Essex residents encouraged to adopt pets instead of buying them
The RSPCA are marking Adopt-ober this month to help rehome abandoned animals in their care
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty against Animals are encouraging those who are considering getting pets to adopt and rehome an animal instead of buying one.
"We have many dogs, cats, small furries and equines who are in need of their forever homes", says Dr Samantha Gaines, head of the companion animals team at the RSPCA. She explains why they recommend that people adopt their pets instead of buying them:
"Adopting is a really good way to ensure that you get the pet that perfectly matches your needs. When you're thinking about adoption, you can come on to our website and find the animal you are rehoming"
"You will be asked to fill out the perfect match form that takes details around your lifestyle and what you're looking for using which we can find the right pet for you", she adds.
They also ensure that the animal is neutered and vaccinated where required. "We also have a good idea about the animals' nature and behaviour so we can provide people with the right resources both at the time of adoption and when you take your new pet home" Dr Gaines tells us.
The RSPCA's efforts to rehome animals this October follow on from a hugely successful 2020, which saw the society find new homes for 28,740 animals.
While the rise in adoption numbers is a positive, Dr. Gaines is expecting an increasing number of animals being brought back to their care.
"Sadly we are expecting to see more dogs coming into our care over the following months as people who are beginning to return to work find their dogs may struggle to cope at home alone, or because families cannot cope with behavioural problems or the costs of getting ‘lockdown puppies’ who are now struggling to adapt to adolescent and adult life."
The increase in demand for dogs over the last year also brought with it a rise in the number of dog-thefts. Dr. Gaines, who is also an animal welfare expert, has the following advice for owners to keep their pets safe:
"There are some really simple measures to keep our pets safe. Not leaving dogs tied up outside shops or in cars alone, is one step. Making sure your garden is secure so that your pet can't run out and that nobody can come in from outside"
"It is also really important to keep dogs, in particular, microchipped and keeping the microchip details up-to-date. This way even if your dog is lost or stolen, they can be returned to you promptly when found", she adds.