The Abandoned Animals Association was founded for the purpose of rescuing animals in need of help and finding caring homes for them. Most of the dogs have been taken from the council pounds when they have been there for seven days and are facing euthanasia. Other species are usually brought in by the general public, either because they have been found injured or are obviously abandoned or homeless. Although at the moment we are still in the process of establishing our rescue centre, eventually we hope to have facilities for all species of animals.

We have no knowledge of the backgrounds of most of our animals so on arrival at our centre they are carefully assessed. Their physical health is checked by a veterinary surgeon and they are given any treatment required. If they show any signs of temperament problems our behaviourist will endeavour to identify and resolve them. Most of them will make excellent pets and seem to be very grateful to be given a kind home. Most people who take on rescued animals tell us what a satisfying experience it is, and how much they enjoy the companionship of their new pet. Older animals in particular seem to settle very easily into their new homes.

Prospective owners are asked to complete an Adoption Form giving details of the circumstances under which the new pet will be kept. Once an animal has been selected it is put on reserve. An appointment is made for one of the Association’s Homing and Vetting Officers to visit the prospective owners to check that the property is suitably secure and to give advice for helping the new pet to settle in.

Adult animals are given flea and worm treatment, microchipped and neutered before being re-homed and the cost of this routine treatment is around £120 for dogs and £60 for cats. Although no charge is made for your new pet we are very grateful for a donation to cover the cost of this treatment. In the case of animals which are too young to be neutered before re-homing the new owner will be provided with a voucher for neutering as soon as the pet is old enough.

Sometimes new owners may experience problems which have not been apparent during the animal’s stay at the centre. Such problems may take perseverance to overcome but there is always help available at the Rescue Centre and a ‘phone call may be all it takes to resolve the situation. If the problem is more serious it can be referred to our behaviourist who should be able to offer a solution. It should be remembered that some animals take longer than others to settle into their new homes but with firm discipline, rewards for correct behaviour and a caring attitude most will love their comfortable new circumstances.

When new owners come to collect the pet which has been reserved we will endeavour to give as much information as possible about the animal and advice regarding settling it into the new home. We will always be delighted to hear from new owners how they are getting on and to see our ex-residents again.