Your Pets Daily - Pet adoption

Brits reveal the best things about adopting a pet

Katie Court — Fri, 26 Jan 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Don't fall victim to pet adoption myths warns pet care experts

As the cost-of-living crisis hits the UK, pet adoption is on the brink of an epidemic. Shelters are experiencing huge pressures, with pet abandonment at its highest, pet adoption at its lowest and reduced funding.

The huge misconceptions about shelter pets and the adoption process are also adding increased pressure to an already turbulent situation, with 43 per cent of all adults believing that getting a pet from a shelter would be more work than buying one from a breeder. And 71 per cent think too many people dismiss the idea of pet adoption all without considering the process properly.

However, a study of 2,000 respondents, including 500 adults who have adopted a pet, showed that in reality, 74 per cent consider it to be one of their most rewarding achievements, and 83 per cent consider their pet to be part of the family.

The research, commissioned by the PEDIGREE® and WHISKAS® 'Adoption Mission' programme, whose mission is to end pet homelessness, revealed the best things about adopting a shelter pet. These include: changing the animal's life forever, making a new best friend, as well as learning to love and care for something other than yourself.

Nearly three quarters (72 per cent) claim the benefits that come from pet adoption far outweigh the challenges and misconceptions involved. While shelter pet owners also believe that their pets are more appreciative of your love, care and treats than non-shelter pets.

Despite the undeniable, heart-warming perks of adoption, the study found that 53 per cent of adults who have adopted a pet believe that there are a lot of myths and misconceptions around it.

Five top myths debunked from Pet Behaviourist at Mars Petcare's Waltham Petcare Science Institute,

Dr Tammie King:

Myth 1: Pets that need to be rehomed are 'broken' (35 per cent)

Tammie's tip - Be patient: "No pet comes as a ready-made perfect companion, regardless of whether you buy or adopt. Adopted animals have often experienced more changes in their lives so can be quite sensitive to disruption. But it's important that you take time to build a relationship of trust."

Myth 2: Pets are only in a shelter as they weren't good pets for someone else (32 per cent)

Tammie's tip - Behaviour can be modified. "Pets are given up for many reasons, from their owners losing jobs, cost of living, unwanted behaviour, families splitting up, moving abroad, downsizing. As with any new relationship, your adoptive pet may not show their true personality until 2 or 3 weeks after you've brought them home as it takes them time to settle. Be mindful of this and work with your new adopted pet to bring out their best side."

Myth 3: You don't know the medical history of pets that need rehoming (31 per cent)

Tammie's tip - Introduce a new diet slowly: "Often adopted animals from shelters come with part or full behavioural and medical history. Also, it's worth carefully considering their diet. It may seem like a little thing, but it can make a big difference to the settling in process. Ask the shelter what they have been fed previously and if they have any specific dietary requirements."

Myth 4: Pets in shelters are always badly behaved (31 per cent)

Tammie's tip - Be mindful of individuality: "Cats and dogs have species-specific needs and their own individual personalities. Be sure that you give your new pet the opportunity to express their natural behaviour. Ways to do this might include giving them mental stimulation through food-dispensing toys, scratching posts and training, and also physical exercise. Shelters are terrific sources of advice on pets' individual traits."

Myth 5: You don't know what you are getting with an adopted pet (31 per cent).

Tammie's tip - Establish a routine and ensure they have lots of positive experiences. "Where do they eat, sleep, go to the toilet? Be clear and consistent as this helps to set the pet up for success. It's important to encourage desirable behaviours, for example, toileting in the right place, chewing/scratching appropriate items, how to interact with people."

Owen Johns from the PEDIGREE® and WHISKAS® Adoption Mission' Programme1, which commissioned the research, said: "The Adoption Mission is an online platform which has been supporting shelters for over a year with training, food and expertise in order to help them rehome more animals. Adopting a pet not only gives deserving pets a new home to thrive in, they can also provide us with that much needed support to help put a smile on our faces.

''It's no secret that those who adopt a pet from a shelter reap the rewards both physically and emotionally. However, it can be a daunting process - but there are lots of resources to help guide you through the process. Adopting from a shelter is a win-win choice – you can add to your family and help a pet get a new start in life."

Andrea McClean, Rescue dog owner, TV presenter and Ambassador of Pedigree and Whiskas' 'The Adoption Mission Programme', which supports shelters across the UK, comments: "This research comes as no surprise, as I know from experience that adopted pets not only become your best friend, but they complete your family. Adopting my Teddy was one of my greatest achievements; he puts a smile on my face as soon as I get up in the morning until I go to bed.

"Adoption isn't necessarily the easiest route, but it's certainly the most rewarding. My family and I have loved every single second, and are honoured that we've been able to give Teddy the life he deserves. Adoption can seem like quite a daunting prospect to prospective pet owners, but I'd urge anyone to take a leap of faith and find their own best friend and companion."

Supporting Andrea's comments; 51 per cent of respondents would highly encourage others to adopt an animal, with 43 per cent believing it was much easier than anticipated, according to the OnePoll data.

Halita Obineche, Executive Director of the Association of Dogs and Cats Homes, comments: "It's heart-breaking to think of the thousands of dogs and cats in shelters just waiting for their forever-home, simply because of the misconceptions around shelter animals. It's important to remember that, with the right care and training, behavioural issues can be managed, modified and prevented. Thanks to The Adoption Mission, shelters have experts and behaviourists on standby to provide this support both within and beyond life in a shelter.

"Taking on a pet is a major life choice and requires time and research to ensure you are fully prepared for the responsibility. Many people have an overall rewarding experience from pet adoption, whether they're an experienced pet owner or simply making the step for the first time."

TOP 20 BEST THINGS ABOUT ADOPTING A PET FROM A SHELTER:

You've changed an animal's life forever
Saving an animal from a shelter is rewarding
Can save a pet from being put down
You make a new best friend
You're not encouraging breeding on puppy farms
They're more appreciative of your love, care and treats
They already have their vaccinations and are chipped and spayed already before coming home
You learn to love and care for something other than yourself
The shelter will match you with a pet that has similar needs to you
You can help an animal learn new things
It's cheaper – you only have to pay an adoption fee
They are already trained e.g., toilet trained, used to walking on a lead
They've been through a behaviour assessment so they can be matched to you
Adopting from a shelter helps your mental health
You can help a pet step out of their comfort zone
You end up learning things about yourself you didn't know
They have been child-tested so you understand their behaviour around children before adopting
You become part of a community of adopters
You can skip the juvenile troubles and have an adult pet
The ongoing support you receive from a shelter

For more information on pet adoption, and to find your nearest shelter, visit: https://www.uk.pedigree.com/pedigree-adoption-mission/find-a-local-rescue-centre

For more general information on how to improve pet wellbeing see: https://shine.waltham.com/ which has some great resources for new pet parents who have adopted a dog or cat.

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Almost 7,000 animals rehomed by the RSPCA in Devon in last decade

Tom Stone — Fri, 26 Jan 2024 08:00:00 +0000

The RSPCA has revealed that it has found loving new homes for almost 7,000 animals in a decade in Devon, with the remarkable rehoming feat revealed to mark its 200th birthday in 2024.

The charity has come a long way since 1824 - when founding members of the charity met in a coffee shop in London determined to change animals’ lives, creating the then SPCA and sparking an animal welfare movement that spread around the world.

Now - as the RSPCA enters its landmark 200th anniversary year - the charity wants to inspire a one million strong movement for animals, as the charity aims to "create a better world for every animal".

Today Devon is served by a team of RSPCA rescuers who save animals and investigate cruelty while also offering welfare advice and help to pet owners in need.

The county is also home to independent RSPCA branches -Devon and Plymouth and South West Devon - who rehabilitate and rehome rescued animals and help animals most in need in the area. These separately registered charities raise money locally to support the animal welfare work they do.

Many will have endured horrendous suffering but with the care of dedicated staff and volunteers they will be helped to recover before they are found loving homes.

The latest available figures show that in the ten years up until the end of 2022 new homes have been found for a staggering 6,658 animals in the county. Additionally they have helped pet owners in the county by providing:

10,737 neuters (to stop unwanted pregnancies and promote responsible ownership)
3,448 microchips - to help reunite lost pets with their owners

Nationally the charity has rehomed 405,839 pets in need of a new home since 2013 thanks to its network of 140 branches and animal centres across England and Wales - which equates to 111 animals every day.

Also during that time 615,000 animals have been patients at the charity’s hospitals for anything from life-saving operations to welfare treatments and a staggering 1.7 million vet treatments have been carried out.

Throughout their history local RSPCA teams have helped thousands more animals in the county and are determined to carry on their amazing work as the RSPCA marks a new chapter - at a time when animals are facing bigger challenges than ever with the cost–of-living crisis.

Animal neglect and abandonment is sadly at a three-year high. In 2023, the RSPCA received 72,050 reports about animal abandonment and neglect - higher than in 2022, 2021 and 2020.

Dermot Murphy, RSPCA inspectorate commissioner (pictured with a rescued cat), said:

“We have even more animals in need of help coming into our care - but at the same time rehoming has been declining sharply, meaning thousands fewer rescue pets are being adopted and our branches and centres are full to bursting.

“We are also faced with increased bills and less donations due to the cost of living crisis which is one of the biggest challenges facing animal welfare right now - and this economic hardship is continuing into our 200th anniversary year.

“But we are determined to rise to the challenge and help animals and pet owners who need us more than ever. That’s why we’re currently asking supporters to Join the Winter Rescue by donating to help our rescue teams reach the thousands of animals who desperately need them.

“Animals are now facing bigger challenges than ever as a result of factory farming, climate change, war and a cost of living crisis. In our 200th year we want to inspire one million people to join our movement to improve animals' lives.

“We’ve been changing industries, laws, minds, and animals' lives for 200 years. Together, there are actions, big and small, we can take to create a better world for every animal.”

To find out how you can join our million-strong movement for animals visit www.rspca.org.uk/200

The charity is also asking supporters to Join the Winter Rescue and make a donation to help rescue teams reach the thousands of animals who desperately need them. More information can be found on the RSPCA's 200th anniversary webpage: https://www.rspca.org.uk/whatwedo/whoweare/history

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Cat adoption numbers decrease as online buying rises

Your Pets Daily Editor — Wed, 12 Oct 2022 10:29:10 +0000

The UK cat market is showing an increasing trend towards buying cats over adopting, driven by a desire for a particular breed and convenience.

The proportion of bought cats purchased instead of adopted has increased by 12% in the last five years, according to Cats Protection's Cats and Their Stats Report 2022 which takes a unique and unrivalled look at the relationship between people and their pet cats.

The third report published by Cats Protection – the largest cat survey of its kind – also found the internet is becoming an increasingly popular place to buy cats, with 76% of those surveyed saying they'd bought their cats online in the past 12 months.

The report found that Facebook has become significantly more popular as a source for buying a cat (despite Cats Protection's Big Kitten Con campaign earlier this year which focused on the dangers of buying online) with over 200,000 cats bought via the platform in the last year.

Peter Shergold, Head of Field Operations at Cats Protection, said: "The CATS Report 2022 has shown a worrying uplift in the purchase of cats online. Of course, there are many responsible sellers out there but there are also unscrupulous ones who hide behind the anonymity of the internet to sell kittens that are far too young to have been taken from their mothers, or that are in poor health.

"However, there is some positive news. Following Cats Protection's Big Kitten Con campaign, Facebook responded saying that it has taken down a number of ads, and now has a full-screen alert when someone searches on the platform for a kitten to buy, informing the user of Facebook's rules."

Convenience and a desire for a specific cat or breed have been shown to be significant factors behind the increase in online cat buying.

Twenty-nine per cent of those surveyed said they chose to buy rather than adopt because it was the easiest or quickest way to get the cat they want.

"There is a clear necessity for rehoming charities to adapt their adoption process to encourage consumers to adopt instead of shopping for cats online." Peter continues, "the welfare of the cat is the most important thing, so we need to find ways to meet this need for convenience while protecting the cat. One way to do this could be direct homing where cats would be homed straight from the person giving up the cat to the adopter, with Cats Protection facilitating the process."

The CATS Report also uncovered a number of key cat welfare challenges in the years ahead:

Approximately 1.2 million cats remain unregistered with a vet, with almost a quarter (24%) of cat owners saying that cost was the biggest barrier to making vet visits as often as they would like.
Up to 3.2 million cats are not fully protected against diseases that are preventable with vaccination.
Less than two-thirds of owners are regularly protecting their cats against parasites such as fleas and worms.
Thirty per cent of all cat owners expressed significant concern over being able to afford bills and other living costs over the next 12 months due to price increases.

Peter said: "The UK is still very much a society of cat lovers, with more people estimated now than ever before to be enjoying the benefits of cat ownership. Cats Protection will continue to find ways in which the charity can help support cat ownership and ensure that as many cats as possible experience good welfare.

"For instance, we encourage anyone thinking of buying a kitten online to use the Kitten Checklist, which is available at www.cats.org.uk/buying-a-kitten and details everything you need to check to make sure you're buying a happy, healthy pet.

"Cats Protection also runs programmes across the UK where we can help people on limited incomes with the cost of microchipping and neutering their pet cats.

"Understanding the current challenges that cat owners face and recognising trends early is important to help charities, veterinary professionals and the wider pet industry provide the most appropriate support to cat owners."

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RSPCA campaigns for a change in the law to help the charity rehome neglected and abused animals

Your Pets Daily Editor — Wed, 05 May 2021 06:35:34 +0000

The RSPCA is calling for a new animal welfare law which will give animals involved in legal proceedings in the South West the chance to be rehomed much more quickly.

Currently, some neglected and abused pets which are rescued by the RSPCA as part of an investigation cannot be rehomed until the case itself has completed, which sadly means some animals can wait months and even years before finding their second chance.

As part of its Second Chances campaign, the charity is calling for a change in the law which would mean an animal’s future is no longer dependent on court proceedings. A new animal welfare law allowing the charity to rehome an animal following a two-month appeal process would mean the RSPCA can give those pets the forever home they deserve much more quickly rather than waiting for lengthy court cases to conclude.

In 2019, the RSPCA rehomed over 100 animals a day (39,000) - 7,024 in the South West - and around a quarter of these animals were in our care as a result of an investigation. The charity also spent £4.9m in costs for animals involved in prosecutions in 2019.

Shelley Phillips, Senior Campaigns Manager at the RSPCA, said: “Our animal care staff go to great lengths to make sure all the animals in our rescue centres get the care and attention they need and are treated as if they were their own pets but a rescue centre can never substitute the comfort and security of a permanent home with loving owners.

“We know that spending extended periods of time in kennels and temporary accommodation can impact an animal’s psychological welfare. This is particularly true for puppies which are at a critical stage of their development and we are seeing increasing numbers of puppies coming into our care as part of our investigation work.

“This is why we are urging the Governments in England and Wales to make a change in the law which would allow us to rehome a pet after two-months, similar to what has also been proposed in Scotland with the SSPCA.”

Kirsteen Campbell, chief executive of the Scottish SPCA, said: “The introduction of the Animals & Wildlife (Scotland) Act 2020 will be transformational for animal welfare in Scotland as it allows harsher penalties for those found guilty of the worst types of animal welfare offences, and for the ability to rehome animals seized on welfare grounds after three weeks.

“Seeing the tangible benefits this will bring for animal welfare in Scotland, we fully support the positive changes being championed by the RSPCA, our animal welfare partner doing great work in England and Wales. It would be fantastic to see the UK Government follow the Scottish Government’s lead in freeing up vital resources for the RSPCA at a time when they are needed as much as ever.”

Studies using dogs kennelled for a variety of reasons have shown that many animals find kennel life challenging and dogs can show considerable physiological and behavioural distress. Research has also found that for dogs neither bred nor raised in kennels the transition is especially stressful.

Dr Sam Gaines, dog welfare expert at the RSPCA, said: “Sadly, our welfare teams are frequently required to deal with behavioural problems in dogs due to spending long periods in kennels. Some dogs may show their frustration by barking or whining while others will hide away and despite the best efforts of our animal care staff this can have a long-term impact on their wellbeing. Some may even display repetitive or compulsive behaviours which require medication and behavioural treatment.

“The RSPCA goes to great lengths to provide a stable environment for all the pets in our care and work hard to rehabilitate those dogs who struggle with kennel life but we feel that these issues could often be avoided if the animals were rehomed much more quickly.”

Case study

A 13-year-old dog called Molly (below) was rescued by the RSPCA after she was covered in sores and scabs from a severe skin disease which had left her completely hairless. She came into RSPCA care in March 2020 and following the conclusion of her case, as well as some extensive treatment, she was available to rehome in January 2021 and adopted in Devon shortly afterwards.

Regional rehoming statistics

SOUTH WEST - 2019

County	Dog	Cat	Rabbit	Other
Berkshire	0	98	28	2
Bristol	153	229	24	117
Buckinghamshire	93	835	104	133
Cornwall	54	128	6	26
Devon	104	344	71	155
Dorset	64	244	49	209
Gloucestershire	116	155	5	0
Hampshire	196	419	50	206
Herefordshire	32	32	3	9
Isle of Wight	73	132	40	76
Oxfordshire	13	34	40	0
Somerset	455	976	43	163
Worcestershire	39	373	32	42

The RSPCA is asking animal lovers to take action and let the UK and Welsh Governments know that case animals deserve a happy ending. To support this campaign, visit: https://www.rspca.org.uk/getinvolved/campaign/animalrehoming

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RSPCA rescue pets can still find new homes in lockdown

Your Pets Daily Editor — Thu, 29 Apr 2021 17:34:56 +0000

The RSPCA will continue to rehome rescue animals on a delivery basis during the ongoing lockdowns in both England and Wales.

Pets including dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets and other small furry animals will remain available for adoption as RSPCA centres - now closed to the public - switch to a virtual rehoming and delivery process.

The animal welfare charity has 14 national animal centres across England and Wales - while many of its independent branches also have rehoming facilities switching to a remote process during the latest lockdown restrictions.

Prospective adopters can speak to RSPCA staff and meet animals via video conferencing and photo sharing - with pets then delivered by an RSPCA staff member once the level of commitment has been discussed, rehoming agreed, and a suitable pet found. However, the RSPCA continues to urge people to do their research and ensure they understand the long-term commitment of pet adoption; given "lockdown life is not forever".

Animals in the care of the animal welfare charity are often escaping cruelty or neglect - but can continue to find a second chance of forever home happiness during the current lockdown, with the charity utilising a Covid-secure, remote rehoming process.

England went back into a full national lockdown on January 5, while Wales has been under tier 4 national restrictions since December 20. However, abandoned, neglected and mistreated animals continue to come into the care of the RSPCA - so the charity say they are "delighted" to still be able to find homes for pets in a safe, Covid-compliant manner.

RSPCA chief executive Chris Sherwood said: "As the battle against Covid-19 continues, our centres will once again be closed to the public as we all do our bit to stop the spread of this awful disease.

“However, we are delighted that we will continue to be able to find new homes for animals via a safe and Covid-secure remote process.

“Prospective adopters can meet our knowledgeable and friendly centre staff via video call, and discuss whether adding a rescue pet to their household could be the right long-term decision. We know lockdown life is not forever, so it's so important people consider whether they are able to meet the needs of pets for the long term.

“There’s loads to think about - and we’d always urge people to do their research and understand the commitment they’re taking on. But if a new pet is right for both you and the animal - a rescue companion is an amazing, rewarding choice; and we'd urge anyone interested to check out our Find a Pet website to begin the rehoming journey.”

Little-and-large best friends Bridget and Princess are two canine companions at the RSPCA Solent Branch’s Stubbington Ark Animal Shelter, in Hampshire, hoping to find their forever home happiness. Bridget is a tall bull breed cross weighing in at 28kg (approx 4st 6lbs), while her best friend Princess troubles the scales far less - at only 12kg (approx 1st 12lb). However, despite their significant difference in size, they are very close and are looking for a home ideally together. The three-year-old dogs would like a new home without any other pets but could live with older, teenage children. They need plenty of attention and training, but would make wonderful companions and have lots of love to give.

Other pets looking for another chance of forever home happiness include young beagle crossbreed Bella, who is currently based at the RSPCA's Millbrook Animal Centre in Woking. Staff at the centre have had to work very hard with Bella - who was initially very scared, and under-socialised; having already lived in four separate homes by the time she was seven months of age. Bella therefore needs an owner who will patiently build up her trust - and provide plenty of time both to support her impressive agility, and provide her with mental stimulation. Her difficult start to life means RSPCA staff are looking for a very specific home for the one-year-old, and more information is available on the RSPCA's Find a Pet website.

Meanwhile, young cat Soot is a shy black and white cat - who will soon befriend anyone offering him treats! Soot - based at the Newport Animal Centre - came into the RSPCA's care with a number of other cats after his previous owner was unable to meet his needs; so will be hoping lockdown leads to a second chance of forever home happiness. She is one of more than 700 cats in the care of the RSPCA, and it is hoped Soot can kick off the new year with a fresh start in a new home.

Since lockdown started, on March 23, to December 31 the RSPCA’s Find a Pet section of the website had 39,835,657 views compared to 23,681,542 in the same period the previous year. This is a rise of 68 percent. The RSPCA fostering page had 470,933 visits in this period of 2020 - compared to 136,705 during the same period in 2019 - which is a staggering 244 percent increase.

RSPCA officers have remained on the frontline throughout the pandemic - responding to animal welfare emergencies and coming to the aid of rescue animals like these. Meanwhile, RSPCA animal centres have been adjusting to differing Covid-19 restrictions while finding new homes for animals in the charity's care.

Since the first lockdown was announced on March 23 2020, up to January 3 of this year, the charity's dedicated emergency line received 827,596 calls - highlighting that animal welfare problems have not stopped for coronavirus. Prior to Christmas, on 22 December, some 3,308 animals were in the RSPCA's care - including 1,239 at national animal centres.

Dermot Murphy - head of the RSPCA's rescue teams - added: “Our officers, rescue teams, animal centres and frontline staff have shown remarkable resilience during this most testing time.

“We are approaching 900,000 calls since the start of the pandemic - which is a stark reminder that animal cruelty did not stop for coronavirus.

“There’s also thousands of animals in our care - but our teams continue to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome in new ways to help as many animals as possible.

“We cannot do this without the help of our amazing supporters - and anyone wishing to donate to the RSPCA can do so online, while there’s also an abundance of advice on looking after pets during the pandemic on our website which we’re urging people to share.”

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