Bringing home a rescue pet can be one of the most rewarding decisions you’ll ever make, but adoption is about more than choosing a cute face. Here’s what to know before you head to the shelter and bring your new best friend home.

1. Be mindful of the staff: The staff at welfare are very busy and deal with a lot of people every day. Remember that often they are animal-people, not people-people. And most of their emotional output is probably already spent on the animals, as they see a lot of sadness and neglect. 

2. Get the animal that suits your family: Staff members will often have their favourite animals and will obviously want them to be adopted first. But this animal might not be right for your family. Choose what suits you as this is a lifelong commitment and no one wants an adoption failure. If your perfect fur family member isn’t jumping out at you don’t feel obliged to take any old one, the right one is out there. Take your time and get the right pet.

3. Try to stay clear of the sickly animals: This might seem harsh but people often get attracted to them because they think no one else will adopt them or because they are just different. This is not how your decision process should go. You really need to take the animal that suits your family. Sickly animals can be very costly and emotionally draining. Not only do you need to have the finances to bear this burden but the emotional strength too.

4. Give your new pet time: Don’t expect them to be perfect from day one. Their true colours only shine through in a minimum of three months. Be prepared for accidents in the house. Many of these animals are unsure and nervous. Most often they have never even been indoors. Give them time to adjust. A poo or wee indoors may happen a few times, but this definitely doesn’t mean it will last forever. They just need time to learn what you want, and what is right and wrong. Remember they have come from a stressful environment and need time to adjust. Love and patience is key.

5. Socialise slowly: They won’t necessarily be socialised and like all other dogs. Rescue dogs might have had to fend for themselves and fight for food. Other dogs may be a threat to them. This becomes even truer when they are used to and love their new human. They might not want to share you. Be patient and get help. All dogs benefit from dog training and there are brilliant teachers out there.

6. Give them confidence: They might be scared as everything they are used to has changed. Don’t mollycoddle rescue dogs but be kind and understanding. Teach them what you expect from them and how to be confident. And again if you are struggling, get professional help.

7. It doesn’t always work out:  If you have adopted a pet and the situation is really not working out, rather than you and the pet suffer, be proactive and take the pet back to the welfare. There may be a better-suited home for that animal out there, just not with you. Remember that just because one adoption did not work out it doesn’t mean all rescue animals won’t work out. Every animal is unique, special and different. There are always options.

Content by Pet Heaven. 

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