Adopting a rescue pet plays an important role in advancing animal welfare. Rescue centers are full of unwanted animals, and it’s a growing problem. Some unscrupulous breeders add to the issue; by unethically breeding cats and dogs for profit with no regard for the consequences.
Providing a home for a rescue pet is a fantastic thing to do, and you will soon find that you can’t imagine life without your new furry companion. There are a few factors to bear in mind, however, as you begin to welcome them into your family.
Take them to a vet
Depending on your pet’s past circumstances, they may need to have a once-over from a vet to make sure they’re in good health and fully up to date on all of their vaccinations. Most rescue centers will have done this for you already, but it’s still a good idea to get your pet registered with your local vet once they arrive in their new home.
Be patient
Some rescue pets will have come from a stressful environment in the past, and some may be the victims of abuse or neglect from past owners. This does not apply to all rescue pets, of course, but you should be ready to be more patient with a rescue pet than one you’ve raised yourself – they may be anxious. With time, space, and care, they will soon relax and realize that they are now in a safe environment with a human that loves them. It may not happen overnight, but be patient and your rescue pet will soon be happily settled in their new home.
Although you may encounter some behavioral problems at the start, you can rest assured that your new pet will not be dangerous – rescue centers carry out a number of expert checks to ensure that each pet is suited for their new home.
Consider training
To help this process, you may want to consider training your new pet – either at home yourself, or through a professional provider depending on your pet’s needs. Many rescue pets will not need training, of course, but you’ll be surprised at how effective it is at dealing with any behavioral issues that may arise.
Give them a dedicated space
To help your new pet really feel at home, consider creating a dedicated space for them. It may help them to know they have a safe space to retreat to as they continue to acclimatize to their new situation. This could be something as simple as their own bed in a dedicated corner of a quiet room, with their toys, food, and water bowl all in easy reach.
Consider neutering
If your pet hasn’t yet been neutered and is old enough for the new procedure (usually 6 months), then there are a variety of reasons to consider this. From a health perspective, neutering makes your pet less likely to pick up a range of potential ailments – from uterine cancer for females to testicular cancer for males. Neutering will also reduce potentially troublesome behavior – such as territorial marking or roaming in male animals, and behaviors associated with coming into heat for female animals.
As well as the health considerations, neutering will prevent any unwanted pregnancies. The last thing you want to do is add to the overpopulation problem and create more of a burden for stretched rescue centers.
Welcoming a rescue pet into your home is a wonderful experience. With these tips, your new pet will be sure to settle in and become a happy and healthy member of your family.