How Does Dog and Cat Rescue Work?

A great deal of time is spent caring for rescued animals at Leicester Animal Aid, but how does the whole system work?

Rescue

Dog and cat rescue is the core of what we do at Leicester Animal Aid and we rely upon dedicated humans, working together to help dogs and cats who have ended up in difficult situations. There are a number of different reasons why dogs and cats need rescuing; it does not always mean irresponsible owners. It may be due to a change in personal circumstances.  They may not be able to cope with the responsibility of looking after their pet, or cannot care for them due to illness.  Unfortunately there are also many pets whose owners have neglected or mistreated them and they may have been deliberately abaondoned.  It is at these times that Leicester Animal Aid comes to the rescue of cats and dogs.

The animal care team work tirelessly in providing the best quality care for each and every animal.  This will involve basic care such as feeding and administering medication, cleaning out their individual accommodation and essential exercise.  In addition, all animals receive personal attention by way of socialisation, training and many require rehabilitation and treatment from illness or disease.  It is common to find that some dogs and cats need extra time and patience to learn to trust people again following a bad start in life at the hands of their uncaring owners.   

The Business Side

Leicester Animal Aid is a registered charity (number 242560).  This means we are wholly dependant on the generosity of the public and local businesses and community groups to fund our work.  Our income could include cash donations, membership and sponsorship subscriptions, adoption fees, fundraising events, our on-site charity shop, collection tins, local authority stray dog contracts, legacies and profit from the sale of our own merchandise and pet products such as pet food.  

Outreach

An important part of what we do is to promote responsible pet ownership and animal welfare in general to the local community.  Our talks and tours to school children, local colleges and community groups are a valuable tool in communicating to larger groups of children and adults.  We can. if convenient, bring along a rescue dog to a talk. 

Re-homing

When an individual or family visits the Centre looking to adopt a dog or cat, we endeavour to ensure compatibility for both pet and owner. Our experienced and helpful staff will provide you with a Questionnaire to complete which provides us with essential information such as who lives at home, including any other pets and the type of dog or cat you are looking for.  We can then help to match this with the individual pet's assessment. 

• Questionnaire.
  
• Talk to staff.   We'll help to match you with the best dog or cat for your circumstances and lifestyle.
  
• Have a look at the cats and dogs.  You do not need an appointment to vist to view the cats and dogs who are looking for new homes.
  
• Meeting the selected cat or dog.  This gives you a chance to get to know the cat or dog you are considering taking into your home.
  
• Reserve and home visit.   We ask that potential adoptees visit their chosen pet more than once to ensure both parties are happy.  Once the dog or cat has been Reserved one of our re-homing staff or volunteers will visit you to make sure that your home and garden are suitable.
  
• Veterinary health check.  All our cats and dogs are assessed by our vet, vaccinated, wormed and micro-chipped.  We endeavour to netuer/spay as many of our dogs as possible before they go home.  If not, it will be a requirement of adoption that they are neutered within the timeframe given and we issue a Neuter Voucher which entitles you to a percentage reimbursement of the cost of the operation.  All of our adult cats will all be neutered before they are re-homed.  Kittens will be issued with a Neuter Voucher. 
  
• Going home.  We will make a mutually convenient time and date for you to collect your pet and provide you with useful and practical tips on how to help them settle into your home.
  
• Advice & support.   If you need advice when you get your cat or dog home we will be their to help you on the end of a telephone.