Behind The Book blog series - A Home For Emy

The Power of Rehoming Shelters: Finding Your Perfect Pet

As an author I am often asked how I get inspiration for my books, and in truth my inspiration comes from the real world. Be that a place, an event or a moment in history. When it comes to my novels I am always drawn to the past, and moments in history I love to learn more about. However for my children's books, I have so far been inspired by my own experiences or my own pets. In A Home For Emy (who was in fact my real dog) the inspiration for this book was based on my own experiences as a volunteer for a dog shelter (RSPCA) when I was a teenager. Although working there for many years would see sad days, there was also a lot of happy days, and seeing animals of all kinds finding new homes made it all worth while. I was lucky enough to take home two dogs while I was working at the RSPCA, but it would certainly have been easy to want to take more.

The research part of my book writing is something I have always enjoyed doing, and so for this "Behind the book" series I thought I would you some more information about what inspired me for each of my books.

Bringing a new pet into your home is an exciting and rewarding experience. However, the decision to acquire a pet should be accompanied by responsible choices that prioritize the well-being of the animal and support ethical practices. In the United Kingdom, rehoming shelters have emerged as a beacon of hope for both abandoned animals and prospective pet owners. This article aims to shed light on the importance of using rehoming shelters when looking for a new furry friend, emphasizing the countless benefits and providing insightful facts and statistics.

Rescuing Abandoned Animals:

Rehoming shelters play a crucial role in rescuing and providing refuge for animals that have been abandoned, surrendered, or mistreated. According to the RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), in 2020 alone, they received over 107,000 reports of animal abandonment in the UK. By adopting from a rehoming shelter, you become a part of the solution, giving an abandoned animal a second chance at a loving home.

Reducing Overpopulation:

One of the primary causes of animal abandonment is overpopulation. Rehoming shelters actively work to combat this issue by promoting spaying and neutering programs. By adopting from a shelter, you contribute to reducing the number of stray and unwanted animals in the UK. The more people choose rehoming shelters, the closer we come to solving the overpopulation crisis.

Health and Behavioral Assessments:

Reputable rehoming shelters conduct comprehensive health and behavioral assessments on the animals in their care. These assessments ensure that the pets are in good health, vaccinated, and free from infectious diseases. Additionally, shelter staff carefully evaluate the animals' temperament and behavior, providing potential adopters with valuable insights. By adopting from a shelter, you can have peace of mind knowing that the pet you choose has undergone thorough assessments.

Wide Variety of Pets:

Rehoming shelters offer a diverse range of animals ready for adoption, including cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, and more. Whether you're looking for a playful pup, a cuddly kitten, or a friendly feline companion, there is a shelter pet for everyone. Furthermore, many shelters can accommodate specific breed preferences, making it possible to find the perfect pet that suits your lifestyle and preferences.

Adoption Fees and Support:

While there is usually an adoption fee associated with rehoming shelters, the cost is often significantly lower than purchasing from breeders or pet shops. These fees generally cover essential veterinary care, vaccinations, and sometimes even microchipping and neutering/spaying. Additionally, rehoming shelters offer post-adoption support, including guidance on pet care, behavior training, and access to resources such as veterinarians and trainers.

Statistics:

The RSPCA alone rehomed 31,932 animals in 2020.

The Dogs Trust, one of the UK's largest dog rehoming organizations, found new homes for over 10,000 dogs in 2020.

In 2020, the RSPCA spent over £90 million on animal rescues and rehoming efforts across the UK.

Conclusion:

Adopting a pet from a rehoming shelter is a decision that benefits both the animal and the adopter. By rescuing abandoned animals, reducing overpopulation, and supporting ethical practices, you become an advocate for animal welfare in the UK. Rehoming shelters offer a wide variety of pets, conduct thorough assessments, and provide ongoing support to ensure a successful adoption. The next time you consider bringing a new pet into your life, remember the power of rehoming shelters and the positive impact you can make by choosing adoption