PetRehomer has good report for year. Can you rehome pets in need?

Thanks to PetRehomer, a charity that specialises in finding new homes for pets in need across the UK, these gorgeous dogs and cats will be celebrating Christmas in their new homes:

Meet little Biscuit, a cross between a Jack Russell and a Shih Tzu. She’s still a puppy at just one year old and her original owner, living in Crawley, Sussex, was heartbroken to have to re-home her due to housing circumstances.

She hated the idea of Biscuit needing to spend time in a rescue centre, and wanted to choose the person who would give Biscuit her future home, which is why the PetRehomer system suited her. She was able to find and choose Biscuit’s new adopter through the process and pass her little bundle of joy straight to her new owner, Ramona Simmonds. Biscuit has settled in to her new home in Guildford, Surrey, where she is very much loved and already has a stack of presents under the tree!

This bundle of ginger joy is now called Hobbes, but he

used to be Simba. He’s said to be an Egyptian Mau cat and his original owner, living in Staines-upon-Thames, in Surrey, realised she really didn’t have adequate time to keep his playful nature entertained. Hobbes was quite quickly re-homed by delighted Amanda Graney in Uckfield, East Sussex, who was looking for a playmate for another cat in the family. Amanda says “He’s an absolute joy, he’s grown so much and is a total mush pot, who sleeps the whole night spooned against mummy in bed”.

Then there’s cute, two-year-old Bella, who is a toy poodle. She is just about to move to her new home in time for Christmas. Her owner, near Manchester, is unable to keep her because she’s moving back to her home country. Bella, understandably, had multiple enquiries and her adopter is a very lucky person!

Still looking for love

An older cat called Bonnie is still desperately seeking a new home, due to her current owners relocating abroad. She’s a white fluffy girl of eight-years-old who loves to spend her nights patrolling outdoors in the Surrey countryside. Poor Bonnie was found as a stray four years ago and has quite an independent nature, but she’s very gentle and loves quiet times with the people she loves.

Lovable Jax is also seeking his forever home. He’s a Devon boy who is well-trained and loves to play on the beach! His current owners confess that he’s a bit clumsy and thinks he’s a cat as they are his best mates! Jax is quite a large dog, being a mix of breeds including Staffy and Boxer, and he needs a diet that suits his allergies to grains. He has another weakness – for chasing squirrels! Sadly, Jax is a victim of the cost-of-living-crisis, he is fed raw food and is quite expensive to keep.

Then there’s little Rocky, an older boy in Swindon, Wiltshire, who is thought to be a Parsons Terrier or Jack Russell. Sadly, Rocky’s owner passed away and he is being looked after on a temporary basis. He has quite a few tricks up his sleeve, including opening doors and waiting for treats! He is quite feisty with other dogs that he doesn’t know, but loves people, including children.

PetRehomer. Charity no 1189284

PetRehomer has been set up by a group of animal lovers who are committed to ending pet homelessness and irresponsible rehoming practices. It is part of a registered UK charity and is believed to be the only animal charity of its kind. The new service saves animals from needing to enter the care of rescue centres, many of which are completely full.

It is proving to be not only popular, but successful. 150 dogs found their new home through PetRehomer in the first year of operating, together with an astonishing 255 cats.

The majority of people looking to re-home their pets cite ‘a change of circumstances’ as the main reason, together with the cost-of-living crisis. Some pets need to be re-homed due to landlord permissions; illness; allergies; or death of their owners. A small fee is paid by the adopter to PetRehomer.org and this is put towards running costs of the digital platform and contributions to a neutering fund which can be used to help those most in need.

Creating Harmony: A Guide on How to Introduce a New Pet to Your Existing Fur Family

Welcoming a new pet into your home is an exciting and heart-warming experience. However, the introduction process can be a delicate affair, especially when you already have furry friends established in your household. 

Ensuring a smooth integration is crucial for fostering positive relationships among your pets. In this guide, we'll explore step-by-step tips on how to introduce a new pet to your existing fur family, creating a harmonious environment for everyone involved.

Prepare the Environment:

Before bringing the new pet home, make sure to prepare a designated space for them. This space should have all the necessary amenities, including food and water bowls, a comfortable bed, and toys. This helps the new pet acclimate gradually and provides a safe haven if they feel overwhelmed.

Scent Introduction:

Animals rely heavily on scent to understand their surroundings. Exchange bedding or toys between your existing pets and the new one before their first meeting. This helps familiarise all animals with each other's scents, reducing the likelihood of aggressive reactions during the initial encounter.

Gradual Introduction:

Take the introduction process slowly. Allow your pets to become aware of each other's presence without direct contact. Use baby gates or crates to create physical barriers, allowing visual and olfactory interaction while preventing potential conflicts.

Controlled Meetings:

When it's time for the first face-to-face meeting, use controlled environments. Keep your new pet on a leash or in a carrier to manage the interaction. Monitor body language closely to ensure the initial meeting is positive. Short, supervised sessions are key to preventing overwhelming or stressful situations.

Positive Reinforcement:

Reward positive behaviour with treats and praise during interactions. This helps your existing pets associate the presence of the new addition with positive experiences. Be patient and give each pet the attention they need to avoid jealousy or resentment.

Establish a Routine:

Consistency is crucial when introducing a new pet. Maintain a regular feeding schedule, playtime, and walks for all your pets. This helps establish a routine and minimises potential conflicts over resources.

Watch for Warning Signs:

Pay close attention to your pets' body language. Signs of stress or aggression include growling, hissing, raised fur, or tense body postures. If any of these signs occur, separate the animals and go back to the previous introduction steps until they are more comfortable.

Patience and Time:

Building strong relationships takes time. Allow your pets to establish their own hierarchy and friendships at their own pace. It's normal for there to be some initial tension, but with time and patience, most pets will learn to coexist peacefully.

Introducing a new pet to your existing fur family can be a rewarding experience when approached with care and patience. By following these steps and allowing your pets the time they need to adjust, you'll be fostering a harmonious environment where all your furry friends can thrive together. Remember, each pet is unique, and the key is to create a positive and supportive atmosphere for everyone involved.

Unleashing Love: The Advantages of Adopting a Rescue Pet

In a world filled with endless options for obtaining a furry companion, one choice stands out as both compassionate and rewarding, the decision to adopt a rescue pet.

 Beyond the warm fuzzies of giving a homeless animal a second chance at a loving home, there are numerous advantages to choosing adoption over other avenues. In this blog post, we'll explore the many reasons why adopting a rescue pet can be a life-changing and mutually beneficial experience.

Saving Lives:

The most obvious advantage of adopting a rescue pet is the chance to save a life. Animal shelters are often overcrowded, and sadly, not all pets find forever homes. By choosing to adopt, you directly contribute to the welfare of animals in need. It's a powerful feeling to know that you've given a once-abandoned pet a new lease on life.

Variety of Choices:

Contrary to the misconception that rescue pets are limited in terms of breed and age, shelters often house a diverse range of animals. Whether you're looking for a playful puppy, a calm senior dog, or a quirky kitten, there's likely a rescue pet waiting for you. The variety available in shelters allows you to find a companion that suits your lifestyle and preferences.

Health Benefits:

Many rescue pets come already spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and even microchipped. This not only saves you money on initial veterinary expenses but also ensures that your new pet starts their life with you on a healthy note. Some shelters also provide basic training for their animals, making the transition into your home smoother.

Temperament Assessment:

Shelters and rescue organisations often conduct thorough temperament assessments on their animals. This means that you can have a better understanding of the pet's behaviour, energy level, and compatibility with your lifestyle before making a commitment. This information helps ensure a harmonious match between you and your new companion.

Unconditional Love:

There's something extraordinary about the bond between a rescue pet and their adopter. Many people report a unique and profound connection with their adopted pets, as if the animals inherently understand the second chance they've been given. The loyalty and gratitude of a rescue pet often translate into a deep and lasting companionship.

Community Impact:

By adopting a rescue pet, you actively support the mission of local animal shelters and rescue organizations. Your decision contributes to the ongoing efforts to reduce pet overpopulation and improve the overall welfare of animals. In essence, you become a part of a community working towards a common goal—caring for those who cannot care for themselves.

In the grand scheme of things, adopting a rescue pet is not just about finding a companion; it's about making a positive impact on the lives of animals in need. From the joy of providing a forever home to experiencing the unconditional love of a grateful pet, the advantages of adoption extend far beyond the initial decision. 

So, the next time you're considering adding a furry friend to your family, think about the transformative journey that comes with adopting a rescue pet, it's a decision that pays dividends in love, loyalty, and a lifetime of cherished memories.

We have adopted rescue pets over the years and it is a very rewarding thing to do.