Meet the Senior Stars at JHS

Close-up of a small white, black, and brown dog with a pink nose, looking directly at the viewer.

Right now, there are several senior dogs and cats at the Jacksonville Humane Society waiting for a home to call their own — including Finn, DeeDee, Phillis, Duncan, Nezzi, Lunar Eclipse, Keecat, Beezus, Smudge, and Valentino.

You can view their profiles and see all available pets in real time here:
 🐶 View Dogs for Adoption
 🐱 View Cats for Adoption

If you see a face that steals your heart, visit 8464 Beach Blvd. to meet with an Adoption Counselor. Walk-in adoptions are encouraged!
 🕓 Weekdays: 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.
 🕓 Weekends: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Keeping Senior Pets Comfortable at Home

A close-up shot shows a grey tabby cat with green eyes peeking out from a light blue towel. The cat's ears are perked up, and its expression appears slightly wary.

At 9 to 5 Pets, we have a special place in our hearts for senior pets. We know how important comfort, familiarity, and routine are — especially as pets age. That’s why our in-home professional pet care services are such a wonderful option for families with senior pets.

Boarding facilities can be stressful for older pets, but with our team, your furry family member gets to stay right where they feel safest — at home — surrounded by their favorite smells, sights, and snuggly spots. Whether you’re traveling for the holidays or just need an extra helping hand, we’re here to ensure your senior pet feels loved, secure, and cared for like one of our own.

This Thanksgiving, Give the Gift of Home

An elderly, scruffy gray dog with wiry fur stands on a veterinary exam table while a gloved hand gently supports its side. The dog looks toward the camera with wide, dark eyes.

There’s no better time than now to make a difference in the life of a senior pet. Open your heart, open your home — and discover just how much love an older pet has to give.

Because sometimes, the greatest blessings come wrapped in gray whiskers and wagging tails. ❤️