Why you may not have heard back about your application

There’s no joy that compares to bringing home a new pet. The excitement and anticipation of bringing home a new furry BFF builds up the second you send in that application. 

In fact, in the last two months, we recorded over 100,000* enquiries for rescue pets! 🤯 That’s a whole lotta love for every snoot, claw and tail on PetRescue! AMAZING!

Organisations managing enquiries on PetRescue are often run by volunteers or staff who have other full-time jobs. While rescue organisations are doing their best to review applications as soon as they can, it’s important to remember that the happiness that’ll walk into your life is totally worth the wait 💖

Here are some reasons why you may have not heard back:

The pet has received multiple enquiries 

You might have enquired about a pet that already has a lot of enquiries. This absolutely doesn’t mean that you will lose out on that pet. Since every pet has a different personality and unique set of needs, each application is considered carefully before the group decides which potential adopter is the perfect match for the pet.

It can be a bit of a gruelling task for rescue groups to pick just one and have to say no to all the other great applications. However, with so many lovely adorable pets on www.petrescue.com.au looking for a human-like you, you definitely shouldn’t lose hope!

It’s a good idea to save the pet you enquired about in your favourites by clicking the little heart icon near their photo. This will help you easily navigate to their profile to check for updates!

The rescue organisation needs more information from you

Have you created an adopter profile? We strongly recommend one so the rescue organisations can easily learn more about your household and the type of home you could offer their pet. 

To create your profile, make sure you've registered an account with PetRescue, then click the menu button at the top left of your screen. Under My Account, click Adopter Profile, and follow the prompts!

Here are some quick tips to make your profile stand out:

• Include as many details as you can about your lifestyle, family, accommodation, and work. Here’s some first-hand feedback from our member rescue organisations about what they'd like to see in your applications:
  🐱 Why would this animal suit your home? (This lets them know that you've read the pet’s bio and considered their personality vs. your lifestyle)
  🐾 Details about your family
  🏡 Is your home quiet/relaxed or loud/busy? (Particularly important for timid cats)
   
• Fill out the profiles of your current pets if you have any. Understanding the personality of resident cats and dogs will help rescue organisations or foster carers determine if the pet will adjust to your surroundings.
   
• Remember to be respectful and kind in your enquiries. A simple greeting can go a long way! Behind that screen is a real human who loves and cares for the pet you're enquiring about just as much as you will! 
   
• Be open and honest - rescues prefer having as much information as they can about potential adopters.

The rescue organisation is swamped 

Most rescue groups who list their pets on PetRescue are volunteer-run, which means that some of these vollies are also juggling full-time jobs as well as rescuing pets and managing enquiries - talk about superheroes!

Besides looking after these pets, rescue groups also get them desexed, microchipped and vaccinated to ensure that they're healthy and ready for their new family. 

This is why, sometimes, groups may take a little longer than expected to review applications and send updates. 

But no matter what, don’t give up hope! Rescue organisations are doing their best to match the pets in their care with their perfect humans, so a little patience today will guarantee happiness for years to come! 💚🐶

In fact, adopters like Paige and Charlie, Evan and Brendan, Bryannon and Chris, or all these amazing adopters, would have never found their ‘happawly’ ever after if they gave up on their pet search! 

Visiting a shelter can be a great way to meet your new furry family member. You can use our rescue directory to find pounds and shelters in your area. 

*Pets listed on PetRescue received a total of 125,650 enquiries between 01 March to 31 May 2020

Image: Sarah Emily Photography