Vet Check

Before going home, your new animal will be checked at the clinic and you will be briefed on key information such as medical history, next vaccinations due etc.  Please accompany the animal to the clinic – this is important information.

If you are picking the animal from a foster home, please ask for the same information.

You should be given vaccination cards, microchip numbers and any current medication as well as an adoption contract and a receipt for the fee.

Transport

• Animals must be transported safely, and we will not be able to release the animal if this is not the case.  It is very dangerous for animals and humans if they are loose in vehicles or restrained improperly.
• In general, animals should not travel on motorbikes.  Please consult the Rehoming Officer.
• Be prepared for the likelihood that the animal is anxious and may not have experience of riding in a vehicle.  They can get sick or need to go to the toilet.  You will need appropriate means of transport and are advised to come with newspaper, old blankets or similar.  It is advisable to pick the animal before it has been fed to avoid sickness – you can consult the Rehoming Officer on this also.
• Cats must be carried in a safe box or carrier.  They are available to purchase at the KSPCA. Please do not open the carrier unless you are indoors with exits closed.  Cats who are anxious can escape very quickly and we have lost cats this way.  Do not open the carrier until you are safely in a secure area.
• Dogs can ride in the boot of a car if it is open and there is adequate space.  They can also travel in the rear seats or even the front seat if measures are be taken to secure them safely.  These measures include a boot guard, crate or a harness secured to a seat belt or seat.
• Dogs or any other animal should not be secured only by the neck in a vehicle.
• Dogs must travel inside a vehicle.  They should never ride on the back of pickups unless they are in a secured crate of recognised safety standards.
• Dogs should not be carried in the enclosed boot of a saloon car or similar.
• You will need a collar and lead for your dog.  Bring them or be prepared to buy them at the KSPCA. 

Please note that we will not be able to release an animal if the transport arrangements are unsafe.

When you get home

You can expect that your new animal will need some time to settle in.  Be prepared and make the process easier by bearing in mind the following advice:

• Ensure that you have enough time to spend with the new animal in the first few days.
• Introduce the animal to its new environment gradually.  Many animals get lost in the first few days because they are unfamiliar with the new place and are not sure they are supposed to be there or how to get home if they get lost.
• Be patient – keep your new pet company but don’t force attention on them.  Let them get to know you and the family.  Children especially need to learn to respect an animal’s space.  Never use force like hitting to teach your animal what is right and wrong – it will traumatise and alienate them.  Learn more at https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/positive-reinforcement-training
• A good example is house training.  Adult cats and dogs are naturally clean and will not foul their environment, but they will need to learn what is acceptable in a new place.  Young animals can’t always control themselves and need more help.  There are good online resources e.g.  https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/house-training-your-puppy#:~:text=After%20your%20puppy%20toilets%2C%20quietly,elimination%20area%20into%20the%20house
• Make sure that your home is set up to support the animal – e.g., dogs always need a place they can be left in peace.
• Establish a routine so that the animal learns to relax and trust – e.g., predictable mealtimes.
• Introduce dietary changes gradually. 
• If you have any concerns or difficulties do not hesitate to contact us.

Continuing good care

• Make sure you are registered with a local vet and that you are keeping routine medications such as deworming and vaccinations up to date.
• If your animal needs specialist grooming, please don’t neglect this.  It can quickly become a health and welfare issue.
• We will be in touch for a rehoming follow up to check in and make sure you are all doing ok.
• In Nairobi, dog owners need a licence.  www.nairobi.go.ke/download/step-step-procedure-acquiring-licence-keep-dog-nairobi-city-county-provided-nairobi-city-county-dog-control-welfare-act-no-10-2016/

More help and information

We are always happy to help with advice and support.  Adoption is an important contribution to the welfare of our whole community, and we greatly appreciate those who can participate.

Find us at www.kspca-kenya.org, on Facebook, Instagram or on 0733 571 125 and info@kspca.or.ke.

Support the KSPCA

We rely on public support to be able to continue our work.  Please consider becoming a sustaining member or making any other kind of donation.  It’s easy to do through www.mchanga.africa/fundraiser/56621

Author: admin