Pets & charities to help pets

 
 

There are many pets chariites worldwide...so here are just a few. Depending on the size of the pets animals charities, they may be local set-ups, or have a large national or regional spread. Cats Protection for instance has adoption centres around the UK, plus branches run by volunteers who fund-raise, rescue cats, foster cats, raise awareness of Cats Protection etc; plus they have a network of charity shops. On the other hand, another cat charity may simply help rescuing cats in their town or even village, taking strays & lost cats in, trying to find their owners and then a new home 

Animal charities everywhere are absolutely bursting with animals coming in for rehoming.  Some of these are for good reasons e.g. death of owner.   However, more and more charities are having to put animals to sleep because there is simply no room.  If you are looking to take an animal into your home, please #adoptdon'tshop.  Save two lives - give a pet in need a home - and that means another animal can come into rescue because you have helped create room for them.  I cannot remember the last time things in the animal rescue world were so desperate.

To help with pet rescue 

  • Rescue or foster, please don't breed or buy

  • Discuss neutering your pet with your vet. Some 75% of the cats & dogs in this world are strays.

  • Microchip your pet - this makes an owner easy to identify & saves a lot of people time and animals stress.  In the UK, both cats and dogs must now have microchips with up to date details of the owner - please don't assume the previous owner updated your details for you.

  • Insure your pet - it is amazing how many animals are put down or given over to animals charities due to vets' costs. Animal Friends give all their net profits to animals charities (pets & wildlife) worldwide - so by insuring your pet with them, you can help animals too. (Plus they cover pets all ages) I insured our dog through them - they have a great range of options to suit your budget

  • Do your research before you go for pet ownership - costs, commitments, holiday cover, longevity of your pet's life, potential allergies you have, whether you have suitable living accommodation for your pet, reasons for having him or her. And consult with everyone in your home - they will all be involved in pet care

  • Be willing to consider an older pet - every pet deserves a loving, caring home, however old they are

  • If you cannot take an animal on long term, you could perhaps foster - give an animal a temporary home with you whilst a new owner is being found. Many charities will help with food and vet costs for fosterers.  

  • Spread the word about animals needing homes on social media by sharing links from animal charities.  

  • Look to see what sort of help they need e.g. some charities need old towels or blankets.  Duvets are difficult and usually unwanted because of cleaning them.   Some need newspapers you've finished with for bedding.  

  • Run through "what would happen if...." scenarios e.g. you were made redundant, lost your home, went into hospital, died...What would happen to your pet?

  • PLEASE... don't give pets as presents. Animal charities are overwhelmed after Christmas and Easter with animals families no longer want.

  • Train your dog & pick up his poop - both actions will endear your dog to the public

  • Tell people about organisations such as the Cinnamon Trust who have a database of care homes that take pets in the UK plus a national base of volunteers who help with pet care for elderly people & the terminally ill

If you have moved from the UK to another country, please make sure your pet has an up to date pet passport or have a contingency plan that would mean you know what you'd do with your pet if you ever had to move back.

Circumstances can change, and animal charities have received a lot of pets whose owners have had to return to the UK but lack the time scale or funds needed to put their pet through the necessary arrangements.  Think and plan ahead - even if you are not intending to come back to the UK.  What would you do if you suddenly had to return?  The UK Government has information about bringing animals into the UK from abroad.