Adopting and rehoming a dog – things to remember

I think it’s fair to say that most people think about expanding their family from time to time, and the companionship a dog can offer is priceless. Whether it’s buying a dog from a local breeder or opting to provide a home for a rescue dog, there are always things to consider before offering a forever home for a pooch.

Here are some things to remember before adopting or rehoming a dog.

Take your time making a decision

There’s no rush to get a dog, and there will always be dogs in need of homes. So, take your time and speak to your family. It’s a big decision to make and everyone deserves to have their say and raise any concerns if they have any.

It might not be what you expect

From the very start of your rehoming journey, all the way to welcoming a new dog into your home and starting a new routine, there might be a few bumps along the way. We all imagine what our lives would be like with a new pooch in it, from dreamy walks at the beach to cuddles on the sofa – but if a dog has had negative experiences earlier in its life, it may take longer to start trusting you, or before it relaxes and shows its true self. Don’t give up!

The process puts the dog first

The adopting process will vary from centre to centre, but they all have one thing in common: the dog comes first. While you might have your eye on a specific dog, they might not be a good match as they need to be the only animal in the home or require a large enclosed garden. Don’t be disheartened, the centre will work with you to find a pet that fits your lifestyle and circumstance and make sure they work for the dog, too.

You might not know the breed

When adopting a dog, you might come across a crossbreed. While rescue centres work hard in caring for the dog, assessing its individual needs, and creating a training plan they might not be able to tell you the dog’s breed. Rescue dogs come in all sorts of different shapes, sizes, and ages and some are pedigree while others are crossbreeds. This isn’t a big deal, but it’s important to remember a dog’s breed can affect your insurance policy as there will be a list of dog breeds that are excluded from being able to be insured.

With the introduction of dog DNA testing kits, some less reputable than others, it’s no surprise that owners are excited about the prospect of finding out their dog’s family tree. Do your research on individual kits, as the cheapest option might not necessarily be sufficient and if you have any doubts then why not speak to your vet?

It will take a lot of work

From getting your new dog settled to keeping on top of their training, rescuing a dog is hard work. It will take a lot of patience and teamwork, with a period of adjustment as you both learn about each other. Don’t give up, though, owning a dog is one of the most rewarding things.