Why adopt?
There are many reasons to adopt a dog. Here's just a few:
Blue Cross Animal Charity (photo: Blue Cross)
Puppy mill (photo: Panorama, BBC)
You’re saving a life. Too many dogs come into rescue shelters and too few people consider adoption. With shelters bursting at the seams, lots of dogs are put down. When you adopt, you open up a space for another dog who desperately needs it.
“About 21 dogs are euthanised in shelters across the UK every day.”
Rescue shelters work hard to find a dog to fit your personality and lifestyle – and to find the ideal home for the dog. Not every dog and human is a perfect match. These dogs undergo a behaviour and temperament assessment and the staff are experienced and knowledgeable about specific breed traits, giving you peace of mind.
Rescue dogs are vet checked, so you’ll know about the health of the dog and if there are any medical needs
As part of your adoption fee rescue shelters typically microchip, vaccinate and spay/neuter. The fee may also include a month’s free pet insurance and collar, so you’re set up the moment you leave.
Adoption fees are considerably lower than buying a new puppy, approx. £135 to £175, to cover the costs of rehoming and support more dogs in need
The majority of ‘preowned’ dogs are already housetrained, which means a little less stress during the first few months with your new dog
There’s a huge range of dogs – you’ll certainly find the perfect companion. Rescue shelters are full of happy, healthy dogs just waiting for a second chance. Most have ended up there because of a human problem like moving house or a divorce, not because the dog did anything wrong.
Rescue shelters are always on hand to provide behavioural advice and love to hear how you’re getting on. You'll be forever part of their doggy family.
Adopting is one way to fight puppy farms. If you buy a dog from a pet store online or flea market you’re almost certainly getting a dog from a puppy farm – a factory style breeding facility that puts profit above the dogs welfare.
“[In puppy farms] bitches are isolated and given the minimum food and water needed to keep them alive and breeding. They have little veterinary care and no exercise, stimulation or affection. There are bred from continuously until they are worn out, and when they are of no more use they are killed.”
Dogs are good for your health and wellbeing. They provide unconditional love and studies have shown they provide psychological, emotional and physical benefits too. They give a sense of purpose and fulfillment and lessen loneliness.
Why did you adopt a dog, or would you consider it?