Coastal Humane Society and partner shelter Lincoln County Animal Shelter of Edgecomb is honoring senior pets all month long for National Senior Pet Month. Through the end of November, dogs and cats ages 8 and older will be free to adopt, and adult cats ages 1 to 7 will be 50 percent off.

The promotion is an effort to call attention to some of the shelters older animals looking for new homes.

“Older animals make truly great pets,” said Dr. Mandie Wehr, veterinarian and director of Shelter Operations for both organizations. “They are often overlooked when younger animals are on the adoption floor, but the truth is older dogs and cats make just as wonderful pets, if not better pets than young ones. They are easier pets to manage and require less of your time.  While an older dog still needs exercise, it’s not as much as say, a young German Shorthaired Pointer.”

Wehr also pointed out that older animals’ personalities have already developed as seniors so adopters have a better idea of if the pet they’re interested in will be a good fit with their family. They’re also more likely to have better household etiquette and have any bad behaviors addressed; and they understand the word “No.” Older dogs have already gone through their teething puppy stage so your shoes won’t be chewed up. They are calmer animals that will let you sleep through the night and give you more time to yourself.

Coastal Humane Society is open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, noon to 4 p.m., and open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.

The Lincoln County Animal Shelter is open Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, noon to 4 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from noon to 6 p.m.

See both shelters’ adoptable animals at coastalhumanesociety.org and lcasmaine.org.