About

Sadly, every year more than 6.5 million animals end up in the animal shelters in the US alone. If you’re thinking about getting a pet, your local animal shelter is a great place to start. How awesome will you feel knowing that you’ve saved a life! Your new furry friend will love you for it.

Unfortunately, some of these pets come with their own baggage. They may have been abused. They may be scared of people. Before bringing home a rescue dog, cat and other animals, study our practical advice on how to help them settle in.

Our course, written by experienced veterinarian Dr. Pippa Elliott, is designed to show you how to cope with an adopted dog and other rescue animals. Dr. Elliott gives solid advice on dealing with any first night nerves and introducing your new arrival to the rest of the family. Know what to expect when adopting a new dog or cat. Find out how to make sure your home is pet-proofed before they comes home with you.

The best chance of a successful dog adoption or any other rescue animal is to be aware of what they may be thinking and to help them cope with their new situation. Start preparing for life with an adopted animal now by researching pet adoption in our online course.

Recommended Study Time: 30 hours. Completion qualifies you for 30 CPD points. See the Certification section for details.

Requirements

International Open Academy courses are designed for anyone with an interest in learning. No formal qualifications are required to study with us. Our courses are suitable if you want to learn new skills, start a new career, or if you’re already working in a particular industry and wish to upgrade your talents and enhance your resume.

Lessons

Module 1: Preparation And Planning

• Knowledge is key
• Pet-Proof the Home
• Get to Grips With Ground Rules
• Children and New Pets
• Essential Equipment

Module 2: Bringing A New Pet Home

• First Impressions Count
• Applying Ground Rules
• Meet the Family
• Food
• First Night Nerves

Module 3: Settling In

• What to Expect From a Rescue Pet
• Settling into a Routine
• Avoiding Over-Dependence
• Changing Names
• Reward-Based Training

Module 4: Introductions And Bonding

• Getting Along with Other Pets and People
• Avoiding Problems
• Train to Bond

Module 5: Best Paw Forwards

• The Importance of Mental Stimulation
• More Bonding with Your Pet
• Helping Pets with Issues
• The Pet’s Well-Being
• Health Care
• When Things Go Wrong

Career

Who is this course for?

• Everyone who is planning to adopt a pet - from a dog to a snake - will be better prepared to welcome their new friend into their home
• People working or volunteering at shelters can learn more about rescue animals’ behavior
• People who handle animals, such as pet sitters or walkers, will have a greater understanding of their special needs, giving their parents more confidence in you

How will it help me

• You’ll be more confident that you’re providing the best environment for your new arrival and will be more tolerant of her behavior
• It’ll be less frustrating when she behaves oddly because you’ll feel confident to deal with unusual situations by understanding the traits of rescue animals
• Expand your horizons through your knowledge of adopted animals to impress prospective employers or clients