Who's who in rescue?

Who should I adopt from?

There are hundreds of different rescue organisations throughout Australia and each is different. Like any organisations some are superb, and others may lack knowledge or ability. So how can you choose the right one?

When you are adopting a pet, having a good relationship with your rescue group is crucial. And the most important question to ask yourself is;

‘Do I feel comfortable dealing with these people?’

And if the answer is no – go elsewhere.

 

What is the difference between a pound, shelter and rescue?

Whichever you choose, finding the right style of rescue group for you, is the first step to finding a great new pet for your family:

 

Rescue, Breed Rescue or Foster Care Groups – pet lovers saving animals

Rescue groups such as Breed Rescue and Foster Care groups are generally made up of individuals who love animals, working in their community as a ‘safety net’ for pets.

Some run kennels, but often (and in the case of Foster Care groups), they work entirely from peoples’ homes. They may take any ‘overflow’ of pets from pounds and shelters and sometimes accept surrenders. Breed rescue groups specialise in particular breeds and are often part of a ‘purebred fancy’ club.

Due to the volunteer nature of these groups they often aren’t as easy to contact to make arrangements to meet the pets but perhaps biggest benefit of adopting from an independent rescue group is that the animals haven’t been through the stress of kenneling and have been assessed in a home environment, so can be more accurately matched to suit your family or lifestyle.

Shelter - an animal welfare run kennel

Shelters sometimes take stray animals on behalf of councils, but they are generally privately owned charities, run by animal welfare organisations such as the RSPCA or AWL. Shelters have kenneling facilities to hold pets and can be very, very large (200+ kennels) or quite small (<10 kennels). Some take surrenders from the public, but they often have waiting lists due to space constraints.

Shelters are a great source of pets as they generally temperament test their animals , desex and do health assessments to ensure they are healthy and suitable to join a family. They can be very, very busy organisations so be sure to find one willing to spend time helping you choose your pet according to your lifestyle, and who is keen to offer you follow up support should you have any problems with your adoption.


Pound - a pet holding facility

A pound in a council facility that holds pets seized by rangers or found wandering in the community. It is often the first place a lost pet ends up.

By law, stray pets must be kept several days to give their owners a chance to reclaim them, after that they are able to be killed or rehomed. Some pounds handle hundreds of pets each week.

Often, once their holding time is finished, pets are collected by shelters and rescue groups to be rehomed. The public can also adopt pets from the pound, but be aware these pets usually haven't been screened for temperament issues or health problems.

 

Find a rescue group you trust and can build a rapport with and you're on the way to finding your perfect furry friend!

To begin the search for your new family member please click here
 

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