Pet rehoming is an incredibly exciting time for new owners, their family and also for the pet. It is life changing. We want this process to be as smooth and stress free as it possibly can be, so let’s run through a few important indicators to consider.
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Selecting a pet which suits you, your family, and lifestyle is key
Describe your lifestyle to the rehoming centre in as much detail as possible so they are able to place a pet with you that they feel will match your needs, as well as you being able to meet their needs. They will ask what, specifically, you are looking for and also what you can offer. You will need to be very honest about the amount of spare time you have to exercise and entertain your pet.
Some pets need much more exercise than others, or have specific care needs
Of course, the rehoming centre will take that into consideration. A house inspection may need to be performed to ensure the space is safe and large enough. If pets are not stimulated correctly, they may develop behavioural problems which could make rehoming much more challenging. You should think about how much space you have in your home; as larger dogs with lots of energy undoubtedly need more space than smaller, calm pets like house cats. They could easily damage your home if the space is not adequate.
The breed of the pet you are planning to rehome is important
Although not all pets of the same breed will have the same temperament, it will give you a general idea of what to expect. Some breeds are predisposed to certain medical conditions which may become difficult to manage. If you are rehoming from a legitimate centre, they will be keen to gain and relay as much information as possible.
Thinking about the age of the pet you rehome is important
Older animals are often set in their ways. They have known personality traits and you generally have a better idea of the temperament of the pet you are adopting. Older animals are more likely to develop or acquire diseases and need medication. You may need to administer this medication at home.
Young animals may still be growing, so you need to be aware of their potential adult size. Younger animals often require training, meaning you may have some unwanted messes within your home, and undesirable habits to deal with. Their personalities and development are still changing, so you may be able to nurture them differently. There are pros and cons to getting different ages of pets, so it is worth debating.
Research your rehoming centre
We strongly recommend using reputable rescues rather than rehoming pets directly from owner to owner. This way, you can trust the medical history and trust the answers to your questions.
You should ensure you have spent as much time as possible with your pet prior to agreeing to rehoming them. Explore as many different scenarios as possible with your pet including, meeting new animals, encountering loud people and traffic for example. You will be able to analyse how the pet responds, giving you more information regarding their future nature. You need to know if there are any non-negotiable behaviour traits that could affect the success of the rehoming, for example, not being able to live with children or other animals if you already have them.
Be prepared for your new pet’s arrival
Ensure you have plenty of their usual food, as suddenly changing their food can cause stomach upsets. You should have water and food bowls ready, as well as bedding, leads, collars and harnesses. You should be aware of your pet’s medical history and whether they are microchipped and vaccinated. Ideally, obtaining their vaccination card, microchip number, previous medical history and pet passport, if they have one, is important. Many owners are looking to rehome their pet’s, but we strongly advise you to check local shelters or rescues.
Seek further advice from professionals
This means booking in for regular appointments at your veterinary practice, joining local groups and speaking to trainers. Staying in contact with the rehoming centre will also help, as they may be able to recommend further advice for things such as training plans, diet trials or share special offers with local veterinary practices. Speaking to professionals ensures you are always seeking the best advice and can continue to provide the best level of care possible. Staying in touch will help to open support opportunities.
Rehoming a dog or a cat is a privilege but it can be a long and rocky road to find the perfect companion. But by doing so, you’re giving them a second chance – so stick in there!
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