Caring for rescue pets: building a bond and creating a safe haven

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If you’re thinking about adding a pet to your family household, one of the most rewarding ways to do so is by adopting. Being able to rehome a cat or dog gives them a second chance at happiness, and there are many reasons for them ending up without a home that are often no fault of theirs.

Choosing a rescue pet can come with unique challenges. In particular, their emotional and physical needs may differ from a dog or cat that you obtain from a breeder, depending on their life experience so far.

If you are considering adopting a pet, below are some essential tips to keep in mind when looking to provide them with the best life. Rescue pets can become a joyful addition to your home, and if you can build a great bond with them you can look forward to many years together.

Knowing what to expect with a rescue pet

Pets find themselves in a shelter for many different reasons. Whether it’s down to the cost of ownership or being unable to care for them when older, it’s a challenging time for both owners who give up their pets and the cats and dogs affected too.

Unfortunately, it’s not just older pets that can end up in care, but also puppies and kittens. Battersea Cats and Dogs Home alone saw a 54% increase in young unwanted animals going into their care in 2023, with 451 dogs and 814 cats under 6 months old received by their three UK centres. The reasons can vary, but the charity noted that a lack of neutering and spaying of pets causes unwanted pregnancies.

Many rescue pets may have experienced a difficult upbringing, whether it’s from neglect, abandonment or even abuse. All of these can leave their mark on a cat or dog’s mental health. This naturally means they can be less trusting of humans and may behave negatively out of fear or anxiety. However, this doesn’t mean they don’t deserve a good home and a brighter, happier future.

For anyone considering adopting a rescue animal, understanding their background and how they ended up there is important. Shelter staff will provide lots of information to help you whilst also ensuring you are the right fit for the animal. If you have lots of patience and empathy, and above all, a loving home environment, you’ll hopefully be a great match for them.

Looking after their long term health

Part of your new companionship is to look after your pet as best you can. The shelter should have fully informed you about any health concerns your cat or dog may have, so you should be aware of anything important like a pre-existing condition. Visiting the vet will be an important aspect of monitoring any conditions as well as spotting any early signs of a developing issue.

Whether you have rescued an older cat or dog or a kitten or puppy, you’ll need to consider how you will cover the costs of vet treatment if anything unexpected happens. Even if they are in good health, accidents and illness can occur, requiring a trip to the vets and the additional costs that come with this. If you haven’t already, research pet insurance policies that cover everything from pre-existing conditions to emergency care that will ensure you can cover vet fees and prevent a situation where you cannot afford treatment.

An older rescue pet may need more frequent visits to the vet. You’ll need to consider this, and also whether they have any specific medication they already take or dietary requirements. Your vet will be able to provide further advice, and hopefully you’ll be aware of your pet’s full history in advance.

In general, caring for rescue pets in the long term comes down to their daily routine and diet. Giving them a balanced diet with meals appropriate for their age, such as complete pet food which has all the vitamins and minerals they need, along with regular exercise, will help to keep them healthy.

For dogs showing signs of stiffness or reduced mobility, joint support supplements can be a helpful addition to their routine. For instance, Freedom Joint Drop from Pup Labs supports healthy joints and flexibility, which can help rescue dogs stay comfortable and active as they settle into their new home.

Creating a safe environment

Being able to provide a safe environment for your new pet is one of the most important aspects of adoption. Your dog or cat may have spent a lot of time waiting to be adopted, so changing environments will be a big adjustment for them. Depending on what their previous experience was like, they could be cautious and anxious.

• Have a safe space just for them – ensure you have a quiet corner of the house that has everything they’ll need. This includes a comfortable bed, blankets, food and water bowls, litter tray for cats, and toys. This allows them to take their time to settle in and get comfortable. It should be somewhere away from loud noises or busy areas like a hallway or kitchen. For cats, give them options to hide away too which can help them feel safe. A simple cardboard box is ideal, or you could buy a cat igloo.
• Pet-proof your home – just like with a puppy or kitten, ensure that anything hazardous is out of reach of your new furry friend, and shut doors to rooms you want to keep them out of. Think about anything in the home that could be toxic to them and make it as safe as possible. Make sure doors and windows to outside spaces are locked too.
• Establish a routine – keep in mind that a rescue dog or cat may already have a routine they are used to with mealtimes, sleep, walks and playtime. Try to keep this consistent with the information the shelter has given you and adjust to their routine as much as possible. Too much disruption can cause them stress, so be sure you can meet their needs.

Building a bond

Once your pet has their own space they can take themselves to and relax, you can start to further build a bond between you. Helping them feel safe and secure is a big part of this. Gradually interacting with them can be best rather than forcing interactions. Give them time to bond with you on their terms. Once they feel relaxed in their new environment, they’ll need to get used to you too!

• Cats and dogs will differ on how long it takes to bond with you. This can also depend on their age, as a younger pet may be more relaxed and want to interact sooner, whilst a senior cat or dog may be more cautious.
• For cats, you may need to let them settle for a few days in their own space before letting them explore the rest of the home. You’ll also need to let them interact with you when they want to, rather than the other way around. Be visible to them such as sitting in a room together, but let them come to you.
• Keep interactions short to begin with, rather than constantly disturbing them, especially if they are resting or seem disinterested. Let your dog or cat initiate contact, and meanwhile keep to their routines with mealtimes. This will soon help to build trust with you, and then you can introduce interaction with toys and treats.
• Watch their body language. If they are feeling uncomfortable or anxious when you interact with them, give them space. Staying patient at this stage is important, so don’t try to rush the bonding.

Supporting your pet’s ongoing health and wellbeing

Eventually, your cat or dog will become a central focus for your household and feel comfortable once settled in. You may see them become happier and more relaxed than they were during the first few weeks. If they do struggle to adapt, you may want to speak to your vet for further advice. They may be able to recommend behavioural treatment where necessary, whilst the shelter you rescued them from will usually help support you with any concerns or queries along the way.

Pet ownership can be challenging, but it is a rewarding experience overall, especially when adopting a rescue pet. Be sure to continue visiting the vet regularly for check-ups, and don’t hesitate to contact them whenever you have a question – it’s always best to get reassurance even on minor things.

Have you got any tips on caring for rescue pets?