Common Myths About Pet Rehoming

If you’re looking to bring a furry companion to your family home, you’ve probably come across pet rehoming. Every owner has their reasons as to how they wish to bring a pet to their home, whether that’s buying a newborn puppy, or through adoption from a shelter. However, it has been found that several owners with reasons not to adopt a pet, are actually based on common myths!

When coming to introduce a pet to your home, many families dismiss the idea of adopting a pet, simply due to negative assumptions that have been falsely placed on pets looking for a new home. All pets deserve our love, care, and attention. It’s crucial to understand that each pet, and their circumstances are very different, so shouldn’t be ruled out simply because they are looking for a new home.

We’re looking to set the story straight, and share some of the common myths about pet rehoming, showing you how these animals can make fantastic family pets!

What is Pet Rehoming?

Pet rehoming is the process of finding a forever home for a pet that can no longer stay with their current owner. There are a whole host of reasons as to why an owner may need to give up their pet, and unfortunately, many people assume it is down to the behaviour or health of the pet - which is more than likely untrue. It may be a case of the owner falling on hard times financially, with their health or home situations, meaning keeping their pet is now not an option.

In the UK, the phrases “pet rehoming” and “pet adoption” are used interchangeably - both used to describe a pet being given a new home. Adopting a pet will come with a rehoming fee in order to cover the costs of the pet, and to ensure that you’re committed to being a responsible pet owner. The ultimate goal of pet rehoming is to ensure a smooth transition where a pet feels comfortable enough to move into a new loving home.

What are the Common Myths About Pet Rehoming?

There are hundreds of reasons that a pet may need to be rehomed, and it’s important to remember that it is not the pet’s choice to do so. Regardless of the reason, these animals are simply still searching for their forever home, for a family to show them all the love and attention that they deserve. 

Whether you’re looking for reasons to adopt a pet, or you're simply curious to find out some of the myths associated with rehoming, see below the misconceptions about pet rehoming.

Myth 1 - Rehomed Pets Are ‘Naughty’

Perhaps the most common misconception that we’ve noticed is that many people believe that animals that need to be rehomed are in this position as a result of bad behaviour, or a lack of discipline. It is widely assumed that previous owners get rid of their pet because they simply can’t handle the pet’s bad behaviour - which is very rarely true.

In contrast to this belief, you will find that every rehomed pet is different, with their own characteristics, and personality, just like every other pet. It is unfair, and untrue, to label every adopted pet as misbehaved. What you’ll find is that a lot of pets in rescue shelters will be wagging their tail, excited to see you, hoping that you’re their new owner!

Myth 2 - You Can’t Train or Bond With Adopted Pets

Linked with the phrase, “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks”, lots of people believe that rehomed pets struggle to adapt to new surroundings, and you’re unable to teach them. Contrary to this belief, animals are excellent at forming deep bonds with new owners, just as long as you give them time and treat them with love! 

Animals are incredibly resilient, and many owners find that their adopted pets are highly loving, and grateful for your care. You may find that for some pets, it may take them a while to get adjusted, make sure to be patient, and give them plenty of encouragement, and you’ll soon find that they’ll adapt, and learn your commands.

Myth 3 - Pet Rehoming Is Cruel

Another myth associated with rehoming pets is that the process is cruel, and makes pets feel unsettled, and even traumatised. The truth is, while adopted pets will take time to get used to their new home, and they may be unsettled at first, the long term outcome is that these animals get another chance at finding their forever home, a chance at a happier life.

Pet rehoming doesn’t always have to be sad for a pet, sometimes, they will leap at you with a smile on their face, and embrace the opportunity to find their new home. As long as you do your best to be a good owner to the pet, there is nothing cruel about giving an animal a better life than what they may have had previously!

Myth 4 - Adopted Pets Have Issues

Whether it be the belief that all adopted pets have health issues, or mental trauma from previous owners or experiences, many avoid adopting pets off the assumption that rehomed pets have issues. While having poor past experiences will have a negative impact on an animal’s ability to trust, this is something that you can both overcome together.

It is also very important to remember that any rescued pets in shelters will have been provided with the necessary support or training to overcome any timidness from past experiences. Healthcare will have also been provided in shelters, and you will be informed of the pet’s medical history before you adopt them!

Myth 5 - You Can’t Adopt Purebred Animals or Younger Pets

A widely thought assumption is that when you adopt a pet, they cannot be puppies, kittens, or other young animals. Rehoming doesn’t discriminate, any pet may need to be rehomed, any breed, any age, any circumstance, if you’re looking to adopt a pet, the choice is yours to find the companion you desire!

Purebred animals are also commonly placed in shelters, for the exact same reasons as crossbreeds. It may be that the owner cannot afford to keep the pet, they may have an illness, or various other personal circumstances that mean they must give up their purebreed pet.

If you’re looking to learn more about some of the other different myths about pet rehoming, visit the Blue Cross’ website here.

How To Rehome a Pet

If you’re looking to bring a family pet to your home, adopting a pet is a fantastic way to give an animal a chance to settle down with a loving family. It is also much cheaper to adopt a pet in the UK, rather than buying a newborn pet directly from a seller. We’d recommend visiting a shelter, and getting to meet with all the animals to discover your best match!

If you’re looking for advice as to how you can adopt or rehome a dog, visit the RSPCA’s website for a step-by-step guide! Click here to view their website. 

Summary

One of the most important considerations to make when rehoming a pet is to ensure that they’re equipped with a legible tag with your information. As per the Control of Dogs Order 1992, it is a legal requirement that all dogs in a public space must be equipped with a readable tag, clearly showcasing your name, address, and optionally your phone number.

With many adventures ahead, it is important to choose a tag designed with durability, so that your pet can explore without the worry of their tag becoming damaged and unreadable. 

That’s we craft our brass tags with excellent durability, remaining beautiful, and legible for many trips out to come. If you’re looking for something with even more endurance, check out our range of reinforced tags here.