Molesey Vets’ guide to buying & rehoming pets this summer
August 16, 2023
Whether you plan to buy or rehome your puppy/kitten, the longer days and extra hours spent together as a family during the summer holidays in Surrey will help your new pet settle into their home. It will also allow you time to adjust your family’s dynamic to include your new fluffy friend and get younger children used to their new pet owning responsibilities.
Download our Vet Darren’s top tips on adopting and what to look out for if you are purchasing your pet from a breeder.
Download our top tips for buying a puppy/kitten
Download our list of do’s & don’ts for adopting a pet
Buying or rehoming a puppy or kitten: things to look out for
Research what will work best for you
Take your time researching types, breeds and ages of pets that would suit your family and lifestyle. You can chat to rescue centres about your home environment and they will help by matching you to potential pets that need a home.
Research breeders
To find the right puppy or kitten for your family, it is essential you research their breeder. In April 2020, Lucy’s Law was passed in Parliament which covers various elements of puppy and kitten breeding and makes it illegal to sell/purchase animals under 6 months old if they were not bred by the seller. Legitimate rescue centres are allowed to rehome puppies and kittens under 6 months of age and will supply you with a veterinary history of the animal and background on their behavioural habits and temperament.
Check the animal’s age & vet checks
Lucy’s Law also states that your puppy or kitten must be at least 8 weeks old before they can be rehomed. This is essential for their health and wellbeing. It is a legal requirement that puppies receive a microchip by the time they are 8 weeks old and many breeders usually combine this with a vet examination and their first booster vaccination. Kittens currently do not have to be legally microchipped, however the law on this is changing in June 2024. Molesey Vets recommends microchipping kittens so you can be reunited if they become lost when wandering.
Vet Darren knows that there are many reputable rescue centres in Surrey that are looking for homes for lots of different pets. Molesey Vets can help with finding a reputable rescue centre – call us on 0208 783 2850. Remember that rescue centres will already have vet records containing information on your new pet’s vaccinations, microchip and parasite treatments, so ensure you ask for a copy of this.
Don’t rush your decision
If purchasing from a breeder, make sure you ask to see your puppy or kitten’s mother and their litter siblings. This is essential in determining that your new pet was bred at the premises (another element of Lucy’s Law) and what sort of temperament they have when interacting with other cats and dogs. If you do not have the option of viewing siblings/parents and the breeder is rushing your decision, this is a red flag.
Rescue centres will allow you to see litters if possible and will have had veterinary professionals examine your pet for underlying health conditions ahead of the rehoming process. The larger charities also tend to offer you support during the rehoming process and will be on hand to answer any questions you may have about your new pet.
Home checks and health conditions
A home check is often needed when rehoming a dog or cat from a rescue centre. They’re nothing to worry about – they’re just useful in determining that the pet is going to a suitable and safe home.
The centre will take into account whether the pet you are rehoming has any known health conditions and advise whether their new living environment is suitable for them or what changes need to be made. When purchasing from a breeder, it is essential you have everything prepared for your new pet ahead of picking them up, as the breeder will only be able to advise so far on management moving forward without seeing your home setup.
Top tip: If you are making the decision to rehome a pet with a known health condition, remember to ask the rescue centre about health management and an estimate of the associated costs before you make a decision. Our team at Molesey Vets can always help provide you with a very rough guideline of what treatment costs would be for a health condition. Contact us on 0208 783 2850 for more advice on this.
In conclusion, there are many benefits to offering a puppy or kitten a safe and loving home this summer in Surrey. Whether you choose to buy from a breeder or adopt via a charity or rescue centre, lots of research must happen before you make any final decisions. We look forward to meeting your new fluffy friend soon!
Contact us if you have any further questions and don’t forget to register your pet with Molesey Vets.
Download our top tips for buying a puppy/kitten
Download our list of do’s and don’ts for adopting a pet
