Rescue dogs have often had a difficult start to life, under a variety of different circumstances. Some may be there due to their owner sadly passing away, others may have been abandoned and left to fend for themselves until the admirable rescue team finds them. With rescue centres becoming busier year after year, adopting helps to reduce the stress they are under and decrease the levels of dogs being abandoned. Giving a dog a second chance at a happy life where they are in a loving new home is the best reward out there.

However, adopting a dog won’t be suitable for every household’s circumstances, but is definitely worth considering if this is an option for you!

Things to think about before adopting

There are so many positives to adopting a dog, but this doesn’t mean there aren’t important things to consider before giving an animal their forever home. Whether it’s a rescue dog or a puppy from a breeder, your house and garden need to be suitable. So, within your home you’ll need a dedicated area for your dog to eat and sleep in a cage or their own bed, in a calm part of the house.

It is important for your dog to know this is their quiet space, where they can rest without being disturbed. If you have access to a garden, it needs to be totally secure; no gaps in any fences or gates, and a nice patch of grass for them to toilet and play. The fence needs to be high enough to make sure they cannot jump over it. If you have any garden features, for example a pond, again please make sure that there isn’t a way the dog can fall in or chew anything that could be harmful to them.

Do you have enough time to take your dog for fulfilling walks and train them?

To spend time bonding, creating that strong relationship between you and your 4-legged companion is particularly important with a rescue dog Sometimes, you might know their back-story, other times maybe not. Rescue dogs may have experienced trauma or neglect, so in these cases will be less trusting and really depend on you putting in the effort to make them feel safe and happy in their forever home. On average, it takes 6 months for a dog to feel completely at home after adoption.

Choosing the right dog for you

Rescue shelters are full of dogs of different breeds, ages, backgrounds and health needs/requirements. My Jack Russel Terrier has epilepsy, which I was made aware of from his profile on the rescue website, and I made an informed choice. This does bring concerns about his health, plus additional vet fees, but it is easy to learn how to manage this well and prevent my dog from suffering any seizures. This is why it’s important to place the right dog in the right home.

Most rescues won’t allow you to choose a dog and walk away with it. They will ask you about your home and work life, your relationships and finances… all out of the best interest for the dog, ensuring they are in the perfect home. Therefore, preventing them being brought back into a rescue centre. Unfortunately this is more common than we might assume.

Think about what lifestyle you have

Will you be eager to go on long walks, whatever the weather, or would you rather opt for a relaxing stroll around? If you go for the second option, adopting the likes of a border collie or cocker spaniel won’t be suitable for you. Would you prefer a smaller breed? These tend to face a stereotype of being aggressive, which is not the case really. They simply need love and suitable levels of exercise to release that energy they have. If you can’t go on long walks, you should be willing to have play time with you dog, such as rope toys or games of fetch which are lots of fun. Even hiding toys and treats around your house or garden is great enrichment for your dog, and care that they have required their whole life but maybe not had enough of. There is more information on this topic via articles on our website, you can find this by clicking ‘Articles’ and then ‘Dogs’. You can also have a look at our list of dog breeds with images and information.

Browse the websites

Once you have a rough idea of the kind of dog you want to adopt, have a browse on the many websites out there, or visit a shelter when they are open. This tends to be mainly on weekends. Be sure to read all the information that is given to you, and you will gain insight on the dog and help you make the right decision.

It may say, suitable to live with a cat, or not suitable for children, and give you an idea of the health record. Most rescues will neuter and spay a dog before allowing it to be rehomed. They will also vaccinate the dog if necessary and give them a health check. So, once you have spotted a dog that you think will be a good match, you must apply through their links on the website or email them; each rescue will be slightly different.

They will then inform you of their procedures, and with some patience you will discover if they think you are a suitable match or not. If it isn’t the answer you were hoping for, don’t be disheartened. There are many more dogs waiting for a home to go to. The rescues will have made this decision for a good reason, based on their time spent with that dog and evaluation of your lifestyle. However, if you are successful, congratulations!

They will request for images of your safe and secure garden if applicable, or even visit it for themselves. Then you will be asked to visit the rescue centre, where you can meet the dog for the first time. Personally, I was nervous at this stage, hoping the dog would like me immediately and wanting to take him home straight away…

Try not to worry as the dog will let you know how they feel through their body language. Nervous dogs with a difficult background will take more visits to the centre, and more bonding before you can eventually take them home. In my circumstance, through Dogs Trust Cardiff, I met my Jack Russell Terrier twice and then was lucky enough to take him home with me.

All members of your household must meet the dog beforehand. You will also be given the opportunity to speak to the centre’s vet if you wanted to, or if the dog has complex needs that need discussing in more depth.

Some people are under the impression that adopting a dog is free of charge. This is not the case. Rescues are mainly run on donations and sponsorships. The price you pay for a rescue dog is a lot less than buying from a breeder, plus it all goes towards helping more and more dogs in their care. Paying for their food, vet bills, and so much more. Rescue charities are an asset to communities and do very good work in all areas. Their work needs vital support to carry on.