50 Wholesome Rescue Pet Pics To Heal Your Soul (June Edition)

Approximately 6.3 million companion animals are up for adoption in the US every year. Not only does rescuing an abandoned pet mean giving them a second chance at life, but it also frees up the much-needed space in the shelter where organizations can actually help other animals in need. While saving more than one life is extremely fulfilling, this decision should not be something you take lightly.

To learn more about key factors people need to consider before giving a mistreated animal a new loving home, we reached out to UK-based clinical animal behaviorist Sally Chamberlain, who specializes in cats. The founder of Karma Paws Pet Care and author of Power Of The Purr explained that providing a forever home to a pet is a huge commitment.

According to her, potential adopters need to ask themselves if they can offer these animals the time, money, commitment, and knowledge of the species they’re adopting to help them get used to their new environment. "Just like any other kind of commitment, they will need to take the rough with the smooth," she added. After all, our four-legged friends can become ill and need medical care. "They also have constant needs that have to be met on a regular basis, such as a reliable routine, food, water, flea and worm treatments, grooming, a safe place to sleep and enrichment such as play and going for a walk, amongst many other things."

Another factor to consider is whether that animal will be suited to live in a domestic home, especially a busy one with other pets and young children. "Sensitive and nervous animals may not cope with this lifestyle," Chamberlain added. "Also, animals can also experience behavior problems. When they start aging, their behavior may change and they become more susceptible to disease and require more regular veterinary check-ups. Giving a forever home to a pet can be very rewarding but there is also the emotional factor to consider because not many animals will outlive us and we have to be prepared to make difficult decisions towards the end of their lives. The welfare of the animal always needs to come first."

Still, Chamberlain pointed out that giving a new life to a neglected pet is a wonderful thing to do — "animals can give us so much love." But preparing to take in a new companion is far from an easy task. There are many potential pitfalls with pet ownership people may fail to anticipate. Luckily for us, they can be avoided with research that helps us ensure we become suitable parents to the pets we choose.

"Specific things to focus on are understanding why that particular pet was rescued and how their needs can now be met so that they can flourish and enjoy life again," the animal behaviorist told us. "This may mean giving them space when they first come home so that they can settle in and get used to their new living environment without too much human interaction. If they have any medical or behavioral problems, it is essential to get support for these through the vets or rescue organization. Whilst it’s important to remember any issues the pet may have because of the situation they have come from, it is also important to focus on the future and give them everything they need to start over again."

When considering rescuing a pet, Chamberlain strongly advised against looking on social media or shady websites. Instead, she recommended doing proper research and having a support network from a reputable animal rescue charity. The professionals who work there can help people navigate the process and make sure they can offer these animals a good home.

"This will minimize the risk of taking on a sick animal or one with behavioral problems that are difficult to live with. A reputable charity will have obtained as much background information about the animal as they can and will also carry out an interview with potential adopters to ensure they can offer a suitable home for that particular animal and are ready for the commitment," Chamberlain explained.

Moreover, reliable shelters will offer post-adoption support, "especially if the animal has a known medical or behavioral problem." She added that some charities provide the opportunity for people to foster pets with a view to eventually adopting them. "[This] often leads to a successful adoption, but if things don't work out, the animal still has a good chance of being adopted into a different loving home."

The animal behaviorist noted that in the UK, the main animal rescue charities are the RSPCA, Blue Cross, Cats Protection, and Dogs Trust. In the USA, the leading organization is the ASPCA (American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). Plus, you can look into the credible local charities in your area where dozens of pets are looking for a new home.