So You Want To Adopt?

Why do you want a pet?
It is amazing how many people fail to ask themselves this simple question before they get a pet. It often ‘seems a good idea at the time’. Sometimes it is to stop the kids from going on and on about wanting a kitten or a puppy. Sometimes it is peer pressure. Sometimes it is because it is the right thing for you to commit to another living being, to be their protector, carer, or provider for the next, possibly 10 – 15 years. If the latter is you, please read on…..

• Do you have time for a pet?
  The biggest commitment any animal needs is your time. They require food, water, exercise, care and companionship every day of every year. To a large extent, you will have to fit in with their needs, not let them fit in with yours. Things that need to be considered are –
• Do you work?
  Will the pet be left for long periods (initially they might not be able to be left at all, and any separation will need to be built up gradually)?
• Can you afford a pet?
  The costs of pet ownership can be quite high. Food, insurance, vet bills, toys, beds, cat litter and training courses, over the length of their lifetime, can add up to a tidy sum. Also, consider if you can afford to care for the animal properly if your circumstances change.
• Is it a good time for you to adopt a pet?
  If you have kids under six years old, for instance, you might consider waiting a few years before you adopt a companion. It is rarely a good idea for pets to live with children unless they are mature enough to be responsible and are taught how to interact with animals.
• Can you have a pet where you live?
  Landlords sometimes do not allow pets. ANY accommodation needs to be suitable, if there is a garden it may need a high fence, if there is no garden/yard or it isn’t secure, the pet may need more toilet walks. A cat might need to live entirely indoors.
• Are your living arrangements suitable for the animal you have in mind?
  Animal size is not the only variable to think about here. For example, some small dogs such as terriers are very active- they require a great deal of exercise to be calm and often bark at any noise. On the other hand, some big dogs are laid back and content to lie on a couch all day, sometimes it is totally the opposite way round. Before adopting a pet, do some research! That way, you will ensure you choose an animal that will fit into your lifestyle and your living arrangements. Be prepared to keep an open mind.
• Are you prepared to deal with special challenges that a pet can bring?
  Fleas, ticks, coat maintenance, damage to house or furniture, toileting accidents, alternative care if you go on holiday, etc. A not uncommon challenge that rescue animals can bring is mistrust of strangers or ‘guarding’ of the home/family and sometimes, sadly difficulty accepting other pets. Rescued pets (especially those that have been fending for themselves) may always need to be walked on the lead, they may also be super reactive to some triggers (Fireworks for one).
• Do you know who will care for your pet if you go away?
  Do you have either reliable family or friends or can afford to pay for a boarding kennel or pet-sitting service if you go on holiday or are sick?
• Will you be a responsible pet owner?
  Animals adopted through us will (With the odd extremely rare exception) come to you sterilised and fully vaccinated in accordance with your country’s regulations at the time. It is up to you to keep those vaccinations up to date to protect your pet. It is up to you to comply with regulations regarding tags, leashes, etc.
• It is up to you to provide your pet with the love, companionship, exercise, training, healthy diet, and regular veterinary care it needs to be a happy healthy companion.
• Finally, are you prepared to keep and care for the pet for his or her entire lifetime?
  When you adopt a pet, you are committing to care for the animal for his or her lifetime. It is not a decision to be taken lightly.
• As part of your adoption agreement, Rescue Back up (RBU) will be provided for exceptional circumstances, this is our commitment to the pets as responsible organisations.