Four of the Poppy and Pals Pet Care team – all rescues! We adopted a homeless pet, and this is why we think you should too!
In these tough economic times, pets of all types are for no fault of their own finding themselves homeless. Let’s discuss some of the reasons why adopting a pet in Maidstone could be a better option for you than buying one.
Save some money
It is hard to bring everything down to a financial issue, but the truth is a breeder bred animal is likely to cost a lot more money than one rescued. It is worth remembering that if money is an issue you need to consider whether you can afford the long-term commitment that comes with a pet but if you just want a companion to share your life with why spend upwards of £500? Of course, you still have to pay an adoption fee, but you can be sure that the money you pay is going to help another homeless animal and not into the pocket of someone breeding for their own financial gain.
Health checks
If you chose a reputable rescue they will do a lot to health-check, vaccinate, microchip and behaviour test their available animals. It is easy to pick an animal from a free-ad or litter, but if you are a new owner can you honestly say that you can choose the right temperament or breed for your circumstance? Or perhaps you are going into pet owning blindly?
Back-up
Owning a pet should be a life long commitment but sometimes things go wrong, and you may need help to rehabilitate a behaviour issue or even rehome your pet. Do you know what you would do in either of these situations? It can be a scary time if your pet develops temperament issues or if for example, you lose your job and can’t feed yourself let alone your beloved companion. If you chose a reputable rescue, it is highly likely they will offer life time back up for your pet and easy your own worries.
Save a life
‘Don’t breed or buy when others die’ does sound a little preachy but it is a fact that too many domesticated animals are being born, and many hundreds are euthanised each month due to lack of available homes. Don’t think this is a poorer area issue; it is a countrywide problem. For every litter on the free ad sites, it is estimated that a third won’t be in their original home within six months, this fraction goes up the older the dogs get and is dependent upon breed and size.
Rehomed Dexter and rescued Basil
Make yourself happy
Stroking a cat or dog is medically proven to reduce stress, release endorphins and bring down blood pressure. Can you really afford to wait before adopting your new companion?
Some rescue links that you may find helpful in your search for your new family member…
http://www.catchat.org/maidstone/cgibin/prtoc.cgi
http://www.cats.org.uk/maidstone
http://www.largebreeddogrescue.com/
http://www.lastchanceanimalrescue.co.uk/
