Your Guide to Adopting a Dog or Puppy

Adopting a new puppy or dog can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but what can you expect and what do you need to consider?

There are so many dogs in rescue centres all looking for their forever homes, including puppies, adults and older dogs. These dogs may have come to a rescue centre because they've had a rough start to life or their previous owners may no longer have been able to care for them.

If you think you could offer a rescue dog or puppy a safe and happy forever home, keep reading and we'll answer all your questions, including how to adopt a dog and where to find a rescue centre.

Should I adopt a dog or a puppy?

Adopting a dog or puppy from a rescue centre can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Not only will you be supporting the work of a worthwhile charity, but you'll also be giving an unwanted dog a second chance.

Firstly, you'll need to decide whether you have time for a bouncy puppy or want to get a calmer, older dog. If you adopt a puppy, they will demand a lot of time and patience – and your almost constant attention – during early training and settle in. This will include toilet training, sleep training, teaching them life-skills and how to fit into family life, and learning all the training exercise and things you need them to know.

Because of this, it's not a good idea to consider a puppy if you work long hours or if there won't be someone around during the day to care for them. On the other hand, if you adopt an older dog, they may already be toilet trained, understand household routines, be a bit more settled – and most importantly, you will see what their personality and behaviour is like.

What do I need to know before adopting a puppy or an adult dog?

• In some circumstances, dogs can end up in rehoming centres because of neglect or maltreatment. Some may come with a bit of baggage, but you can talk to the staff who can be honest about a dog's needs so you can be sure you are able to give them the care, time and work needed. This is especially useful if you're adopting a dog with a difficult past.
• If you already have dogs, consider if a new dog will fit into your existing canine family – and make sure the dogs get a chance to meet before you make the commitment to bring a rescue dog home.
• If a dog has never lived in a domestic environment (such as breeding dogs from puppy farms, illegal imports or overseas rescues), they will need a lot of time and patience to learn to live in a home.
• It can take time and effort to settle a rescue dog into your home and build a bond, so be patient.
• Ensure you have space in your home before rescuing a dog and that you live in a suitable environment.
• You'll also need enough space in your schedule. Dogs require daily walks and interaction – especially in their early days/months of settling in. So, be sure you have enough time to dedicate to their social, emotional and physical needs.
• There are cost implications of adopting a dog. As well as adoption fees, which vary among rehoming centres, you also need to think about the long-term cost implications of having a dog. Account for day to day costs such as food, toys, vet bills (routine and possibly emergency), training classes, equipment, insurance. Also think about anything else you might need, such as doggy day care, pet sitters, groomers etc.

For a real-life account of rehoming a dog from a rescue centre, read our pet adoption interview with Aileen.

How much does it cost to adopt a dog?

Virtually all reputable canine rescue centres are charities and will require an adoption fee, which varies between centres. Keeping a dog in rescue comes at a substantial cost – and this can include food, veterinary treatment (vaccination, possibly microchipping, neutering, parasite treatment etc) and behavioural assessment and possible training. So the small fee that’s charged helps towards the cost of your dog's stay at the rescue centre and will go towards helping other animals.

What breed/type of dog or puppy should I adopt?

As always, it is important to find a breed/type of dog that will fit into your lifestyle, your home and your family.

How do I find a dog or puppy to adopt?

When considering how to adopt a dog, the first thing you need to do is to find a rescue centre close enough that you can go and visit. It is important to make sure the rescue centre you choose is working to the highest standards, so finding one that is a member of the Association of Dogs and Cats Homes will give you the assurance that they are working to the best possible standards.

If you're unsure what kind of dog best suits your lifestyle, home and family, do some research online and try and spend time with dogs from the breed of your choice. Sometimes, the reality and the fantasy don’t match!

The rescue centre you choose can also help you with that. When you express an interest in rescuing a dog or puppy, the rescue organisation will usually give you a questionnaire to fill out to better understand your current circumstances so they can recommend a suitable dog for you. They're well versed in finding good matches for both people and pets, so you can rest assured that they can help in finding you a friend for life.

Many charities can also offer you lifelong support, so if you ever have issues with your dog, they may be willing to help or else point you in the direction of someone local who can.

How to adopt a dog or puppy

The next step is for you to meet your potential new dog – or a selection of dogs that the rescue centre feel will fit your needs and life. This is a chance for you to get to interact with them and decide if they could be your perfect new canine companion.

Take everything into account when you meet them. Size, personality, exercise needs, grooming needs – and just that ‘spark’ that makes you think ‘this is my dog’! Sometimes rescue dogs choose you more than you choose them.

If you have any other family members (human or canine), the next step will be to introduce them to make sure they get on and ensure domestic harmony.

Once you've found your perfect dog – whether puppy, adult or golden oldie, the rescue centre will usually arrange to do a home visit before you officially rescue a dog to ensure it is a suitable environment and make any suggestion that might be helpful.

While this might seem a little invasive, the rescue centre wants to make sure that you can give one of their dogs a safe, secure, loving forever home. This ensures they do not end up being abandoned or given up on again in the future.

Find out more about reputable rehoming centres in your area from the Association of Dogs and Cats Homes

Questions to ask when adopting a dog or puppy

We're all guilty of letting our heart lead our head, and you may see a cute little ball of fluff at your local rescue centre or a fabulously glamourous-looking adult dog and fall instantly in love, but when you get home you might discover that your needs or personalities are not compatible.

So, when you first meet your potential new canine companion, you should go with a list of questions to ask the staff. The following questions are a good starting point:

• What training has the dog had – have they lived in a home before, are they toilet trained, lead trained etc
• How old are they?
• If they are a puppy, what breed are they/might they be?
• Do they have any special needs I need to be aware of?
• How long have they been at the rescue centre?
• Do you have any information on their life before the centre?
• What behaviours have they seen while they have been with them?
• What do they enjoy doing?

These questions are just a starting point, but prior to your visit you should sit down and compile a list of all the things you need to know. Also, think of any desirable/undesirable qualities for a dog, as this will ensure that the match between you and your adopted dog is right will reduce the risk of them having to be returned.

How long does the process of adopting a dog take?

The process varies between different centres and different dogs. If you're adopting a scared or nervous dog with a difficult past, you'll probably need to visit the centre several times to allow them to get used to you. If you have children or other dogs, they will have to meet the dog too, which can take time.

It'll also depend on if the centre requires a home check to take place too, as this can lengthen the process. That's our guide on how to adopt a dog! If you're ready to welcome a new dog to your home, take a look at our guide.

Your new dog is going to be with you for many years, so don’t feel you have to rush.

Adopting a dog or puppy FAQs