Things to consider before adopting

Chocolate labrador

The RSPCA welcomes you to adopt an animal. Anyone who has ever enjoyed the company of a pet will know how strong the bond between animal and human can be.

The RSPCA believes that to be a responsible pet owner the commitment will be for the rest of the animal's life. This will mean giving time and patience, experiencing the occasional frustration and meeting all the expenses of pet ownership.

Use our pet search to find animals available for adoption at Millbrook.

Many of the animals that have come into Millbrook Animal Centre have come to us through no fault of their own. Some main reasons for intake of animals are:

  • Lack of knowledge and understanding of a pets needs
  • Inability to cope with pets demands
  • Being unable to financially meet the animals needs (in particular if there veterinary costs are incurred).
  • Getting an animal on impulse - unfortunately this can often be to appease children who may lose interest
  • Irresistible appeal of fluffy kittens and puppies or an attractive pedigree breed.
  • Lack of proper training - animal becomes difficult to handle.
  • Pressing needs and commitments with young families.
  • Broken homes
  • Being left too long which usually results in:
    1) Barking when left, disturbing neighbours.
    2) Destructiveness.

Ownership

Owning a dog or cat is extremely rewarding but requires commitment and a responsible attitude. Please make sure you consider the following before adopting a dog or cat from us.

Considerations about dogs

Can you afford a dog?

Below are some approximate costs. You should consult your vet for exact charges.

  • Food will cost from £10 a week to feed a dog.
  • Vaccinations for adult dogs will cost approximately £30 - £60 yearly dependant on which vet you use. Puppies need a course of three vaccinations, each costing between £20 and £40.
  • Worm and flea treatment can cost up to £50 per year.

Puppy Classes

Whether you are an experienced dog owner or not, we cannot stress enough how important it is to take your puppy to training classes. Training classes are not just about teaching your puppy commands, they are about teaching your puppy to grow into a well mannered, sociable dog that is able to interact correctly within today's society. We insist that any puppies adopted from Millbrook Animal Centre return for a free one-off puppy class with our resident dog behaviourist.

Adult Dog Training

Exclusive to dogs re-homed from Millbrook Animal Centre. An 8 week Kennel Club Course working towards the The Bronze Award Scheme, run by our resident dog behaviourist.

Pet insurance

It is a sensible idea to consider pet insurance as this can help meet the cost of unexpected veterinary treatment. This can cost between £10 to £40 per month.

Boarding for your dog

If you go on holiday and don't take your dog with you then boarding will be necessary. Prices vary between kennels but can be approximately.

Do you have enough time for a dog?

How much time can you spare to spend with your dog? Can you be with your dog for most of the time every day? Dogs are social animals and crave companionship. If you work long hours, a dog is not for you. This is extremely important since one of the most common reasons dogs become unwanted or are returned to us is that they are being left for many hours and are destructive or disturb neighbours by constant barking.

Can you take your dog for regular walks?

Dogs need regular exercise and you should take your dog for a walk at least once a day. How much exercise they need depends very much on the breed and the individual dog's habits. You should also put aside some time to train, groom and play with your dog on a daily basis.

Would a dog suit my lifestyle?

How will a new dog fit in with other members of your family, particularly children and resident animals? Can you provide direct access to an escape-proof garden where your dog can play?

Are you ready for the commitment?

Dogs need a regular routine, love and attention and owners who will stay interested in them for all their lives. Having a dog is a lifetime commitment as some dogs can live 15 years or more - can you commit to caring for your dog for all of its life?

If you can answer a definite YES to all these questions then a dog could be the right pet for you.

At Millbrook Animal centre, all of our dogs undergo an individual assessment and temperament review which enables the staff to decide which type of home is best suited to each dog according to it's needs.

We try to be as flexible as we can and we work with information from previous owners and assess the dogs behaviour from work that we have done with the dog here at the centre. However, there are certain areas where we cannot be flexible such as the ability for a particular dog to live with other dogs or cats and the length of time that the dog can be left. We do try to have a degree of flexibility regarding the age of children.

Considerations about cats

Can you afford a cat?

Below are some approximate costs. You should consult your vet for exact charges.

  • Food will cost approximately £5 a week to feed a cat.
  • Adult cats need to be vaccinated yearly and depending on the vet you use, these can cost between £30 - £40. Kittens need a course of two vaccinations and these could add up to approximately £80.00.
  • All cats need worm and flea treatment, this combined cost can up to £50 per year.

Pet insurance

It is a sensible idea to consider pet insurance as this can help meet the cost of unexpected veterinary treatment. This can cost between £4 to £20 per month dependant on the insurer.

Boarding

Don't forget to include the cost of boarding catteries during holidays. Prices start at £6.00 per night.

Do you have enough time for a cat?

How much time can you spare to spend with your cat? Can you be with your cat for part of the day every day? Cats are more independent than dogs but still need you to commit time to them. If you work and the cat is going to be left during the day, it is important that you commit time in the evenings to playing with and socialising with your cat.

Cats are less demanding than dogs and arrangements can be more easily made to accommodate their needs for exercise and toilet facilities by way of cat flaps. However, it is desirable that most cats are not confined too strictly, though they should be kept in at night. In the case of very young kittens, although litter trays generally make house training easy, they do like companionship and should not be left too long unattended in the first 6 months.

Would a cat suit my lifestyle?

How will a new cat fit in with other members of your family, particularly children and resident animals? Cats are very clean and make good companions for many people. But they can damage carpets and furniture with their claws and may not always want to be stroked and handled. Can you give your cat safe access to a garden or somewhere safe outside?

Cats cannot be let outside when they are first re-homed - how do you feel about having a litter tray in your house? Do you live on a main road?

Are you ready for the commitment?

Cats need a regular routine, love and attention and owners who will stay interested in them for all their lives. Having a cat is a lifetime commitment as some cats can live 15 years and over - can you commit to caring for your cat for all of its life? If you can answer a definite YES to all these questions then a cat could be the right pet for you.