Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
The capital has developed a comprehensive system for helping homeless animals, combining the efforts of the city, non-profit organizations (NPOs), and caring Muscovites. Thanks to shelters, digital services, charitable programs, and volunteers, cats and dogs are socialized, receive treatment, comfortable living conditions, and the chance to find loving homes. Once a pet finds a new family, an important step begins: rehoming. This requires careful preparation on both sides. NPO staff shared helpful tips on how to choose a four-legged friend from a shelter and prepare your apartment for its arrival.
Making responsible choices
A pet is a full-fledged member of the family, with its own personality, feelings, and needs. Bringing a pet into a new home requires a responsible approach and careful preparation from its future owners, as the charity's specialists remind us. "Good Together"So, when you first meet an animal at the shelter, pay attention to the condition of its coat. Dandruff, bald spots, dull color, or an unnatural oily sheen often indicate health problems or severe stress. This issue should be discussed at the shelter, and then a visit to the veterinarian should be scheduled.
It's also worth observing your future pet's behavior in the free-range enclosure. Harmonious and confident movements are a sign of physical and mental health. If any deviations are noticed, these are also reasons to consult with shelter staff and schedule a visit with a specialist.
It's also important to assess how a cat or dog handles emotions: whether they happily interact, timidly hide in a corner, or display defensive aggression. This observation will help a potential owner assess their abilities and understand the pet's personality traits they'll need to work with at home.
It's important to prepare your home for the arrival of a new family member. Many homeless animals don't know the rules of behavior, so the space needs to be made as safe as possible. Wires should be tucked away in cable ducts—curious pets, especially puppies and kittens, love to explore the world with their teeth. It's also recommended to check all houseplants for toxicity: many popular flowers are deadly to dogs and cats. Install sturdy screens on windows. Jumping after a bird, even from a short height, can result in tragedy.
Additionally, the dog will need walking equipment: a sturdy collar or harness, an ID tag with the owner's phone number, and a GPS tracker for the acclimation period. While the pet is getting used to the city, noise, and new routes, the tracker will reduce the risk of getting lost. If the dog gets scared and runs away, the owner can use the device to quickly locate it.
Be patient
The team of the charity foundation "Take happiness into your home" rescues, treats, and rehomes homeless animals. The organization's official website publishes profiles of animals in need of new families. These profiles include the animal's age and breed, a description of its personality, and photographs. This allows potential owners to meet the foundation's wards and choose a four-legged friend.
Foundation staff will conduct a preliminary interview with those willing to adopt a cat or dog. For example, they will ask about previous pet ownership and confirm that all family members agree to having a pet. They will also inquire about the prospective adopters' living conditions. Above all, it's important for the foster staff to determine whether the windows are properly secured with special screens (if adopting a cat) and whether the property has a secure fence (if adopting a dog).
For those adopting a cat or dog for the first time, the foundation has a rule: all family members must undergo allergy testing before the animal's arrival. These preliminary procedures are necessary to prevent the pet from being returned to its new home. This approach reflects the organization's primary goal—not simply finding a home for the animal, but ensuring it a long, happy life in a loving family. The foundation's staff recommends that new owners exercise patience, which will help them overcome many challenges.
Don't be shy about asking for advice
Charitable foundation Ray The foundation continues to care for pets even after they've been adopted. The first few months are the most challenging, according to the organization's specialists. While the animals adapt to their new surroundings, the owners and the foundation's curators are in constant contact. You can call them at any time with any question. A curator will help you overcome your fears and advise you on how to respond appropriately to your dog or cat's behavior. "Ray Academy"—the foundation's free video library, which features expert information from veterinarians and animal psychologists—can be an additional source of support.
Communication between the foundation's specialists and owners continues even after the animal has adjusted to its new home. You can send videos and photos of your four-legged friend to the organization, as well as ask for care advice.
You can support the work of these and other animal-care foundations by charitable service on mos.ru. It allows you to select a specific donation: purchasing food and medications, paying for treatment, vaccinations, sterilizations, or equipping kennels. All funds go directly to organizations, and reports on their use are open to users.
The work and functional development of the charitable service on the portal is supervised by the capital's Department of Information Technology AndCommittee on Public Relations and Youth Policy with the support of the Public Chamber of Moscow.
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Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.