Page 48 - Oundle Life December 2024

CHRISTMAS RESCUE
Adopt not shop
RSPCA rescue centres are full to bursting with unwanted pets looking for a second chance - which is why we always urge any potential new pet owners to adopt, not shop.
One huge advantage of taking on a rescue pet is the incredible support you will receive from your local branch – which is the RSPCA Leicester, Peterborough and Rutland Branch (which covers Oundle) or the RSPCA Northamptonshire Branch (which covers Thrapston).
Rescue staff will have ensured that you are matched with the right animal – and that you are the right person for them. Adopting a rescue pet also means your new pet will be neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. There is also lots of helpful guidance on our website here.
Advice for dog adopters
It can take time for your new dog to settle into a new home, especially if they’ve spent time in
Check out advice and download our Getting ready for your RSPCA rescue cat advice booklet.
If you’re concerned about your new pet’s behaviour do contact the centre you adopted
kennels, or not had the greatest start in life -but with a little love and patience, these issues can often be overcome.
we’d never advise anyone to buy an animal for someone else as a gift
from.
Dominika Jagoda, RSPCA Policy and
Scientific Officer added: “Pets can be an amazing addition to our lives, but we’d never advise anyone to buy an animal for someone else as a gift.
“We encourage people to adopt don’t shop so they give an animal in need
a much-needed second chance, while also freeing up space in a shelter for animal to get the care they desperately
Be sure to continue their training
using reward-based methods. And,
as you start to form a bond with your
new pet, it is important to start training them to be left at home alone. Start
with just a few minutes and then build
on this and reward them for remaining
calm when you’re gone. This will help them learn that being left alone is ok or might help with existing separation anxiety.
Take a look around at our dog care advice and download our ‘Getting ready for your RSPCA rescue dog’ advice booklet.
Advice for cat adopters
Cats can find a new home overwhelming
and stressful. As well as asking the centre for advice, our cat environment pages will give you guidance on making the transition as easy as possible.
another need.”
You can see the animals currently available for adoption on the branch websites – RSPCA Leicester, Peterborough and Rutland Branch or theRSPCA Northamptonshire Branch
The RSPCA is calling on the public to support its Join the Christmas Rescue campaign to help it continue its rescue and rehoming work.
48
www.rspca.org.uk/local/ northamptonshire-branch