New England Regional Companion Animal Shelter

Misconceptions About Adopting a Rescue Pet - Pets

2012-02-01T08:49:00.002+11:00

Misconceptions About Adopting a Rescue Pet

One of the most rewarding things in life is adopting a rescue pet and giving it a second chance at a forever home.

But there’s often a misconception about adoption animals – they must’ve been surrendered because of behavioural problems or they didn’t respond to training. The truth is, any change in circumstances can sadly see a dog or cat end up in a rescue centre:

The owners have a baby and their priorities change.
The owners move houses or into an apartment without space for pets.
Sadly, owners may pass away or move into a retirement village.
The owners can no longer afford to care for their pet.
Most commonly, the owner has not given careful consideration to the time, expense and effort involved in keeping a pet.

Though rescue organisations do an amazing job rehousing animals, they’re not miracle workers – not all rescue pets come fully housetrained, well-mannered and eager to fetch your slippers! But, when you think about it, neither do puppies and kittens.

So before you shelve the idea of adoption, we address a few common misconceptions about rescue pets:

I don’t know where they came from – they’ve already got problems from their previous owners

Most rescue pets have been loved house pets in their previous lives and have been toilet trained, socialised and have basic manners.

You can’t teach an old dog new tricks

My dogs would tell you otherwise! Dogs are eternally forgiving creatures; it’s one of their finest qualities. In fact, most adult dogs are far easier to train as they have a much longer attention span than a rambunctious puppy. All dogs benefit from training, so find a class that suits your new dog’s age and ability.

We don’t know their health history

All rescue pets are vet checked, fully vaccinated, and have been desexed. If you buy a puppy, you’ll need to cover these expenses yourself.

I can’t find what I want at a rescue centre

The most important consideration when choosing a pet should be what pet would best suit my lifestyle? Every dog or puppy, cat or kitten is unique and rescue groups make it their job to match you with the perfect pet, regardless of breed.

But if you do have your heart set on a particular breed, there are breed-specific rescue groups for almost every breed in Australia and hundreds of purebred dogs find themselves in shelters looking for a new home every year. Keep in mind buying a particular breed doesn’t necessarily mean your pet will have textbook personality traits, so it’s worth keeping an open mind.

I really want a puppy or kitten

There are hundreds of puppies and kittens waiting for new homes in shelters and rescue groups every day.

Adoption pets are free

When adopting a rescue pet you’re required to pay an adoption fee. Ranging from around $50 to $500, adoption fees help animal rescue centres cover the cost of essentials like veterinary care, vaccinations and food. And remember, all rescue pets receive a full vet examination, are vaccinated, desexed and microchipped - all of which is covered by the adoption fee. If you buy a puppy or kitten from a pet shop, expect to pay for vaccinations, desexing and microchipping on top on top of the cost of the animal.

And what’s the best thing about choosing to adopt a pet? Not only do you get an amazing pet who suits your lifestyle, but you are saving a life.

From Trading Post

Jewel

2012-01-30T16:36:00.001+11:00

Jewel - female unknown mixed breed puppy

Jewel is a lively girl and looking for fun. It's likely that there is some Staffordshire Bull terrier in her mix. She will be medium to large size when and if she grows up. She has a very sweet nature, is outgoing and would love an active family, especially one with children to call her own.

Medical Notes

No known health issues.

Location

Jewel is located in Armidale, New South Wales.

More Information about Jewel

Adoption fee: $240
Desexed: Yes
Age: 11 weeks

Basic obedience training: No

Vaccinated: Yes

Wormed: Yes

Heartworm treated: No

Contact Information

If you'd like to find out more about Jewel, please contact:

Phill Evans at New England Regional Companion Animal Shelter

Phone: 02 6771 5498

Little Nipper

2012-01-30T16:36:00.000+11:00

Little Nipper - male jack russell terrier type mixed breed puppy

Don't tell him he is only a JRT mix though, he thinks he's a Great Dane. Nipper has all the fiestieness reknown in his terrier mix breeding. He's sound but will need an owner with an understanding of how dogs think to make sure that he fits into their family.

Medical Notes

No known health issues.

Location

Little Nipper is located in New South Wales, and can be rehomed interstate.

More Information about Little Nipper

Adoption fee: $240
Desexed: Yes
Age: 9 weeks
Basic obedience training: No
Vaccinated: Yes
Wormed: Yes
Heartworm treated: No

Contact Information

If you'd like to find out more about Little Nipper, please contact:
Phill Evans at New England Regional Companion Animal Shelter
Phone: 02 6771 5498

Parker

2012-01-28T15:38:00.000+11:00

UPDATE 1/2/12 Congratulations to Parker (now Chloe) who has found a new home locally here in Armidale.

Cherry

2012-01-27T16:18:00.000+11:00

Cherry - female aust. cattledog type mixed breed puppy

Cheeky little female red Cattledog puppy. Cherry loves a cuddle.

UPDATE 29/1/12 Cherry has found a new home in Sydney!!

Splash

2012-01-27T10:52:00.000+11:00

Splash - male koolie type mixed breed puppy

What a gorgeous little guy Splash is. Would be perfect for Agility or Obedience, working or other dog sports. Might even be a great pet!! Splash is happy and outgoing, loves people and other animals.

ADOPTED 28/1/12 - Splash has gone to a dog sport (agility) home in Tingha. He'll live with Squishy and Dusky who were both also adopted from the shelter.

Terrence Terrier

2012-01-19T17:18:00.001+11:00

Terrence Terrier (Terry) - small male maltese/ jack russell type dog

23/1 Terry has now found a home in Uralla with Sammy, a German Shepherd another rescue from the shelter from a couple of years ago.

Angel

2012-01-19T12:12:00.001+11:00

Angel - large female great dane type mixed breed dog

Angel was surrenderred to the the shelter by her previous owner. Whilst still only a baby, Angel is quite a size and will get bigger still. She loves people and had been living with another female dog.

ADOPTEDAngel now has a new home on a property at Bundarra!!!

Lucinda

2012-01-17T17:04:00.003+11:00

Lucy - small female toy poodle dog

Lucy is going to the Newcastle area to live with 1 year old Poodle mix - Rocco - another rescue dog.

31/1 Lucy has sent us a picture with her new friend Rocco.

Thumper

2011-11-24T15:04:00.017+11:00

THUMPER

Thumper found his new home in Armidale last August and his family came by last week to drop off some pic's of him with his 2 buddies. looks like a match made in heaven to me.