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Rescuing an older animal can be incredibly rewarding

There is a myth that animals from a rescue centre must be difficult, why else would they be there?

So many people would rather buy a dog or a cat from a breeder, thus creating the demand for more and more animals to be bred, often in appalling conditions. Sadly here in Spain, there is also a culture of not neutering animals, thus creating an even greater problem.

Cats and Dogs arrive at a rescue centre for many, many different reasons, none of them the animal’s fault. Some have been neglected, abandoned, many abused, or perhaps their owner has died and there is no one to care for them. Rescue Centres, such as Valle Verde Animal Rescue in La Herradura, will take as many animals as they physically and financially can, rescue them, care for them, rehabilitate them and re-home them.

So if you are thinking of taking on a cat or a dog from a Rescue Centre, what should you take into consideration?

Firstly speak with the Rescue Centre, they are experienced in working with animals and can discuss with you what your requirements are. A responsible Rescue Centre will want to know as much as possible about you, do you have other animals, children etc. A home check should be carried out, to make sure that the animal you want to adopt will be suitable. This should be done to avoid future problems and the adoption not working out. If this information is not required from you, then you need to ask yourself, are you going to get the animal that you want and one that will be suitable in the long term. There will also be a cost, as Rescue Centres are normally charities and need to cover the costs of vaccinations, neutering, chipping and travel passports where necessary.

The rescue centre ensure that the rescue animal is suited for you, your home, family and other pets

A good rescue centre will be dedicated to finding the right match for the rescue animal, you, your family, and other pets.

A responsible Rescue Centre will find out as much as possible about an animal first, whether it is friendly, good with other dogs or cats, family friendly as well as checking for any health issues. If the history of the animal is unknown, then some Rescue Centres such as Valle Verde Animal Rescue will foster an animal with an experienced person first, to learn what the animal is like and if there are any issues that need addressing, before the animal can be re-homed. You should expect the Rescue Centre to organise the vaccinations, neutering and chipping of an animal before you adopt it.

Adopting an animal from a Rescue Centre can be incredibly rewarding, especially if it is one of the older residents, who are often overlooked in favour of the cute kittens and puppies. The satisfaction of giving a loving home to a rescue animal is not to be underestimated. So if you are thinking about giving a home to a rescued animal please contact Valle Verde on +34 603 739 886 or via the contact form.

By Sue Rodgers for Valle Verde Animal Rescue

This article was originally published in the Sentinella March 2016

Next Month: A Natural Diet for your animals

Find a pet

Here are some of the other cat and dogs currently waiting to find their forever homes. Could that be with you?

Click on your favourite below or find more here

Leo, abandoned dog for adoption

Leo – friendly male dog seeks a home

Leo was abandoned outside Linda’s house and has settled in very well at the shelter with the other dogs. Let’s find this super boy a home!

Bron, young male dog for adoption in Spain

Bron – playful male dog needs a home

Bron is an extremely affectionate and energetic boy who loves to play. He’s good with other dogs and ideally needs to be in a home with another dog. Let’s find this lovely boy a home.

Woody – male dog seeks loving home

Sadly, Woody is looking for a family to love him. He is an active boy who loves going on walks and playing. He loves people, no problem with children or other dogs. No cats.

Jeeves, sociable young male dog seeks home

Jeeves: sociable male dog seeks home

Born in February 2023, Jeeves is a really friendly boy. He has tested negative to all 5 mediterranean diseases. Let’s find him a home…

Mora female dog

Mora – Friendly young female dog seeks home

Meet Mora. A big, friendly girl, she loves affection and socialises well with other dogs. Mora is negative to all 5 mediterranean diseases.

Buddy – male Podenco Cross for adoption

Buddy is a Podenco cross and a very lively boy. He loves playing with his siblings. Let’s find this boy a home!

Cassidy, young male dog seeks home

Cassidy – young male dog needs a home

Cassidy is a male Retriever Mastín cross. He is fairly big but has a gentle and timid nature. Mixes well with other dogs, not dominant. Let’s find this gentle boy a home.

Toby – young male dog needs a home

Toby is new to the shelter, he came in with Daisy. He is a happy and friendly boy. Mixes and plays with the other dogs. Let’s find this great boy a home!

Boomer, young male dog for adoption

Boomer – sweet young male looking for a home

Boomer is a sweet boy. A little nervous but gaining confidence quickly. Mixes well with other dogs. Let’s find him a home!

Rusty male Patterdale Terrier

Rusty – friendly Patterdale Terrier seeks a forever home

Rusty, male Patterdale Terrier mix, was abandoned near the shelter. He’s excellent with people and needs and experienced owner. Good luck, Rusty!

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Adopt

Meet the Valle Verde Cats & Dogs looking for homes

Bron – playful male dog needs a home

Bron – playful male dog needs a home

Bron is an extremely affectionate and energetic boy who loves to play. He’s good with other dogs and ideally needs to be in a home with another dog. Let’s find this lovely boy a home.

Woody – male dog seeks loving home

Woody – male dog seeks loving home

Sadly, Woody is looking for a family to love him. He is an active boy who loves going on walks and playing. He loves people, no problem with children or other dogs. No cats.

Find out about other ways that you can help

We understand that not everybody can offer a home to our rescue animals, but there are many other ways that you can support the work we do. Find out more…

Donate

All your donations, big or small, help us continue our work rescuing and re-homing animals in need.

Fundraise

If you would like to fundraise for Valle Verde Animal Rescue, we’d be delighted to hear from you.

Volunteer

There are lots of other ways that you can support the animals. Find out more about volunteering.

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