Tips for when you wish to rescue a pet
Congratulations – so you have decided to share your life with a pet that needs you as much as you need it! You’ve made a great decision, as rescue pets make fabulous companions. But which pet, and how do you go about meeting your perfect match?
Your lifestyle. Does your usual routine suit a dog, cat or rabbit? Can you give your pet as much attention as its needs? If you want a companion that will sit on your lap, consider a cat or small dog. If you want to go for country walks, consider an active dog. If you don’t want to walk anywhere, then really you need a cat and if you don’t want your pet to live in your house, then consider a rabbit.
Your needs. Consider if your pet’s behaviour would prove problematic for you on a day to day basis. A small dog sometimes presents a trip hazard if you are wobbly on your feet, or a cat which has had a bad experience dogs or children won’t want to live with them.
Take advice. Ask people what kind of pet they could see you with – you may be surprised at the answers!
Money! We hate to talk cash, but consider carefully if you can afford a pet – what about vet bills, food and insurance costs. Make sure you can afford the expense of a pet, and they all have expense to some degree even small hamsters and rabbit! You don’t want to be putting off vet treatment or skimping on pet food, that would be too miserable for words so don’t take on your pet until you can pay for its upkeep without too much worry.
Research. Search the Internet for local pet charities which re-home, plus call your local vets (even if you don’t already have a pet) as their receptionist will doubtless be in the know. You could even ask people you know where they got their pet from.
Do you fit. Talk to charities to ask what their re-homing requirements are in terms of space, garden size and fencing, the location of your house to a road etc. If you don’t fit the requirements, have the grace to accept that the charity speaks from experience and their decision must be respected. You may find that you simply live out of a charity’s re-homing area.
Plan B. Find out if the charity will accept the pet back should you become seriously ill or find yourself in difficult circumstances. This will give you peace of mind that regardless of what happens to you, your pet is cared for. The charity will be reluctant to give you this option as an easy get-out clause for you but it will realise that if you are hospitalised or homeless then the pet does not need to become homeless and back in the situation it was in before.
Home visit. Arrange a home visit and discuss with the charity the animals they can feel would suit you. You may find it easier – and less heartbreaking – to get your home and you approved before you fall in love with a new pet. And take your time: it is better to take on the right pet than take on the wrong one simply as you can’t wait.
Allowances. Consider whether you can manage the history of the pet you rescue. An elderly cat won’t want to be moved again, and a dog with behaviour issues will need careful management. Can you commit to this and do you have the patience?
Be prepared. Once you have agreed the pet you are going to re-home, ask the charity’s advice as to what you need. You may think it is obvious as to what you need, but they may have thought of something you haven’t and they would appreciate your willingness to communicate.
Donations. Charities re-homing animals do not sell them to you, and in some instances legally the pet will remain theirs anyway. But even though the pet is not for sale, you will be encouraged or asked to give a donation. A minimum will be suggested but pay more if you can or promise to run a fundraising event to help. If you take on a rescue pet you may find that as well as falling in love with your new friend, you’ll form a bond with the charity itself. These charities need you and if it wasn’t for people like you they wouldn’t be able to help all their animals. By helping a rescue pet, you’re helping many others as well which is deeply rewarding.
