Around 130,000 dogs are sent to dog rescue centres each year in the UK in hopes of finding forever homes. Help them start a new and fruitful life by considering adoption. Here is the step-by-step process on how adoptions work in dog rescue centres:
Step 1: Find a reputable dog rescue centre.
The outcome of successfully adopting a dog first hinges on the trustworthiness of the dog rescue centre. Find one that provides high-quality service to make sure that you will be matched with a pooch that you are capable of taking care of.
The easiest route to take is to check the websites of various dog rescue centres around your area. They should provide clear information about the health problems of dogs under their care and the ideal living situation they would likely fit in.
Medical necessities such as vaccinations, microchipping, and spaying or neutering must be covered too.
To further assess if these dog rehoming centres are credible, check forums or social media for feedback about their service. This will help you root out shady dog rescue centres and narrow down your final list of choices.
Step 2: Search for the right pooch for you and your family.
This information will help you choose a dog that fits in well your current living situation. If you think you found the right match, fill up the application form provided on the dog rescue centre’s website to start the adoption process.
The application form contains important questions to determine if you can provide a perfect forever home for your chosen dog. These often include inquiries about your lifestyle, your living space (if you have a back garden), and your experience with the particular breed.
Step 3: Wait for the feedback.
The staff at dog rescue centres always makes it a point to thoroughly review application forms of potential adoptive dog owners.
Pooches in dog rescue centres come from all walks of life, from unwanted puppies needing homes to elderly homeless dogs.
Some have it rougher than others since they suffer from behavioural issues or medical conditions. Not all aspiring pet parents will be a good match for these dogs.
Thus, the staff in dog rescue centres needs to correctly assess which individuals will be able to provide the most suitable forever home. If they believe that you are the best match, they will arrange for you to meet your chosen dog.
Step 4: Get to know your chosen dog.
Around this time, they will give you tips on how to make adjustments at home for the sake of your dog’s sense of comfort and safety.
They may offer advice on removing potential dangers in your house, barring potential escape routes, and preparing items that will make your dog feel at ease with you, such as T-shirts with your scent.
Step 5: Time to bring your new dog home.
Do not be discouraged if your pooch is anxious or distressed once he arrives home. It will take him around 2–3 weeks to settle in his new environment.
This is a good opportunity to slowly form a bond with your pooch. So patiently stay by his side and offer him guidance and comfort.
What to Do If a Problem Comes Up with Your New Dog?
Many dog rehoming centres have a team of vets and professional trainers available to provide advice on various medical problems or behavioural issues such as separation anxiety or aggression, which are quite common in rehomed dogs.
Do You Pay for a Dog from a Rescue Centre?
Adopting a pooch from dog rescue centres often entails paying an adoption fee. This covers the expenses of microchipping, neutering or spaying, deworming, and up-to-date vaccinations of your furry companion.
Adoption fees for adult or senior dogs typically range between £200–£300. The cost of adopting puppies in dog rescue centres is around £100–£200.
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Why Is It So Hard to Adopt a Dog from a Rescue?
Picking the right owners for rescued dogs is a lengthy process. Several factors such as working hours, dog care experience, and home space will be carefully reviewed by the dog rescue centre’s staff.
It can take a couple of weeks and even months before a final decision is made.
Turning down several adoption applications is not uncommon in many dog rescue centres. However, do not see this as bad luck. It is done to ensure that rescued canines will find owners who are deeply committed to caring for them long-term.
Were your adoption applications rejected by dog rescue centres? There is an alternative way to help rescued pets have forever homes.
Fostering is a good way to get them used to new environments and develop their social skills. Both are important factors in getting them ready for adoption.
