Hi everyone, im looking into getting a pet in the future and im thinking about rescue animals. I was wondering what everyones experiences were with this.

My main motivation to rescue is becauss there are so many abandoned animals that need homes. Plus i think i would prefer a dog or cat over a puppy or kitten.

We had cats before our son developed an allergy, one adopted us and the others we adopted from various cat rescues.

Six years ago we adopted our first Siberian husky and have since adopted a second one (our first boy has died) and we are going to be offering a foster place too.

It's been tough at times, sometimes even though we know their owners cared for them they feel abandoned as they do not understand why they have been moved. We have had a younger and an older dog but have found with a good routine and keeping up training both settled in well and we have no regrets. Most rescues will assess you and then you have a settling in period with support to help.

As much as I'd love a pup I can't make myself do it with so many dogs looking for homes.

Good luck whatever you decide to do

I think im leaning towards cat since many of the dogs say they are suitable in families where children are at least 10. Im a few years off having children yet but i dont know how a dog whos never been around children would be around babies.

Its def something im putting thought into and not just rushing out to get one.

I've currently two rescue cats + one that adopted us (malnourished, flea-ridden and aged about 6 weeks) plus a re-homed dog (advertised on an expat site over here) who arrived with mental baggage such as separation anxiety. With time and patience all his problems were resolved in a couple of months. Of course, not all animals come with baggage but he'd probably have been put down if we hadn't taken him and he's turned out to be the best trained dog we've ever had. No thanks to us!

Assess the rescue and make sure they're clean and efficient, know what they're doing and the animals are in a routine and as stress-free as possible. We adopted two kittens from a very poor rescue who arrived with ringworm which proved expensive and time-consuming to eradicate.

You should expect - and welcome - being assessed by the rescue themlselves. I would always want to take an animal that had been neutered or spayed and for me, I'd always want one that had been assessed to be pretty bomb-proof around people - you can never be 100% sure of any dog, even one you've raised.

This isn't being picky - there are thousands of dogs out there who have had an unlucky life but not been mistreated and they will make excellent companions.

I'd say don't expect to bond instantaneously. You might, but it may take a week or two or a month and initially at least, I think establishing a routine is extremely important to how well the dog settles with you.

And finally, it's not wrong for a rescue to ask for a decent donation. Some people - and I'm not saying you are like this - tend to think that an animal from a rescue should be free. Well, I think taking on an animal is a responsibility, there may be vet fees in the future so it's not wrong for a rescue to look for an acknowledgement of that possibility. And any donation isn't a payment for your animal but a contribution towards future treatment, sterilising and bed and board for others.

I've made a conscious decision to stick with rescues from now on. I love cats but hate their killing ways so I've decided that when the current batch go the way of all pets (hopefully not for years yet) I'll take on elderly moggies (10 years +) who, I hope, will be more interested in sleeping in the sun on a comfy lap than being killing machines. People often don't want the oldies... but they are often the more rewarding as they're more interested in cuddles and comfort.

I got 2 rescue cats - bro and sis - who were 2-3 years old. They seemed really happy to be with us right from the start and settled in straight away. They were really attached to us all their lives - more like dogs than cats. Came out for long walks, came on camping trips and also settled in straight away whenever we moved house.

Got another one a few years back - she was about 10 years old and has taken a bit longer to settle but she's deaf as well and more aloof in temperament. But now she's all over us.

They've all been extremely healthy.

I'd really recommend rescue cats. You can pick one that seems to take a shine to you (or vice versa). I'd really recommend getting a pair if possible. I couldn't this time cos she HATES other cats. Go for it you won't regret it.

Thanks for your replies, good to hear positive stories. The shelter nearest us does say that a donation is required but im happy with that. They also say their animals are all neutured and micro chipped, if you get a puppy or kitten then you get a voucher for neuturing once they are old enough.

Im not quite sure what sort of things they look for on a home visit but hopefully if we decide to go ahead with it we will find out! We have a holiday planned in may so any decision wont be until we are back as its unfair to rehome an animal then go on holiday.

Would you consider a rescue lurcher or greyhound? They make fantastic pets. Lazy, gentle laid back companions in the house and they don't need a huge amount of exercise. They're the sprinters of the dog world, whereas your border collie is the marathon runner.

Go and have a look around the forum at Lurcher Link. Fabulous organisation with some experienced members full of advice, hints and tips. They foster the dogs in their care and will test them to see which are suited to live with children or cats.

I always thought greyhounds would need lots of exercise! I think realistically we would be better off with a cat. I think what i may do is visit the centre and have a look see if any of the animals take a liking to us lol

No not at all, they're cuddly lazy snoozy hounds at home.

Cats are awesome too.

We have a rescue cocker spaniel that we got via the RSPCA last year. We had been looking around for a rescue dog for some years but put it on hold because a lot of the local rescue centres were not keen to rehome any dog to families with children under 12 years, although the RSPCA were flexible when they saw how tall and grown up looking our then 10 year old was! Sadly due to a severe allergy that I have, we will never be able to rescue cats as I am ill even if I am near someone who has held a cat recently.

We have rescued bunnies in the past too and I can say that our experiences so far have been very positive. Out of all the rescue centres we have been through or investigated, the RSPCA were by far the most efficient and user friendly and matched us perfectly with the rabbits many years ago and then the dog last year.

[quote=Aarghawasp!;57698176]Would you consider a rescue lurcher or greyhound? They make fantastic pets. Lazy, gentle laid back companions in the house and they don't need a huge amount of exercise. They're the sprinters of the dog world, whereas your border collie is the marathon runner.

Oh yes, the border collies! They put me to shame! Whenever I am out walking with our little spaniel you get the collies constantly full-on chasing after balls, frisbees, the owners! If you are in to that kind of constant exercise then they are lovely, but if you want a dog who does not demand constant exercise and stimulation, a border collie is not for you. However, if you want to train it to dance for next years Britains Got Talent or Crufts, then go for it!

Hehe! Let's face it, they're bred for intelligence and stamina. My collie was a great natured dog but they never stop. I used to walk her for miles (off lead in hills, woodlands and fields) with her chasing her ball and probably doing 3 miles to every one of mine. She'd come home, have a wee drink and be ready to go again.

Fabulous dogs but they need tons of mental stimulation and exercise or they can become destructive which is why so many end up in rescue.

In contrast my lurcher was happy to snooze the day away between walks.

Best thing i ever did was get our rescue Greyhound, so easy going and placid, we wouldn't hesitate to adopt another in the future.

Have you considered ferrets? They make brilliant pets and there's plenty of ferrets needing new homes!

I got my moggie from the local rescue centre - I was mooching around around looking at all the little kittens and this little black and white kittie hung onto the side of the 'cage' crying to me. I knew he wanted me and I knew I wanted him - 4 yrs later, a match made in heaven, lol x Always the rescue centre )) Best cat I ever had ( or best slave he could've hired, lol)

We rescued our dog on Good Friday and my experiences of rescue are rewarding but I'd say that you need to make sure you find your pet. I didn't really understand what my friend meant when she told me this but when I met Molly I 'got it'. We saw several dogs at The Dogs Trust and one in particular was gorgeous (I posted in Pets about her) but I had lots of questions. I realise now that she wasn't our pet because of those queries whereas Molly just is our girl. She just engaged with us.

Be prepared to take your time to find your dog. Be aware that whilst The Dogs Trust has lovely centres, not all shelters at that nice. Molly came from a very grubby place but she was just as well cared for. Take treats with you and dress in your worse clothes so you can go for a long walk. Don't be afraid to say that the dog isn't right for you.

Invest in training classes when you have the dog. We've done 2 classes now and it's been brilliant to see how good our dog is. And we've learnt about us too.

Dogs Today magazines has a great 'Adopt Me' section and some useful articles on the rescue process this month.

My cat came from a rescue centre and she wasn't even intended for our family, she was meant to be the cat at my Mum's work but she was really timid and scared of noises (and blind in one eye) and it was an old people's home so was really busy and she also didn't get on with the other cat there (who came to live with us as well eventually) My Mum bought her home to see if she could be calmed down as she had a habit of lashing out at people's legs. She was a right little madam and refused to use the cat flap and one night not long after she was brought back my Dad left her outside as she refused to come in and I woke up in the morning to find this cat asleep next to my pillow, she had climbed up a tree onto the balcony, jumped on to the window ledge and climbed through the small window that I had left open. Needless to say she never went back and I think from that morning she was always my cat. We have had her for about 13 years now.

I got a rescue cat (1 year old) when I moved into my first flat at 20. She was with me until she was 19 and I adored her.

She was the most wonderful cat and I never regretted getting her. I paid £15 for her back in 1992

After she died in 2009, I got two rescue cats from a fantastic place in Kent, they are great cats.

I would always get a rescue cat or dog, too many people buy from breeders these days where there are so many animals out there who need love.

I adopted 2 rescue cats last year after the death of my Tabitha, my Bernard had always had a cat companion and he was missing Tabitha too.

Cats Protection were very good at identifying cats that would suit me. I particularly wanted a female tabby (I loved my Tabitha so much) but also cats that would get on with my Bernard. I was informed that the 2 cats I was interested in got on really well with other cats, that they were 'lovely cats' - and this has proved the case. They settled into my house and got on with Bernard instantly.

This photo was taken on the first day they came home.
http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/...rellak/024.jpg

Their relationship has gone from strength to strength. I know when I am out of the house for hours (I work 12-13 hour shifts) then the cats have each other (they also have access to outside by way of a cat flap).

http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/...rellak/012.jpg
http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/...llak/001-1.jpg
http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/...rellak/011.jpg

The advantage of taking cats from Cats Protection (or any Rescue) is that, if old enough, they are already neutered. They are vet checked, deflead, wormed, micro-chipped and usually have one month's free insurance. The pet's character is well established (though some can be very withdrawn in a cattery - the Rescue do try to place most cats in foster care) and you can decide if they are suitable for your particular circumstances. The Rescue must also decide if your circumstances suit the pet, eg. where you live, if there are young children or other pets in the house etc.

I know Cats Protection also take back any cats, if necessary, even after years in a home, if the owner's circumstances change, eg loss of home, income, divorce, emigrating, death of owner. I find it sad when perusing the CP website to see cats advertised that have been returned to Rescue after many years in a home......

Good luck anyway, the rescue route is an excellent option.

I have had two rescue cats - Oscar who was a rather large kitten when I got him (6-7 months or so) and Rufus who was 3 1/2. Oscar fitted in really well, Rufus should have gone to a home without a cat and the rescue didn't do the best for him by putting him with me. However Rufus did eventually blossom.

My own suggestion would be two older cats that have to go togeather. The rescue will love you for taking them, and they will probably fit in really easily. Next would be two kittens from the same litter. Watching kittens playing is fabulous and kitten season is upon us...

I looked at rescue dogs but a great many of them do have various problems, nothing much to an experienced owner with many ot them, but I'm not an experienced dog owner.

I did have a friend who adopted a greyhound, and like all of them he was a real couch potato. However I gather a lot of greyhounds and similar dogs have a strong drive to chase cats and so on, which if you want a cat as well in the future will be a problem.

Dog rescues will probably look to you having an escape-proof back garden, cat rescues may not want you to adopt an indoor/outdoor cat if you live near a main road.

If you live on a main road and can't make your back garden dog-proof, then some cat rescues have cats that have to have an indoor-only home.

Some sighthounds do have a strong prey drive, however many live happily with cats and even rabbits. Lurcher Link test all the hounds to see which are cat/child/livestock friendly. My own lurcher would chase rabbits and squirrels in the woods but curled up happily on the couch with my cat.

Couple of pics from LL.

Snooooze

Cute!

No food fight here!

I have a rescue shetland pony. He wasn't from a rescue place but he was taken from some gypsies who were beating him and ended up in my care.
He is 6 now and will only allow me to touch his head. Is scared of men.
I have come along way with him and can now pick his feet and he allows me to touch him anywhere.( except his ears )he particularly likes it when I scratch his belly
He is having his teeth done on Wednesday but because he is head shy he will have to be sedated

I am adopting a rescue staffie. Am having a RSPCA home visit on Monday. I know I have to fill some gaps at the bottom of a fence in back garden, otherwise it is secure.
What else will the home checker be checking for?

One of my cats came from the RSPCA - he is about 15 now and I've had him for 13 years. I hadn't necessarily gone to the centre to look for another cat, I'd taken some food up for them - but he looked a lot like my girl cat who was about 2 at the time, and his eyes followed me as I walked past the pen. I just couldn't bear to leave him there - he was aged about 2 also and it seemed like a good "match", so I think it was meant to be!

Another one of my cats turned up on the doorstep about five years ago (I live in the middle of nowhere. He had no collar or microchip). He is the most fantastic cat, full of character, very affectionate and vocal. Though I could do without him bringing me "presents" !

I would always go for rescued animals. There are so many that need homes, and I agree with the other posters who have suggested you get two older cats - they will be company for each other. Good luck

Rescue, always. Always got my cats from rescue. People may poo poo getting a dog from rescue 'because you don't know the background' but good shelters assess the dogs and know what home would be suitable. If a dog was a danger, they wouldn't leave it up for rehoming at all.