Types of Rescue Organisations

There are many hundreds of rescue organisations of varying sizes and types. The well-known larger ones, such as the RSPCA, are well resourced and have a number of centres all over the UK. However, the majority of organisations are small and run by volunteers. Some have housing facilities such as kennels, while many others rely on dedicated foster carers who are looking after the pet during the rehoming process. Some animals may even be with their current owners. Many of the smaller organisations are run to rescue animals of a particular breed or type.

Please always contact a rescue organisation before you intend to visit. Details of organisations registered with us can be found by clicking here. Please mention www.petsneedyou.org.uk when calling.

Cross or Pedigree?

We are sometimes approached by people looking for a particular breed of dog rescue or cat rescue. Many people have owned a specific breed before and may seek a similar pet when choosing to rescue. While there are rescue organisations specifically interested in a certain breed, they may be located in another area of the country from where you are based or relatively rare to find as a rescue. Please also consider the many thousands of crossbreed rescues out there who make up the majority of rescue cases.

We have owned Jack Russell terriers and Labradors before. When we lost our terrier called “Maggie”, we would have never of thought of rescuing a Rottweiler/German Shepherd cross. However, several months later Josh was meant to be ours and we have never looked back.

Can you get Rescue Puppies or Kittens?

Rescue dogs and cats looking for a home are primarily adults with the occasional puppy or kitten. If you have your heart set on a cute puppy or kitten, consider that an adult is likely to have been trained and more of a known quantity. This all helps the adoption process.

If it’s a Rescue, it must be a Problem Animal?

There are many reasons why an animal is offered for rehoming. On many occasions, the reason is a change in personal circumstances (for example, divorce) or something simple like an allergy. On many others, the pet itself may be the reason (behavioural problems like chewing or running away). Some owners find that some pets are incompatible with new babies or small children. In most cases, the problem is known to the rescue organisation you are adopting through. If necessary, never be afraid or shy to ask probing questions about an animal’s past and try to fully understand why the animal is up for adoption.

Costs of Rescuing

Rescuing an animal is a big commitment in many ways including financially. This often starts with a rescue organisation asking for a donation or contribution from you to help recover the costs involved in rehoming a rescue pet. These costs go beyond the obvious feeding and housing costs and often include payment for ID/chipping, neutering and occasionally medical costs.

Rehoming Process

Rescue organisations take the rehoming process seriously. Your personal circumstances and home will be vetted to ensure compatibility with the animal you are interested in. Several factors will be considered including any pets you may already have and whether you have children. The rescue organisation may ask you to complete a questionnaire and visit your house to assess your circumstances. Please be prepared for this and do not view this as an invasion of your privacy.

 A rescue organisation will also be looking for commitment on your part. Owning an animal is a long-term prospect (for example, some small dogs can live for over 15 years). Rescue dogs, in particular, should not be left alone for long periods on a regular basis and will require daily exercise and mental stimulation. Unfortunately, medical expenses can be significant for some animals. We would recommend insuring a pet as early as possible.

Once you have adopted the animal, rescue organisations are normally willing to offer advice on an ongoing basis should you encounter any problems. Some may even insist on a post adoption home visit to ensure things are going smoothly. Occasionally, a pet adoption does not work out despite the best efforts of everyone concerned. If you find yourself in this position, most rescue organisations ask you to return the animal rather than trying to rehome it yourself.

Rescue Pets and Children

Many families decide to purchase or rescue a pet when they have young children. This is not a bad thing in itself. However, some animals or breeds do not get on well with small children. Some children grow up and lose interest in helping to look after or walk the animal. Seek advice from the rescue organisation and be prepared to exercise and look after the pet when the children grow up and even leave home.

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