Every year, many pets end up for adoption, and not every one of them will find a new home. Some people may be apprehensive about considering adopting pets due to myths they have heard, so by busting some common ones, we hope that more people will consider rescuing an animal.
Myth 1: Rescued animals always have behaviour issues
While it’s true that one of the reasons people give up their pet can be behavioural difficulties, this is definitely not always the case. People may give up their pet due to allergies, moving of homes, or other reasons that have nothing to do with the behaviour of their pet.
Pets that do end up being given up for adoption due to certain behaviour problems, can bounce back and live a happy life without issues in another home. For example, cats that are given up due to litter box problems, which is commonly seen when they are stressed, may be totally fine in another home where the living situation is different and fits their needs better.
In other cases, it will require active training to overcome certain behaviours, but animals are never too old to learn. And as most behavioural difficulties will be known, one can make an informed decision whether they are in the capacity to help this specific pet, or not.
Myth 2: You can’t (re)train a rescued adult animal
A common myth heard is that people believe that adult pets that are for adoption are set in their ways, and are unable to learn new behaviours. In line with this myth, it’s believed that it’s easier to train and raise a young pup or kitten.
Neither of these myths are true. No animal is ever too old to learn, and all rescued pets can be trained. Depending on their history, character, and breed, this will be an easier process for some pets than others. In some cases, you might not be able to change behaviour, but this is definitely not a given.
It’s also not a given that a pup or kitten is easier to train and raise compared to an adult animal. Pups and kittens may be unable to learn certain behaviours until more matured, and just like with kids, raising them can be a tedious task. Each animal will have his or her own character, and breed traits will also play a role when it comes to how they will develop and learn. A stubborn and wild pup may be harder to raise and train, than a rescued relaxed adult dog that naturally likes to please his or her owner.
Pups and kittens also aren’t blank slates you can mould into whatever you like, which is often believed. They all come with their own character and set of breed traits, and just like their adult versions, already have a history, albeit shorter, but not less impactful. After all, the most important socialisation period in a dog and cat’s life is in the first few months, and that socialisation starts as soon as they are born. Experiences they have until they join your family will impact their social development, and any traumas in this period, can have a serious ripple effect as they grow up.
Myth 3: You don’t know the history of a rescued pet.
Obviously, this is the case when pets are found on the street and nobody comes forward to claim the animal, but when pets are given up by their owner, their history will be known. Potential pet owners also often falsely believe that getting a pup or kitten means you know their history, but this will all depend on where the animal comes from. When a pup or kitten comes from a reputable breeder, one will know the history, but when bought from a breeding farm or pet shop, history will be unknown or is potentially false. As the first few weeks of a pup and kitten’s life are extremely important when it comes to socialisation, it’s a dangerous assumption to base getting a pet on. Traumatic experiences in those first few weeks of life, for example being removed too young from the litter, can already leave their mark on a pet forever.
To provide more information about pets that come in with no history, rescue organisations and shelters can also work with foster homes where the pet will live in a family home until adopted, so they get to know more about their behaviour and character in a family situation.
Myth 4: They don’t have “the” pet for me
This myth mainly needs a mind shift. People often have a clear idea what they want their future pet to look like. They may have seen a specific dog or cat on TV, the internet, or in the neighbourhood. They also might think they need a certain size of pet due to their living situation. When looking for a pet however, it’s more important to choose one that suits your own personality. So, they really don’t have any pet that would fit your personality, or just not the one you had in mind?
Certain breeds of pets may come with specific needs. Huskies are gorgeous dogs and hence popular, but often are high maintenance to keep happy as they were originally bred to pull sleds over long distances. You can imagine that an owner that would rather chill at home after work then go out and be active, might not be the best fit for a husky who needs to be stimulated and exercised to stay happy. The same goes with cats, and for example the Bengal breed, will require a specific type of owner.
Wrong matches in personality, will lead to frustrated pets that often develop behaviour problems, and hence lead to frustrated pet owners.
The same goes for living situations. A large dog that has low energy and stimulation needs, and has a low tendency to bark, might be a better fit for apartment life, than a small high energy working breed dog that has a high tendency to bark.
There are all types of rescued animals available, though often that’s based on character, and not always looks. Go for the pet that matches your energy and personality.
Conclusion
Don’t let myths hold you back on considering adoption. Rescued animals are wonderful, and the experience can be extremely rewarding. By doing your research and being prepared, you can prevent disappointment, and find that perfect rescue pet that fits your family.
Would you like to know more about our pet sitting or dog training services, feel free to contact us. We will be happy to help.