Why are rescue groups so mean?

If you are from the media and would like to speak to a representative from PetRescue, please contact Vickie Davy on 0414 187 814

From the desk of PetRescue...

The latest media regarding the Ellen DeGeneres botched dog adoption has brought to the attention of the public the inflexible policies of dog rescue groups when it comes to their adoptees. But why do these groups have these policies and why do some adopters claim "it would have been easier to adopt a child than a rescue dog" and is it really in the best interests of the animals?

Rescue groups around Australia have hundreds of unwanted pets arriving on their doorsteps every day, so when people visit shelters looking for a pet, they expect the process to be one of grateful desperation - "please take this dog you fantastic person" and are often suprised to find they not only have to be thoroughly screened, but they might not come up to scratch unless they can prove they are a super pet owner.

Why wouldn't rescue groups just be handing desperate pets to anyone willing to take them? And why would they want pets back when they already have too many?

The answer is simple - because a pet is not just a purchase to these groups.

All reputable rescue groups have an intense interest in that pet for the life of the animal and they know that statistic's show if a pet is rehomed more than once it's likelihood of being euthanised more than triples.

Nearly all rescue groups include in their adoption contracts the requirement for the pet to be returned to them if for some reason you can't keep it. This is because they want to use their expertise at matching dogs to people, to give the pet the best possible chance at finding their perfect lifetime home.

And what makes a great dog adopter?

- Choosing a breed and personality that matches your lifestyle and energy levels.
- A commitment to walk and play with your new dog
- A basic understanding of dog behaviour (or an interest in learning)
- The dog being allowed inside for at least part of the day
- Good fences and a safe environment.

If you are interested in pet adoption and the support a reputable rescue group can give you for the life of your pet, then visit www.petrescue.com.au

Other info: Celebrities who've adopted pets

- Harry Potter author JK Rowling has recently adopted a greyhound from an adoption centre in the UK
http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/editors-choice/2007/10/09/jk-rowling-adopts-an-abandoned-greyhound-86908-19918263/

- Pink and her husband, Carey Hart, have two rescue dogs and she dreams of
owning an animal sancturary
http://www.pr-inside.com/pink-dreams-of-animal-sanctuary-r250185.htm

- Orlando Bloom has a dog he rescued from Morocco
http://www.celebritydogwatcher.com/2007/09/05/sidi-escorts-orlando-bloom-to-the-gq-awards/

- Sandra Bullock has two rescue dogs, one of which has only two legs!
http://www.celebritydogwatcher.com/2007/08/01/sandra-bullock-on-movie-set-with-rescue-dogs/

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