Is a rescue animal the right choice for me?

Here are some key things to think about:

  • Make sure you’re ready to care for a pet long term and meet their needs
  • Choose a reputable shelter or rehoming organisation who can give you lots of advice and support 
  • Think about how an animal will fit into your family’s lifestyle
  • Be prepared for the costs. Pet insurance, vet care, food and training can all add up
  • If you already have pets, consider how they’ll react to a new arrival  
  • Patience and love are the key to helping an adopted pet settle into their new home 

 

Being sure that pet ownership is right for you

Owning a pet can be one of life’s greatest joys, but it’s important to think carefully before deciding to bring a new animal into your home. A beloved pet should be a member of the family, so make sure you can meet their needs and be prepared to adapt your lifestyle if needed.  If you’re rehoming an animal from a rescue centre, it’s even more important that you’re ready for any potential challenges. 

Recent trends suggest a high proportion of people who’ve taken on a pet have reconsidered the decision when their circumstances change. In 2024, the RSPCA said the ongoing cost of living crisis had resulted in animals coming into their care faster than they were being adopted. In fact, more than 1,400 animals are waiting in private boarding centres because RSPCA centres are full. 

Veterinary surgeon Anna Foreman with one of her dogs, Cleo (Image: Anna Foreman)

 

Compatibility is key

Anna Foreman, a veterinary surgeon based in Cambridgeshire, has seen this happen more and more often and is passionate about rehoming abandoned pets instead of buying from pet shops or breeders. 

“It’s so rewarding rehoming a pet from a rescue organisation,” says Anna. “They don’t ask to be in this situation, so you can do this amazing thing for them and give them a new start.” She has some great pointers for anyone considering adopting a pet.

“First off, be sure the animal you choose is right for you. Taking on any pet, whether you’re rehoming or buying, is a big responsibility. But also, are you right for that animal? Rescue centres are there to help and support you, so ask them lots of questions about any animal you’re interested in. They are the experts and are there to guide you through the entire adoption process. You’re hopefully making a commitment for the rest of that animal’s life, so can you truly meet their needs?”
 

Meeting your new pet’s needs

Anna is also keen that anyone looking to adopt a pet is ready for the affects it could have on their lifestyle. 

“When you’re rehoming any animal from a rescue centre, you must be conscious of their personality. This is especially true if you’re adopting an older dog or cat. Say you’d like a dog that you can take on long walks, or go running with, then maybe an older dog who likes to snooze the day away isn’t right for you. Again, this is where the staff at the shelter can be your best guides, as they know the animals in their care better than anyone.”

Another issue that new owners can encounter is separation anxiety, particularly if an animal has had a tough start in life. As Anna explains, “This is something that rehoming organisations are very clear on. They will advise that dogs shouldn’t be left alone for more than four hours. If you’re thinking of going for a long lunch with friends or popping into the office for half a day on a regular basis, you must take that dog into consideration. Maybe you’d be better off rehoming a cat or even something like a rabbit.”

But Anna’s still an advocate of adoption. “It can take time for rehomed animals to learn to trust again and for their personalities to properly shine. But it is so gratifying to see that animal just be themselves and have that love and trust in you. Especially with older dogs and cats, the very best owners give them the time and space to be their best too. I don’t think it’s appreciated how amazing rescue animals are, and just how much they can give back to you.”
 

Caring for your new companion

Once you’ve made that commitment to adopting a pet, what other things do you need to think about? This is where rehoming and adoption centres really come into their own.

“Animal shelter staff know all their animals really well,” Anna tells us. “As well as suitability with children or other pets, they’ll be able to tell you about feeding, exercise requirements, any health issues or medication that your pet may need.”

An important part of that is making sure you’re ready for potential challenges you may not have even thought of. As Anna says, “when you first get your new pet, there are all kinds of things down the line you don’t even consider. And we are seeing so many pets live longer lives due to better surgeries and medications. This is where pet insurance can make such a big difference.”

“If I had my way, every animal would be insured so that we can give them gold-standard treatment. People often don’t appreciate the cost of animal healthcare,” she continues, “and it’s heart-breaking to see owners who just can’t afford to give their animals the treatment they need. It happens all too often, yet pet insurance can help cover so many of these costs. Even when the costs of living are tight, your pet is a necessity, and their insurance should be too.”
 

More help with pet adoption

Here are a few organisations that can help you find that special forever friend:

You can also read our guide about why it’s important to insure your pet. 
 

Key takeaways  

  • Rehoming a pet can be incredibly rewarding, but it’s important to think carefully before making your decision. You need to consider if you can fully meet their needs and be ready to adjust your lifestyle if necessary. You should also be prepared for costs such as pet insurance, vet bills and food, and make sure you can afford them 
  • If you decide to rehome a pet, choose a reputable animal shelter or organisation. They can give you valuable advice and answer any questions to help you find the right pet  
  • When rehoming a pet, it’s crucial to think about they will fit into your family’s lifestyle and home. Some animals may experience separation anxiety or other issues, so it’s important to be patient, show them love and give them the care they need