To think rescue centres don't actually want you to adopt their pets?

[lurchersforever]

One of my cats had to be out to sleep suddenly in the summer and I would now like to adopt a young cat to keep us all company - me, ds and our remaining cat. I've only ever had rescue pets so looking at local centres. All have banners like please adopt/1000s of unwanted pets etc, but it is impossible to go and see any.

I have no issues with vetting and saying only certain types of households are suitable, but my issue is none of the centres are actually open. I've looked at about 6 near me and they are a mixture of not open to the public, don't answer the phone, say they're shut while Google says they're open, want you to fill in an application form and drop it off in person but you won't be able to even see a pet until your application has been assessed, don't reply to emails... The most success I've had is a centre that 'might' be able to arrange a video appointment to 'meet the cat' at some point and then I might be able to adopt 'when they open,' - no idea when that might be. This is for a specific cat they currently have - no sense of urgency to get her in a home. What on earth is the point of a video appointment with a cat?! What will it reveal that a picture doesn't? Just more time wasting.

I appreciate they are run by volunteers but this is ridiculous. Last time I adopted (10 years ago) you could go into local centres without an appointment and make the arrangements there and then. Obviously they weren't just handing them out to anyone but you could get the process moving.

At this rate I'll be on Gumtree, which I really don't want to be. What's going on?

I have to disagree i found the RSPCA incredibly easy to adopt from. Applied friday evening, contacted and sent a video home tour saturday morning, went to visit in the foster home Sunday and picked up the next saturday.

I work full time but have no children and do have a catio/cat proofing garden but limited cat experience. It was very easy!

looking for this comment! 🎯

Our 18 year old cat was pts just under two weeks ago. As much as we loved her and she was special, we couldn’t imagine our home without a cat. We have gone through the vetting process in just over a week and we are picking up a one year old who needs a home on Tuesday. So it can be done and it does happen

Many years ago we wanted to adopt a dog, DS was nearly 10, we had a large garden and lots of lovely walks right on our doorstep. But we were refused by several rescues as working patterns meant the dog would be home alone for up to two hours in the morning and an hour in the afternoon. We ended up getting a puppy who was spoiled rotten and had a great life.

Sadly DDog had to be pts a couple of years ago and I knew I didn’t want the tie of another dog, especially as I’m now divorced and live alone, but thought a cat would be nice. I’ve had 6 cats over the years so am not an inexperienced owner.

I started approaching rescues but was turned down because I’m in a flat so would be looking at an indoor cat, most likely FIV positive or one that had previously been indoor only. I also work from home full time so any cat would have plenty of company. They all turned me down straight away, my decent sized two bed flat wouldn’t be suitable or spacious enough apparently.

Just by chance, a litter of two quite poorly stray kittens were found at the riding stables my sister helps at. I now have one of them snoozing on my lap after receiving vet treatment, a few weeks of good quality food and lots of tlc. She’s spent the morning charging around doing kitten parkour round the flat. The floor is scattered with toys and there are climbing trees and play tunnels everywhere. I don’t think she’s going to have a bad life!

She sounds like one very lucky kitten!

@lurchersforever If you don’t mind driving a bit further down the A50, look at Eyes Cats in Stoke. Their main page is a Facebook page - I can send you a link if you like. There are huge issues at the university with students dumping cats when they move home for summer, and the back streets are overrun with unneutered cats. Eyes Cats trap and neuter, and also rescue mums/kittens.
Alternatively, I had my cat from Cats Protection ‘Home to Home’ scheme https://www.cats.org.uk/home-to-home/home-to-home-for-adopters

Over 25 years ago ex and I adopted a lurcher - greyhound/deerhound cross so massive. The volunteer came to assess our house and it only had a 3 foot fence in the small back garden. He said he really should have denied us as the garden was too small and the fence not high enough. But he said the dogs were so miserable in kennels and a lot of the volunteers didn't seem to want to see them homed and enjoyed turning people down. He said it really annoyed him. We said we would walk the dog 3 times a day and never leave him in the garden unattended, which we did. He signed us off and the dog had a long and happy life with us and never showed any interest whatsoever in jumping the fence. So glad that man gave us a chance and his words ring in my ears whenever I deal with rescue centres, and it's definitely got even worse.

This type of thing (in addition to general contrariness) is why I feel annoyed with people who are militant or sanctimonious about 'adopt, don't shop'. If someone wants to try to jump through the hoops and can find what they want/need in a pet through a shelter or rescue, that's good for them, but I refuse to be lectured to if I choose a different route.

Besides, you're 'adopting' the pet into your family, wherever it comes from, and you generally pay something for a rescued pet, too, so they're all both adopted and 'shopped for'. 🙄

I hope you're able to find a cat soon, OP, with minimal further ridiculousness.

It really varies between rescues and areas I think.

15 years ago as a rural (then-) childless couple we managed to rehome an older kitten via RSPCA but had to jump through a lot of hoops including a home visit and inspection. It felt a bit odd a few years later in comparison when we brought DC1 home from the hospital and were just allowed to carry off into the sunset...!

Then 18 months ago we decided to rehome another for a bit of company for DCat1 (now older and not longer out hunting for hours, she was getting lonely when home alone). The independent rescues were all very difficult and seemed to be set up to accept virtually nobody. One wouldn't rehome to us because were <0.5 mile over the border into another county. I contacted another detailing our household/locality and the age and temperament of rehome we were looking for/thought would fit best. I was clear I didn't care about colour etc, just a good fit for the family, and did they have a suitable choice. DCs were both upper primary at the time and I am now working PT so home much more than 15yrs ago. We're still in the same rural location away from busy roads - we're not a bad option! We were told they didn't match like that, and to follow their Instagram as they rehomed by posting on there. If you liked a specific cat, you comment and they may get back to you if still available, then you have to be vetted, and after that you might be in with a chance. In contrast, I then applied for one on the Cat's Protection website, and they got straight back to me to say that one had gone but they had another good match based on the info I'd provided and I could him meet that week. He was the most perfect personality for us and the team couldn't have been more keen to help us. They asked for our family set up and a few pictures or our house and garden, then looked at the aerial view of our house on Google Maps and were happy.

Unfortunately DCat2 had a heart condition and we lost him a year later, so we went back to the CP branch when ready to rehome again. They couldn't find a match that time but put us in touch with the neighbouring branch, and we had the same positive experience there. The foster carer commented that she'd checked out Google Maps too and was so happy they (we couldn't face separating a pair! 😸😸) were going to live with such a nice chunk of countryside to roam in.

I haven't unfollowed all the rescues yet on FB, and they have all been apparently full to bursting since Spring, with many going in about being in crisis due to numbers. It's so strange some are then so difficult about rehoming to families. Surely, as long as it isn't a clear danger or mismatch, a loving home is better than endless months in overcrowded kennels??

It really varies between rescues and areas I think.

15 years ago as a rural (then-) childless couple we managed to rehome an older kitten via RSPCA but had to jump through a lot of hoops including a home visit and inspection. It felt a bit odd a few years later in comparison when we brought DC1 home from the hospital and were just allowed to carry off into the sunset...!

Then 18 months ago we decided to rehome another for a bit of company for DCat1 (now older and not longer out hunting for hours, she was getting lonely when home alone). The independent rescues were all very difficult and seemed to be set up to accept virtually nobody. One wouldn't rehome to us because were <0.5 mile over the border into another county. I contacted another detailing our household/locality and the age and temperament of rehome we were looking for/thought would fit best. I was clear I didn't care about colour etc, just a good fit for the family, and did they have a suitable choice. DCs were both upper primary at the time and I am now working PT so home much more than 15yrs ago. We're still in the same rural location away from busy roads - we're not a bad option! We were told they didn't match like that, and to follow their Instagram as they rehomed by posting on there. If you liked a specific cat, you comment and they may get back to you if still available, then you have to be vetted, and after that you might be in with a chance. In contrast, I then applied for one on the Cat's Protection website, and they got straight back to me to say that one had gone but they had another good match based on the info I'd provided and I could him meet that week. He was the most perfect personality for us and the team couldn't have been more keen to help us. They asked for our family set up and a few pictures or our house and garden, then looked at the aerial view of our house on Google Maps and were happy.

Unfortunately DCat2 had a heart condition and we lost him a year later, so we went back to the CP branch when ready to rehome again. They couldn't find a match that time but put us in touch with the neighbouring branch, and we had the same positive experience there. The foster carer commented that she'd checked out Google Maps too and was so happy they (we couldn't face separating a pair! 😸😸) were going to live with such a nice chunk of countryside to roam in.

I haven't unfollowed all the rescues yet on FB, and they have all been apparently full to bursting since Spring, with many going in about being in crisis due to numbers. It's so strange some are then so difficult about rehoming to families. Surely, as long as it isn't a clear danger or mismatch, a loving home is better than endless months in overcrowded kennels??

Hmm I agree. I was turned down by cats protection years ago even though I lived in a large council house with a private garden and high fence. I also had a cat flap and was home nearly all day. I didn't live on a main road. No other pets..Their issue was that I was caring for someone with a disability!! I was so annoyed that I don't know if I will ever try them again in future.

Yes please to the link - happy to travel and looking at some of the others people have recommended as well.

also struggling to find cats to join us after our two sadly died over the summer, they were 17 and 18 years old.

We have been told we have to have a cat flap by the rescue centres which isnt possible without a lot of upheaval. Our last three cats have had a great life with me as a door slave or used the open windows.
if anyone know any nearby centres/resuces which might consider us (Hampshire/Berkshire / Surrey way ) we are looking for a pair up to 2 years old.

When we wanted to adopt a cat from a rescue or shelter a few years ago, the process was so intrusive with home visits and inspections, and the lists of arbitrary rules including children’s ages was so ludicrous, I just gave up and bought a kitten instead. Good decision, lovely animal, happy home, no stress.

I tried to adopt a puppy 2 years ago. I specifically wanted a puppy as I had a 4year old and wanted the dog to grow with him. Also have an older dog and lots of experience. Wasn't too fussy about breed either (just not too big). We have a big fenced garden with DP wfh.

Told 'no' by 4 different places due to a child in the house. WTF. If they're turning people down because they have child they have no hope.

The rescue we’re about to adopt from don’t insist on a cat flap. It’s The Meyhew Animal Rescue centre in Cricklewood. You could try them but it’s a bit of a trek. You only need to actually visit twice. First to meet potential pets and then to collect.

It completely depends on where you are trying to adopt from when it comes to dogs (I don't know about cats, but I imagine it's probably similar).

I know this won't be a popular comment (but I will say it anyway), lots of people when they approach smaller rescues think 'well I am a great fit and I can give this dog a great life.' Yes, you could give the dog a great life. But I guarantee you, there is always going to be someone who can give it a brilliant life. Bigger rescues are very different - and personally, other than SpanielAid, I wouldn't touch any of them given their dodgy practices.

For the rescue (breed specific) I'm involved in we receive loads of, rather unpleasant, emails from people asking why they haven't heard back about a Golden Retriever they want to adopt. And I get it, you've put time and effort into an application...but spare a thought for us at the other end.

Our latest girl we've had 138 applications for her within a week. Do you really think volunteers - because the people doing the sifting of these applications are usually volunteers - including me are going to spend time going through and replying to each and every one? We used to do bulk 'thanks but you weren't the right fit' emails and we got even more abuse than we do now - so that's not an option.

For our latest girl, we shortlisted 10 and then picked one we all agreed on. Married couple. No children - so no chance of grandchildren etc. Large, high-fenced, garden in a rural location and a decent sized house. Breed experience over a period of 35 years. Fit, healthy but retired so home all day. A good support network of family who could step in should anything happen.

Over half our applications came from people with young children. A family will never be able to compete with what that couple could offer and, in my experience, there will always be 'that couple' or 'that experienced owner' that will always, every single-time, trump a family with children or a first time owner. These dogs come to us because they've - usually - had a shit home-life previously. They deserve the best.

So, basically, they only want volunteers who have no family, hobbies or social lives?

Except we're talking about overrun rescues, who are begging for donations and for people to adopt their animals so clearly there isn't always someone who can provide a "brilliant" life.

Thanks , just signed up. DD is often in London for events so not too far to travel for her.

We've not had our applications accepted by official rehoming charities (Battersea, Dogs Trust, Spaniel Aid). Before we got our last dog, I think it was lack of experience and young children, this time I think it is because we are in London and would use dog daycare/walker one day a week. We have instead gone for private adoptions and both times got wonderful dogs.

And, as I said, small-independent rescues have issues as well. Please re-read what I said 😊

Have you tried Holly's Merry Moggies in Nottingham? https://hollysmerrymoggies.com/

I had the same - my DC was desperate for bunnies, I had always owned bunnies. I relented and decided that we would get two lovely bunnies.

Didnt want to buy from a mass breeder I wanted two waifs and strays that no one else wanted.

So there I was, ready to made a “donation” of £70 each, sent pics and videos of the set up, the enclosure, the runs, the garden space. Could demonstrate I knew all about their teeth care, diet, insurance ready, measured the bloody square footage, one section they had more room to live in than I did.

Could I get any fucker to give me a rabbit - nope. Endless forms, queries, emails, calls. Booked home visits where no one showed up.

Each rescue claimed to be inundated and struggling but no one would give me a rabbit.

Ended up getting one from a neighbour for free who had accidentally had a litter - just had to get it vaccinated and neutered.

Re:dogs. I agree it’s almost impossible to adopt, we had to buy in the end. But it can’t be that only childless non working families living in large rurally located houses are suitable? I can’t believe it is so. What happens to the dogs then? Do they get put to sleep then because surely there is only a handful of homes will be found suitable under such criterias?
We bought in the end