Advice On Adopting Or Rehoming A Pet

Take care when choosing your new companion. It is your responsibility to ensure that the animal you select is healthy. It is useful to have a questionnaire with you so that you remember to ask everything you need to know, such as relevant medical and vaccination history, temperament, its usual routine, where it lives, what type of food it is on, how it gets on with other pets. It is always advisable to have the pet chedked by a Veterinary Surgeon.

Always introduce your newly adopted pet slowly and carefully to any pets you may already have. It will take time and patience for your new pet to settle in to its new surroundings and to get used to your way of life.

If you are thinking of taking on a pet that you have no experience with, do read up about it and if possible find someone with that type of pet that you can talk to.

Don't forget that horses and ponies need a lot of time and commitment with adequate stabling and grazing. They will require a valid passport. It is sensible to have a Veterinary Inspection on the horse or pony you are adopting and ask for a trial period before fully committing yourself to the adoption.

If you are thinking of adopting a farm animal, such as a goat or pig, remember that farm animals are subject to strict regulations and it is best to contact DEFRA for advice.

If you have to rehome a pet, when contacting a prospective adopter for the first time, have a few questions ready so that you can get an idea of the new home and how your pet will be kept. Remember, you have a right to screen people wanting to adopt your pet and to choose the home you think will be the best for your pet.

Once you have chosen a prospective family that you feel happy with, arrange for them to see your pet and for you to see their home. It might be a good idea to have your questionnaire with you so that you don't forget to ask something which may be important to the welfare of your pet.

It is advisable not to hand over your pet until you have seen their living arrangements. If all goes well, ask the adopter to fill in a pet adoption form. If you have any concernes at all, discuss them and if you decide not to hand over your pet, don't be afraid to say so.

Do ask the adopting family to contact you in the first instance if the adoption doesn't work out. You can then have the option of taking the pet back, helping with the problem or finding an alternative home.

It is recommended you have your companion pet neutered so that he or she cannot be abused by an unscrupulous breeder. Animals such as dogs, cats rabbits and rodents are vulnerable as they breed very easily and some people will use them just for breeding thinking they can earn a few pounds from them. If your pet has been microchipped, which is always advisable, don't forget that owners details will need to be changed.