Making the decision to get a companion animal is such an exciting experience. There couldn’t be anything better than opening up your home – and your heart – to a furry friend, who becomes a member of the family in their own right. During this time, it’s hugely important to do your research to ensure you find the right type of animal and breed to suit your lifestyle. One option, and a very worthwhile one at that, is to adopt, as sadly homelessness isn’t a problem that’s unique to humans. On average, Battersea Dogs and Cats Home (battersea.org.uk) take in an average of 13 dogs and nine cats every day – which means a lot of animals without a place of their own. Over the next pages we have everything you need to know about how and why to adopt an animal.
Taking the first steps
If you’re considering adopting an animal, what happens next? Kristiana Shirley, a vet nurse from People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA, pdsa.org.uk) explains how to start the process.
• Do some research
Worryingly, our 2018 PDSA PAW Report found that 5.2 million people undertook no research at all before taking on their companion animal. You should consider if your favourite breed is right for you, and whether you can meet their welfare needs. These include your home environment, if you have the time needed for regular, daily walks and the other costs involved in providing all your animal’s essential care.
• Seek out a reputable charity or shelter
Good rehoming charities such as Dogs Trust, RSPCA, Blue Cross, Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, Cats Protection, Blue Cross and Wood Green, The Animals Charity – are likely to have creatures of all types, breeds, ages and sizes, and will be able to help you find your perfect match. Reputable centres will have rigorous adoption processes in place, so they will be able to ensure that you are paired carefully. There are also lots of smaller rescue centres and sanctuaries around the UK. While committed, well-intentioned people mostly run them, try to check the standards of their rehoming process, and the shelter living conditions before buying or rehoming an animal.
• Consider the costs
Rehoming can sometimes be the most cost-effective way of taking on a new furry friend. Many companion animals bought from breeders can come with a hefty price tag, but good adoption centres will neuter, microchip and vaccinate dogs and cats as part of the adoption process, and absorb a lot of that cost for you.