Is it true that I'm going to struggle to be accepted to adopt a rescue dog in my 60s? If so how do I get around this?

[NettieNat]

Next year I (experienced dog owner) will be ready to adopt a slightly older rescue dog. Cosy home and lovely life waiting for them. Trouble is I'm being told that 60+ folk are unlikely to be considered to adopt by most of the rescues. Don't really get this. Is there a way round it?

You're right! We're 67 and 69 and we adopted our 3rd dog from the same small charity rescue a year ago (dog was 5 at the time). Where are you roughly in the country? It might help posters to signpost you to rescues they recommend (although the one we support WILL allow adoptions, depending on the dog, to adopters from hundreds of miles away).

A couple of my friends in their seventies have recently adopted rescue dogs, having fostered before - both have what they call 'little old ladies': dogs who are 8+ themselves, who've lost their elderly owners, and are used to a slower pace of life. The rescue are happy to place older dogs with older owners, because it's less of a change for them. As PP suggest, the Cinnamon Trust might be a good place to contact, or a smaller local rescue?

My experience was different - I'm younger but work part time and use a dog walker three times a week. When I approached rehoming charities (large uk based ones) I was expecting to be told no as you hear so many negative things re rescues criteria and working. But I found them to be very pragmatic about it, they (rightly) wouldn't have rehomed me a pup but were very happy to let me have a middle aged dog who likes a walk and then a good nap. So my advice would be to go and talk to the rehoming charities. Good luck, my dog has been fabulous.

Are there any local greyhound rescue charities near you?
They're the sweetest dogs and make adorable pets as long as you keep your foot out of their pointy nosed range 😍

I'm in Birmingham

Greyhound Gap are in Stoke on Trent so not too far from Birmingham.
My dog is from there. They will match the dog to their perfect home. They rehomed an elderly dog with a lady in her 80s. Perfect match.

The dog my folks rescued is a greyhound. They don't need much exercise and will just slot in with your life.

I do Home visits for a dog charity and this wouldn't be an issue for me at all

I knew as soon as I hit 'post' that someone would be a real life example of the one I gave 😆

Yes, the blanket rules can rule out otherwise very suitable homes. I do think the way to go is with the smaller rescues where you get to talk to the head of the rescue about what you can offer a dog instead of a volunteer using a script.

Please don't lose hope OP, I lost my 12 year old dog this year, in my mid 60s and have now adopted an 18 month old from an independent rescue shelter. I agree with others that the smaller shelters may be more likely to look at requests on an individual basis and would look favourably on your application, especially as you are looking for an older dog, which I was too, but the dog I eventually adopted was struggling in a kennel environment and in the greatest need at the time. Good luck and best wishes to you and your future friend.

We volunteer foster for spaniel aid, they definitely accept fosterers and adopters over 60, particularly if you're willing to be realistic and apply for a slightly older dog

Wow. How can anyone promise that?

Adopt an older dog instead of a puppy.

Depending on circumstances, that may not be possible. If and when I need to replace my service dog, it must be trained from puppy-hood / a very young age. On the other hand my dog is one of the main beneficiaries in my will and arrangements are in place for him should I die first.

Equally nobody can swear that their life will continue or their circumstances not change for 15 years.

Spanish Griffon. Try them on Facebook. Great dogs..

My parents adopted a failed guide dog puppy in their late 60s. They were seen as ideal as they were at home all day, so the dog wasn't left alone. (Along with having previous dog experience and an enclosed garden, but the being retired was a really big thing, they're bred to be with people all day, so the charity is keen to echo that lifestyle when they become pets)

The next 15 years thing is ridiculous!

The breed-specific charity we got DDog from potentially wouldn’t let someone in their 60s adopt a bouncy youngster that would thrive doing agility, or needed a 3 mile walk every day. But they often have older dogs, and there are definitely other types of rescues that would - greyhounds and whippets come to mind, in fact I know a lady who has just turned 70 who adopted a grey a couple of years ago. They just want a sofa and someone who will agree with them that they are far too precious to go out in the rain!

The breed-specific charity we got DDog from potentially wouldn’t let someone in their 60s adopt a bouncy youngster that would thrive doing agility, or needed a 3 mile walk every day.

And again, that is putting rules above common-sense. They would do more justice to both adopter and dog to listen to circumstances, not rules. My 10 year old BC, who still thinks his age is counted in months, is walked 6 -12 miles a day (weather dependant - he isn't keen on heavy rain), and loves nothing more than playing frisbee. He has more toys and games than most children. His owner is 68 and severely disabled.

Not all 68 year old disabled adults want a sofa (although the rain thing is negotiable!)

Try Dogsblog website it’s a resource for smaller charities. Do make your own checks too on the rescues though . The charity I got my dog from hasn’t really got an age limit they match according to the dog’s needs.

If you’re fit and healthy, you’ve been misinformed.

If you’re not, you shouldn’t be trying to “get around it”.

I've just met my next door neighbours new rescue dog. The dog is 4 the neighbour is 81! Fit as a fiddle and have had 2 dogs over the last 30 years from puppy to the end of their lives. Their daughter who lives nearby is also a great dog lover. The owner was missing his early morning walks.

My friend has recently helped her mother get a resuce by signing something to say she'll take the dog if her mother can no longer have it. Mother is much older than 60 though.

Look at the cinnamon trust, they will take pets from those who die or go into care, they are not likely to be ageist - I’d hope.