Birdhouse Publishing and I advise that animal rescue organizations or groups offer you a great place to get your next family pet. These groups are all different, but they do have common goals. They work hard to locate a permanent loving home for unwanted, abused or misplaced pets. Many of these rescue groups rely on volunteers and donations to care for these pets while they are between homes.
When you begin looking for a rescue group to work with, you will find that most of these groups rely on their hard working volunteers and support from the local community to operate. You will also find a wide variety of animals available through these rescue groups. Some rescue groups are dedicated to the rescue of a specific type of animal, however, many of these groups handle all types of animals and you will find kittens, puppies, and even older pets available for adoption. You might be surprised to learn that some groups even offer exotic pets such as reptiles, pot bellied pigs, ferrets and even guinea pigs. Some groups specialize in rescuing racehorses and greyhounds who have been injured or who have reached the end of their racing days.
As you begin looking at pets available through rescue groups, keep in mind that many of these animals have had very hard lives. You may find a dog that was abused by its owner. You may find a female cat that has just given birth and her owner no longer wants her. Owners have relinquished many of the animals offered by rescue groups because they can no longer care for them. In addition, some of these groups take animals that live in kill shelters or as strays living on the streets. Some groups also offer spay and neuter release programs for feral cats.
Rescue groups do a good job of screening animals before adopting them out to new homes. They also screen potential pet owners. If you find a pet offered through a pet rescue group, you will be asked to sign a contract saying that you agree to care for the pet long term. You will also be asked several questions about your home, your children and other pets you may have. This is not to be nosey—it is simply to help match an owner with the right pet. If the animal suffers from a medical condition, such as diabetes, the new owners know this up front before adopting. Having the animal’s health history at the time of adoption helps the animal find a permanent home.
You can gain a lot of personal satisfaction by adopting your next pet through an animal rescue organization. You know you have done something to help and your new pet will show its appreciation. If you are interested in adopting through one of the many rescue organizations, it is easy to find one in your area. Your veterinarian can give you the contact information for organizations near you. Most of the time, these pets are kept in private homes (foster homes) until they are adopted. This gives the animal time to be socialized with other pets, or children and time to get used to living in a home. Sometimes, animal rescue groups will bring their animals that need homes to pet stores or other locations for interested people to see and meet these animals on certain weekends.
When you choose a pet in a rescue program, be prepared to go through an interview and application process. Adoption fees vary with each organization, but you can expect to pay $100-$200 or more for a rescued animal. These groups do not make a profit. These fees cover the cost of the animal while it was in the care of the organization. This adoption fee usually covers vaccinations, medical exams, spaying and neutering.
Getting your next pet through an animal rescue organization is a responsible way to get your next family member. You can also find many volunteer opportunities through these organizations.
Until next time,
Teia
PS. These groups provide an invaluable service to the communities they are located in. If you see the pictures of some of the animals they have rescued, it is heart breaking. It also makes you wonder if the human race really is civilized or if it is just a thin veneer covering a vicious nature.
