Thinking of adopting a senior dog? Here's what you need to know.

Unfortunately, the truth is that senior pet adoptions are not for everyone.

Despite these drawbacks, senior pets offer plenty more pluses than you might think:

They're Typically Trained
Older pets usually come fully trained, and their been-there-done-that attitude shows.

They're More Chill
Like their human counterparts, older pets are inclined to be mellower, require less exercise and are easier to handle, in general.

They're Gracious
Although adopters tend to worry about this, older pets can bond every bit as much as young pets

To make your senior adoption proceed as smoothly as possible, here’s what I recommend that potential owners always keep in mind:

Find the Right Rescue
Almost all shelters and rescue groups have senior pets available for adoption.

Brush Up on Senior Pet Issues
Consider researching the situations that you may face and the products that you may need.

Geriatric-Proof Your Home
After taking into consideration a pet’s health concerns — everything from vision and hearing loss to exercise intolerance and orthopedic problems — an older adoptee’s new home should be prepared for his arrival.

Consider Pet Insurance or a Pet Health Care Savings Plan
Geriatric pets may come with preexisting health issues. And even when they don’t, it’s likely that some are just beyond the horizon.

Enlist Your Veterinarian’s Help
Be sure to ask for a comprehensive physical examination and basic laboratory testing.

Here’s hoping that I've enticed at least a few of you to consider taking in some oldies, who remind us that every single day we spend with our pets is absolutely precious.

It may seem daunting, but adopting senior dog can really bring great joy to your home. Just like a puppy may need a lot of extra equipment to get him started, a senior dog can be just the same or even need a little less. They catch on a lot more quickly and can still give just as much love as the next puppy.

For more on adopting senior dogs, visit Vet Street.