With the RSPCA going through an uphill battle to rehome a rising variety of animals in its care, the charity's rescuers are hoping to 'mythbust' the most typical misconceptions folks have after they choose to not undertake a rescue animal. 

The charity fears these "myths" are contributing in the direction of decrease rehoming charges - at a time when the quantity adopting pets is already collapsing. 

The RSPCA's month-long Adoptober rehoming marketing campaign launched this month, selling adoption and highlighting the numerous animals the charity has ready to seek out their good match.

Earlier this month the charity revealed that extra individuals are relinquishing pets than adopting - leaving its rescue centres "full to bursting" with undesirable pets. 

This follows a collapse in rehoming charges; which have fallen by 30% from three years in the past - when 39,178 animals have been rehomed. In 2022, solely 27,535 animals have been rehomed by the RSPCA.

Sam Gaines, head of companion animals on the RSPCA, mentioned: "Those of us with adopted pets know the way rewarding it may be to share our lives with them and watch them thrive after being given a second probability. 

"Our Animal Kindness Index revealed that almost two thirds of individuals suppose we should always undertake moderately than store for pets, but the truth is commonly fairly completely different. Sadly, we're now actually struggling to seek out loving properties for the rising variety of animals in our care." 

As a nation of animal lovers, what's stopping us from adopting? 

Many of the frequent causes folks select to not pursue adopting a rescue primarily based are primarily based on issues or 'myths' that may be simply debunked.

Research from the RSPCA of their nationwide RSPCA centres discovered that:

• 82% of had heard the parable that "black cats are unfortunate"
• 90% had heard the parable that rescue animals at all times have behaviour issues as a result of they're traumatised
• 73% had heard the parable that every one animal centres are simply stuffed with the identical breeds of animal
• 100% had heard the parable that folks imagine in the event that they purchase a puppy or kitten, will probably be simpler to coach them correctly from the beginning than a rescue animal
• 100% had heard the parable that rescue centres will not let somebody undertake as a result of they kids
• 60% had heard the parable that rescue animals include advanced and unknown medical histories 

Six commonest causes folks select to not undertake a pet

Sam Gaines busts the most important myths about rehoming rescue pets.

Myth one: I do not know the animal's historical past if they are a rescue animal

Busted: "60 % of RSPCA adoption centres have reported that not realizing an animal's historical past is a motive folks give for deciding to not undertake a rescue animal.

"It is true that if an animal has been deserted or discovered as an injured stray, we might not know precisely what they've skilled of their life earlier than being rescued. However, after they're assessed, handled and rehabilitated in our care, our animal care groups kind bonds with every animal and are in a position to present an trustworthy and full analysis of the animal they've come to know and work with. This is way extra info than house owners would often get with an animal purchased from a stranger or on-line."

Myth two: If I purchase a puppy or kitten, not less than I can prepare them correctly from the beginning
Busted:"Many folks imagine that getting a puppy or a kitten is simple, however offering all of the alternatives and experiences animals have to develop as much as be a cheerful and wholesome individuall shouldn't be at all times a straightforward activity! 

"It takes an enormous quantity of persistence, information and care to assist young pets find out about all of the sights, sounds, smells, environments, folks and animals they should share their lives with..

"Countless folks incorrectly imagine that the behaviour of rescue animals is inconceivable to vary or that they're troublesome to coach, and remarkably 100% of our animal centres have been confronted with this fable as a motive to buy moderately than undertake, not less than as soon as. 

"However, the truth is that when adopting a rescue animal, care groups can have often already began instructing new abilities and behavior and also will have the ability to advise new adopters on what strategies work finest - together with the animal's favorite tasty deal with! So adopting really places you forward of the coaching sport." 

Myth three: Rescue animals at all times have behaviour issues as a result of they're traumatised
Busted: "Sadly, some folks do assume that rescued animals are 'damaged' as a result of they may have skilled trauma, cruelty and neglect.

"Ninety % of RSPCA centres reported that it is a generally cited motive folks give for not eager to undertake a rescue animal. 

"But each animal is completely different - even these animals who've skilled the worst cruelty can bounce again and revel in life as a lot as another animal."

Myth 4: Rescue centres will not let me undertake as a result of I've kids
Busted:"We know that pets generally is a great addition to a household, and empathy in the direction of animals is one thing all kids ought to be taught. 

"Shockingly 100% of RSPCA centres say that they hear the parable that we cannot allow them to undertake a pet as a result of they've youngsters.

"In reality, the RSPCA has a particular perform on our Find A Pet adoption web site the place potential adopters can choose to view animals which can be appropriate to be rehomed with kids. 

"Every animal is completely different and if an animal's behaviour signifies that they're able to dwell with kids then we might love to debate rehoming choices!" 

Myth 5: Rescue centres are simply stuffed with the identical breeds that I do not need
Busted: "RSPCA analysis reveals that 80 % of our nationwide centres have reported folks not eager to undertake as a result of they're stuffed with breeds of pet they do not suppose they will need. But it could not be farther from the reality, we now have an enormous variation of animals in search of properties. Sadly, cruelty and neglect would not discriminate between breeds, and due to the character of our rescue work, we repeatedly have all types of varieties of animals coming into our care, and needing new properties. 

"It's additionally vital to do not forget that each animal is an individual with its personal persona, quirks and character traits. While breed might help spotlight how an animal may behave, it's a lot much less vital, what's vital is the persona of the individual animal. There are lots of assumptions that sure breeds behave in sure methods, however breed is rarely a guarantee for behaviour. You usually tend to discover the proper match and your finest good friend for all times if you happen to look past breed and as an alternative search for a persona that matches yours. You can fill in a Perfect Match kind along with your native department or centre they usually'll let when an animal who matches you comes into their care."

Myth six: You've solely received black cats - they usually're unfortunate!
Busted: "Black cats are sometimes related to superstitions and a few folks imagine they do not look good in images which sadly means it could actually take longer for a black cat in a rescue centre to discover a home.

"A recent RSPCA survey discovered that 82 % of our centres have reported listening to the 'unhealthy luck' black cat fable. 

"In reality, black cats will not carry you unhealthy luck - however they do want eternally home. The color of an animal's fur color makes no distinction to how a lot love they've to provide. If you possibly can carry some magic into their lives they're positive to carry some love into yours - so they may simply make your fortunate day!"

Rescue pets lately rehomed by the RSPCA embrace Kodak - who debunks about rescue animals with everlasting behaviour issues.

The young rescue canine discovered himself within the RSPCA's care and was adopted by a loving household simply in time for Christmas final yr, however Kodak's highway to a eternally home wasn't simple.

After struggling within the arms of an proprietor who could not meet the wants of such a big canine, Kodak, who weighed 42 kilos (93lb), was anxious and fearful of assembly new folks, suffered with separation nervousness and lacked the abilities wanted to assist him deal with household life coaching. 

In the care of RSPCA Sussex West Branch, Kodak obtained a tailor-made administration and coaching plan aimed to scale back his stress and allow him to be taught abilities to higher put together him for residing in a home. With thorough and constant desensitisation and reward-based coaching, Kodak (pictured proper) gained lots of confidence and slowly discovered that assembly new folks was a optimistic expertise. He additionally gained lots of new abilities resembling impulse management, free lead walking, recall, and to 'check-in' together with his handlers when he felt uncertain. 

Through his ongoing plan and each day coaching, Kodak's handlers grew to know his traits so nicely that they knew what his splendid eternally home would appear like. His good match was discovered, and after a number of conferences on the rehoming centre, Kodak and his new household bonded, and he went to his new home. Kodak remains to be thriving together with his new household and has lately celebrated his second birthday with a number of walks and adventures.

Sam added: "Sharing our lives and houses with pets could be so rewarding and fulfilling. Throughout this month, we need to have a good time all the numerous great issues that animals carry to our lives. We need to encourage those that are in a position to undertake a pet to open their properties to an animal in want of a brand new begin, to assist cut back the stress on the RSPCA centres and branches.

"Even if you cannot open your home to a pet, all of us have the ability to take motion for animals. You can assist the RSPCA by sharing our message or donating to assist us proceed our important work."

Could you provide a rescue pet a loving new home?

Please go to Find A Pet to see all the animals at present within the RSPCA's  care who're in search of their good match. 

Other methods to assist us

If you possibly can't provide a rescue pet a brand new home you possibly can assist differently

• Help the RSPCA proceed rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming by donating on-line or calling the charity's donation line on 0300 123 8181
• Sponsor a cat pod or a canine kennel and assist handle the animals throughout their stick with us
• Support the work of your native centre or department by turning into a volunteer or donating to them straight.