There are many reasons why dogs end up in an animal shelter and often it’s about the owner’s circumstances, rather than the dog’s fault. Moving house, changing jobs, divorce or a new baby can all make dog-ownership challenging, and many owners take their dog to a rescue center with a heavy heart. This means that there’s more choice than you might expect, including family-friendly breeds, as well as puppies and adult dogs.
Before doing a pet rescue or before rehoming a dog, a home check should be done by a vet or animal charity staff, as they will have lots of practical advice to help make it a smooth transition. A comfortable dog bed is a must, and some rescue dogs also prefer to sleep in a dog crate.
Make sure to get as much information as possible from the rehoming center to help prepare for any unique behaviors, and likes and dislikes of your chosen dog.
Here are more useful tips on how to get your home and garden ready:
- Do as much preparation in advance as you can. Decide where your dog is going to rest and sleep, and stock up on suitable bedding. Make sure you have food and water bowls and check what your rescue dog is currently being fed. If you want to change to a different kind of food, always make any changes gradually.
- Make introductions to the rest of the family in a calm, controlled way – and keep your rescue dog on a lead at first, if you need to.
- Introduce your new dog to any existing pets in neutral territory – with existing dogs, you could meet in the park then bring them both home together, or take the other dog to the rescue center to make sure both dogs get on. If that’s not possible, make the first introductions in the garden, rather than indoors.
- When it comes to bedtime, I would jump right in and start as you mean to go on. If you let your new dog sleep in your bedroom on the first night, do you want him at the bottom of your bed forever? Being very clear about house rules from day one is much better for your pet’s long-term emotional stability.
- Focus on the rules and routines first, and a positive relationship will naturally follow. It’s all about striking the right balance between setting boundaries and developing a bond.
- Be consistent – it’s important for any dog, but especially so for a rescue dog that may have experienced lots of inconsistencies in its care.
Now that you have done your pet rescue and you have brought that dog to safety, you also need to make sure that you have a pet insurance policy for unexpected circumstances. Having pet insurance like the Insurance Market PetCare Exclusive or PetCare Plus can make things easy for you and your dog for as low as S$984 for year one. Get in touch with us today at insurancemarket.sg to know more about it!
