Each day Battersea Dogs and Cats Home opens its doors to 14 dogs and 7 cats – of which 45% are strays and the remainder the result of owners being unable to look after them for financial, relationship breakdown or other reasons. Happily, after a seven day assessment (there are four vets) and an average of 35 days on the sales blocks, eight dogs are rehomed every day.
As I walked around to meet some of the happy residents – and 33% are Staffies (interestingly, I learned they used to be called “Nanny Dogs”) - I noticed the lavender on the walls, food in ice, music and back runs which enrich their lives. An army of over 800 volunteers supports the staff in ensuring that all dogs get daily walks (often to the nearby Battersea Park so they can be observed in a real life situation) and lots of attention.
Even though I have Alfie the Chihuahua, I was sorely tempted to enquire about offering a home to another dog. But the gorgeous white Siberian Husky that I made friends with would probably not be appreciated by him and the four cats that we share our home with.
Adopt a dog
There’s a great booklet titled “What to think about before getting a dog”. One of the rehomers explained that they prefer to meet all members of the prospective adoptive family and often make a home visit to check the environment. If they do not know a dog’s background, then they won’t allow it to go to a home with small children.
The key to a successful adoption, I was told, is matching the right sort of dog to each home and the new owners devoting time to helping the dog settle in. It was sad to hear that sometimes rehomed dogs have to be returned when landlords point out “no pets” clauses on tenancy agreements or people realise quite how much work is involved in having a dog (even though the payback in devotion, companionship and fun is immeasurable!).
There are charges for adoption - £135 for dogs and £165 for puppies (£75 cats and £85 kittens) – as they ensure that every animal has been neutered and vaccinated. There are after care services too – from calls to check on progress to advice lines for new owners.
There’s a great smart phone app (I admit that I downloaded it a while back) that has galleries of dogs and cats, provides their details and stories and show at which of the three homes (Battersea, Windsor and Brands Hatch) they are staying. It also contains lots of helpful advice.
Adopt/foster a cat
I was told that it was kitten season at present and as well as adoptive homes, they also seek foster homes for the smallest residents. I didn’t dare take a look here as I could see me volunteering to offer a temporary home.
Volunteer help
If you aren’t able to adopt a dog there are other ways to become involved. There are various volunteer programmes – and training is provided for those who can commit four hours a week on the same day. And the work doesn’t have to be in caring and socialising the dogs – they need help on reception, in the office, with the army of cleaners and in a myriad other roles.
Visit or donate
The home is open for visitors and the entry fee is just £2. There is a café and shop to ensure your visit is comfortable and memorable. And it’s just a few minutes’ walk to Queenstown Road or Battersea Park stations. You can even take your dog for a visit (although they are not – for obvious reasons – allowed on the sales blocks). And of course they are always keen to receive donations to fund their work as they receive no Government support.
http://www.battersea.org.uk/ Volunteer information here: http://www.battersea.org.uk/get_involved/volunteer_with_us/
There’s a Fun Day at Old Windsor this Saturday (6th July) with free admission - http://www.battersea.org.uk/about_us/media_centre/press_releases/slimming_shadow.html
They are raising funds for the home today at Dog Day 2013, Chelsea http://www.caninepartners.org.uk/events-new/dog-day
