More People Following Celebrity Trend to Rehome RSPCA Rescue Animals

HORSHAM, United Kingdom, July 24 -- The Royal Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals issued the following news release:

More people are following in the footsteps of big-hearted celebrities and rehoming an RSPCA rescue pet.

The latest rehoming figures* show that so far this year more rescue cats, dogs and horses have been adopted from the RSPCA than last year.

RSPCA rehomers this year include comic John Bishop who adopted Milo the pig; double gold medal dressage star, Charlotte Dujardin, who fell in love with a foal called Santa; and actor John Hannah who gave kitten Milo a new home.

In the first half of this year:

The RSPCA rehomed 1,096 dogs, 2,505 cats - more than the same period last year*

Rehoming times are speeding up for dogs and cats too. On average it takes 37 days from a dog being ready to rehome to being adopted and for cats it's 28 days*

403 horses, ponies and donkeys have been rehomed or are out on probation compared to 324 in the whole of last year.

Abigail Moon, RSPCA rehoming operations manager, said: "We've had a great start to 2014 with our rehoming figures showing that more people are choosing an RSPCA rescue cat, dog, horse or donkey than last year.

"I'd like to thank all of our rehomers including our celebrity supporters - that's certainly a trend we want to see continue.

"Our hard work to rehabilitate the most damaged and abused animals and find them loving new homes as quickly as possible seems to be paying off.

"There are so many advantages to rehoming a pet rather than buying one, they are by no means a second choice option, in fact it's a really sensible choice."

Advantages of rehoming rather than buying include:

*Expert advice to find the pet which is the perfect match for your lifestyle

*All dogs and cats come with six weeks free insurance

*All pets are microchipped, wormed and vaccinated

*Dogs, cats and stallions are neutered

*Aftercare support to help your new pet settle in if needed

The school summer holidays is traditionally a time when families think about getting a new pet as they may be at home more.

Sam Gaines, pet welfare expert at the RSPCA, said: "If you are staying at home, the summer holidays can be a good time to get a pet, giving time to settle into your family, getting them used to your normal routine and to get to know one another.

"Getting any pet is a big commitment with which comes a lot of responsibility. It is not something to do on impulse. Understanding what your pet needs to ensure they live a happy and healthy life is vital and so it is important that prospective owners find out all their pet will need before getting one. The RSPCA website has lots of information to help with this."

One of the lovely dogs looking for a new home is Bailey the Rottweiler cross who came into our care in September 2013 when his owner became homeless.

The two-year-old is a loyal and affectionate dog who is looking for an active home where he can play and have fun. He is looking for a home without other pets with owners who can continue his training.

Bailey is being cared for at RSPCA Newport Animal Centre. To find out more about him call 0300 123 0744 or email [email protected]

If you are looking to rehome a cat take a look at Minstrel who is being cared for by staff at RSPCA Brighton. Minstrel is thought to be about two-years-old and was found wandering the streets of the seaside city.

He loves to play and likes a fuss. He's looking for a home without other cats or young children. To find out more about offering him a loving home call 01273 554218.

To see some of the other pets looking for homes visit http://www.rspca.org.uk/findapet

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