Battersea Dogs & cats Home are encouraging would-be pet owners to consider adopting a dog or cat from a rescue centre.
There are many benefits to adopting an animal from a rescue, including receiving expert advice and support, reassurance that your new pet has been fully medically and behaviourally assessed before heading home, and best of all, knowing that you are giving an animal a second chance to be loved.
The charity has highlighted ten reasons why Battersea dogs and cats can make the best pets:
We will help you find your best match
Battersea’s rehoming team will always aim to match a potential owner and any existing pets with a suitable new companion. Every dog and cat at Battersea has their own unique personality and needs and staff will make sure these match with new owners.
Dogs and cats of every size
On average Battersea will take in nine dogs and seven cats every day across their three centres in London, Windsor and Kent. As a result, there are always a wide range of dogs and cats of all shapes, sizes, ages and breeds, from tiny kittens to retired Greyhounds, gentle giant Maine Coons to bouncy young Spaniels.
Happy healthy pets
All Battersea animals receive veterinary checks prior to going to their new home including worming, flea treatment and vaccinations. Not only that, but owners can bring their new pet to Battersea’s on-site Clinic for free treatment for conditions relating to their stay for up to three months after going home.
Know your pet
All Battersea animals receive a detailed behaviour and temperament assessment before they are ready to be adopted. Our behaviourists are highly experienced and knowledgeable about specific breed traits, giving new owners complete peace of mind. Battersea’s experts are only an email or phone call away, offering support and advice whenever you may need it.
Battersea and beyond
Former Battersea animals have gone on to live with lovely new owners based all over the UK and beyond. Anyone can register to adopt a Battersea dog or cat regardless of your address. However, everyone will need to be able to travel to one of the three rescue centres to meet their potential new pet. The most important thing is making sure each dog and cat is matched with the right owner wherever that home may be.
Supporting the work of charities
Battersea champions and supports all vulnerable dogs and cats is determined to crate lasting change for animals in our society. Last year alone, Battersea helped almost 7,000 dogs and cats.
Making a stand against puppy farm
By choosing to adopt a pet from a rescue instead of buying one online, you are not risking in advertently supporting the cruel puppy farming industry. It can be tempting to t opt for the quick fix and buy a puppy from a website or via social media, but it is often impossible to tell what conditions this young animal has really come from and whether you are actually getting what you are being sold.
Starter kits and savings
To rehome an animal from Battersea, the fee is £135 for dogs, £165 for puppies (under six months), £75 for cats, £85 for kittens (under six months). The cost includes a full veterinary and behavioural assessment, microchipping, initial vaccinations, a collar, identification tag and lead. Your dog or cat will also have been neutered or have an appointment arranged to do so. These costs represent a significant saving on the fees you could pay should you buy a pet from elsewhere.
Each rehomed pet will also be covered for four weeks’ free Petplan insurance so hat right from the start your dog or cat will be covered for accidents and new illnesses as they settle into their new surroundings.
Part of the family
By welcoming a rescue dog or cat in to your life, you will bring lots of extra love in to your home. Many people consider their pets to be another member of the family or their best friend.
Second chances
All of the wonderful dogs and cats at Battersea are hoping for a second chance at finding a loving home. By adopting a rescue animal, you are helping to restore an animal’s faith in humans and showing them the love and kindness that they truly deserve.
To find out more about adopting from Battersea, you can visit www.battersea.org.uk.
