Queen Elizabeth II was well known for her beloved Corgis, famously calling her dogs her “family” in the past and firmly cementing them as part of the royal family. Our new monarch King Charles III is no different and has inherited his mother’s love for dogs, but this time all eyes are on the Jack Russel Terrier.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla’s two terriers – Beth and Bluebell – will no doubt become part of the royal picture following the coronation this weekend. But what many won’t know about Beth and Bluebell is that they are rescue dogs, adopted from Battersea Cats and Dogs Home in 2017.
This will set an example to many to consider pet adoption over buying from a breeder, but what should we consider before taking inspiration from the monarchy to adopt our own royal Corgi or Jack Russel? is it as simple as that? Veterinary telemedicine provider Vetster have shared their top tips for pet adoption below.
Adopt a pet that is compatible with your family and home.
Each animal has a different temperament and personality. Certain breeds are prone to specific health problems, and not every individual from a given breed will have predictable personality traits. Vetster’s in-house veterinary consultant, Dr. Jo Myers, says “One of the best ways to learn more about what a pet is like is to spend time with them before adoption. Visit them in the shelter multiple times and bring the whole family. Fostering is a great option that provides an opportunity to learn even more about what the pet will be like after settling in,”.
Ask yourself these questions.
You should ask yourself the following questions to ascertain whether adopting a pet is right for you, and if so, which pet will suit your lifestyle. For example, if you are time poor, adopting a dog that may have additional needs probably won’t be right for you.
Will you be able to provide quality care and time for your pet (for life)?
Do you have the space for this type of pet?
Do you have children old enough to learn how to treat animals with the care and respect they need to avoid any dangerous interactions?
Do you already own a pet? What will you do if your new addition and loyal companion don’t get along?
Are you prepared for a pet that may develop health issues and require ongoing maintenance?
Are you or anyone in your house allergic to certain types of pets?
If there are children in the home, will the adults be able to manage the increased headcount?
Calculate the costs.
Next, you’ll need to ask yourself if you can afford the extra expenses of owning a pet.
Adoption costs vary between pets and shelters, but expect to pay between £150-£200 adoption fees on average for a dog, including vaccinations and microchipping [1]
Routine pet expenses will be necessary, such as food, grooming and insurance – you should research yearly costs for your pet. For example, it typically costs around £2,000 per year to take care of a dog[2]
Can you afford to travel with your pet, or book a kennel or pet sitter?
Consider a senior pet.
Whilst a lot of us will make a B-line for the puppies and kittens, you should consider the older pets at the shelter for many reasons. Senior pets are fully developed. You’ll know their personality type and any grooming and health requirements. Unlike puppies or kittens, senior pets are likely to be less active. They also tend to have more health concerns, so bringing a senior pet into your family can be a wonderful way to truly rescue a pet who needs specialized care.
Schedule a chat with a vet.
Schedule an online vet appointment with Vetster to speak with a qualified professional to help guide you in your choice, and share your thoughts and expectations of what you are looking for in a pet. Then, once your new pet arrives, schedule an in-clinic vet appointment with your pet for an initial appointment to assess overall health and address any concerns you may have.
