"Rescue dogs are getting younger": Bath rescue centre seeks support for teenage pets
Some adolescent dogs are spending over a year in Bath Cats and Dogs Home
Teenage dogs now make up 70% of canine residents at Bath Cats and Dogs Home, with some waiting over a year for adoption.
The centre says the new rescues are getting younger, with many coming from from unstable home environments.
“We take in a high volume of stray and abandoned cats and dogs, including in cases of neglect and cruelty,” said Rachel Jones, CEO of Bath Cats and Dogs home.
“The demand for our service is huge.
“We do see many of them coming in and they clearly haven’t had that stability, consistency in training or a secure home environment.
"So the world is all new to them and quite scary as well."
Understanding Teenage Pets
The rescue centre highlights the struggles faced by adolescent pets, comparing their development to that of human teenagers—full of energy, curiosity, and emotions.
Without a stable home, this stage can become overwhelming for the animals.
Many young dogs and cats arrive at the centre frightened and unsure of how to behave, needing patience and guidance to thrive. Often, these teenage dogs stay at the centre for extended periods.
Brian, a young dog, spent 579 days at Bath Cats and Dogs Home before finding his forever home.
With patience, routine, and expert guidance, he transformed from an unsure teenager into a sociable and affectionate pet.
Rachel Jones emphasised the importance of building trust and bonds with these young animals: “We have to build trust with them and build those bonds and then start giving them the techniques that they can use to go on and be well-rounded and adjusted cats and dogs.”
You can read more about the centre's appeal here.