Adopting a Rescue Dog Or Cat: Things to Consider

Adopting a pet is one of the best, most fulfilling things you can do in your life, especially if the animal has been rescued from an abusive or destructive home life. However, it is also a significant lifestyle change, and there are many important things to consider before deciding to adopt a rescue dog or cat. Consider the following carefully before deciding to adopt a rescue animal.

Time and Lifestyle

Bringing a new pet into your life requires time. You will need to get a rescue animal used to your home, bond with them, train them and in some cases, even help them heal from the trauma of their previous home life. If you and your partner work full-time, and your children are at school, you may not have enough time during the week to spend with your rescue dog or cat. If you also travel during the holidays, a rescue animal may not be the best fit for you and your family.

Home Life

Is your home filled with other pets and children and a constant hive of activity and noise? It might not be the appropriate environment for a rescue dog or cat. Some rescue dogs and cats may be coming from an abusive or neglectful home life and need extra love, care and attention to settle into their new home and recover from their trauma. They require a quieter home life, where they can get all the attention and love they need and where they don’t have to fight for attention.

Do You Have Enough Space?

Dogs and cats need room to roam around and have their own space. If you live in a small apartment or a share house, it may not be the right place for a rescue animal.

Cost of a Rescue Animal

While rescue dogs and cats may not cost as much as buying directly from a breeder or pet store, they still come with a whole lot of expenses, including vet care, pet insurance, food, toys, and pet beds. Are you willing to spend lots of money on your rescue pet?

You Need Patience

It may take time for your rescue dog or cat to bond with you and feel comfortable around you. If you are looking for a dog or cat that instantly becomes comfortable and used to you, then a rescue dog or cat may not be the right animal for you. The key is patience and care. You need to earn your new pet’s trust and love one step at a time. Although it may take extra time, earning a rescue dog or cat’s trust and love is incredibly rewarding and worth all the effort.

Some Rescue Animals May Not Be the Right Fit

There is no guarantee that the first dog or cat you rescue will be the right fit for you and your family. Some rescue animals require special attention and care that a typical home may not be able to provide. If this is the case for you, do not feel disheartened. Just because you had one negative experience does not mean they will all be like that. Persevere and you will find the right rescue dog or cat for you.

Get Support and Additional Help

If this is your first time rescuing a pet, you may need some advice and help moving forward. There are reputable organisations and shelters available (RSPCA, Animal Welfare League, PetRescue and Hunter Animal Rescue) to help make the adoption process as easy and stress-free as possible for both you and your rescue pet.

Pet Insurance

Pets are prone to sickness and injury, just like humans, which is why it is essential to purchase pet insurance for peace of mind and to save money in the event of a health emergency.

Do Your Research Before You Adopt

Does the shelter or organisation you plan to adopt from have a good reputation? Read reviews, visit their website, and even pay them a personal visit to get a feel for the place and the people who work there. Do their animals look well-fed and cared for? Are the staff helpful and friendly? Don’t just adopt from the first place you come across. At Potiki, we understand how precious your pets are. We also know that the unexpected can happen at any time, resulting in extremely high vet fees. These unforeseen circumstances are why it is best to be prepared with pet insurance. Potiki offer our customers flexible covers with excess and extras to give you and your family peace of mind. Visit our website to obtain a quick quote and explore our various coverage options.

FAQ

Do I Need to Know About My Rescue Pet’s History?

Yes, to give your rescue dog or cat the best chance of a happy life, make sure you enquire about their health history and their prior home life.

Are Rescue Pets Desexed and Vaccinated Before Adoption?

Yes, most rescue shelters and organisations provide vaccinations, worming treatments, and desexing before animals are put up for adoption.

What is the Process of Adopting An Animal?

Preparation: Prepare your home for a new animal.

Visit animal shelters: Visit various animal rescue shelters and organisations to find the right pet for you.

Application: Once you have found a dog or cat you want to adopt, fill out the relevant application.

Wait for decision: Wait for the rescue shelter or organisation to contact you to see whether you’ll be able to adopt your chosen animal.

Meet your future pet: If your application is successful, you will be invited to meet your new dog or cat.

Home inspection: Some animal rescue organisations may require an inspection of your home to ensure that the dog or cat is being released to a suitable home.

Trial adoption: You may be required to have a trial adoption to see how things go before permanently adopting your pet.
Adoption is finalised: Pay the adoption fee and register your pet with your local council.

What Happens If the Adoption is Not Successful?

If the adoption of your rescue dog or cat is not working out as you had hoped, contact the rescue shelter or organisation you originally rescued the animal from. They will take the dog or cat back and find them a new home.

While this may be a tough decision to make, it gives your rescue dog or cat a chance at a better life and is a selfless thing to do.