Busting the Biggest Myths About Rescue Pets

BIGGEST MYTHS ABOUT RESCUE PETS

• WHO ARE THE BLUE CROSS?
• COMMON MYTHS ABOUT RESCUE PETS
• FOSTERING: HOW IT WORKS AND WHY IT MATTERS
• OVERCOMING FEARS AND MISCONCEPTIONS
• HOW YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

WHO ARE THE BLUE CROSS?

The Blue Cross is a UK charity dedicated to the welfare of pets. For nearly 120 years, they’ve been supporting animals in need, whether that’s through rehoming, veterinary care, or fostering schemes. Their work covers everything from helping elderly pets whose owners can no longer care for them, to rescuing animals from difficult situations or neglect.

The charity not only provides loving temporary homes for animals but also supports their health and well-being. This includes providing veterinary treatment, behavioural support, and even helping with the transition into a permanent home. By ensuring every animal gets the right care and attention, Blue Cross gives pets a second chance to thrive - and a loving forever home.

Lottoland has partnered with Blue Cross to help raise funds through the Blue Cross For Pets scratch card, players the chance to support rescue animals while enjoying instant wins.

COMMON MYTHS ABOUT RESCUE PETS

Despite the good work charities like Blue Cross do, misconceptions about rescue animals are still widespread. A recent survey of 2,000 UK adults commissioned by Lottoland.co.uk highlights some of the most common myths. Almost half of respondents (43%) believe that shelter pets are likely to be misbehaved, and three in ten (31%) think it would be difficult to teach them basic commands or routines.

Some people also worry about the practicalities of rehoming. Thirty per cent of respondents thought vet bills would be expensive, and more than half (53%) assumed you needed to be specially qualified to welcome a rescue animal into your home. In reality, Blue Cross provides training support and covers associated costs for foster pets, helping ensure that every adoption or fostering arrangement is manageable for the new owner.

The charity explains that pets end up in their care for a variety of reasons, none of which reflect poorly on the animals themselves. Some pets arrive after the death of an owner, a relationship breakdown, or because their previous families were struggling with the cost of living. These animals are simply looking for a second chance at a happy home.

FOSTERING: HOW IT WORKS AND WHY IT MATTERS

The survey also found that 52% of people didn’t know short-term fostering was an option, and 39% believed adoption was the only way to help pets in need. Fostering can be an incredibly rewarding way to support animals, even if it’s temporary.

While only 6% of respondents had fostered a pet, 87% of those who had described the experience as positive. Many said it was simply rewarding to give an animal a safe and loving home (46%) or that it felt good knowing they had helped a pet in need (40%). Others noticed their foster pet growing in confidence under their care (35%), while a third (33%) created lasting memories with their temporary companion.

Blue Cross emphasises that fostering is easier than many people think. Opening your home to a homeless pet doesn’t require special qualifications, and the charity provides support at every step. Fostering allows pets to adjust to home life and develop the social and behavioural skills they’ll need for their permanent homes. Many fosterers even decide to adopt their temporary companion, creating lifelong bonds.

OVERCOMING FEARS AND MISCONCEPTIONS

Despite these benefits, nearly half of the people surveyed (48%) said they would be unlikely to foster a pet, often due to fears of becoming too attached (30%). Yet for those who do foster, the experience can be life-changing. The Blue Cross notes that pets have “so much love to give,” and even temporary care can make a huge difference in their well-being.

It’s also clear that animals matter deeply to the UK public. Almost eight in ten people (79%) say they feel a strong emotional response when thinking about animals in shelters, showing how much concern there is for pets without permanent homes. Fostering or adopting gives people the chance to act on that concern, while directly improving the lives of animals in need.

HOW YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Supporting charities like Blue Cross doesn’t always require fostering or adoption. Lottoland offers players the chance to support rescue animals by purchasing the Blue Cross Charity scratch card, with a portion of the proceeds going to the charity. Similar to the Win-Win Charity Lotto and the Win-Win Charity Scratch, for every £1 staked, 20p goes directly to Blue Cross for Pets, helping raise funds for the charity and ensuring that rescue pets across the UK receive the care and support they need to find their forever homes.

By busting myths, increasing awareness about fostering, and supporting charities, we can help more animals get the second chances they deserve. Whether you’re adopting, fostering, or simply supporting through a scratch card, every action makes a difference.

Because at the end of the day, every pet deserves a loving home - and every player can help make that happen.