When you decide to adopt a rescue dog, you are making a whole world of difference. Not just to a sweet soul who is craving a loving home, but to the dog rescue centres themselves and the wider challenges created by dog abandonment.
If you’re thinking about getting a dog, you have probably heard of the saying ‘adopt don’t shop’. You might feel a little unsure about what this really means and why it’s so important. Or perhaps you’re feeling a little apprehensive about adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy from a breeder. Getting a dog is a big decision, so you’ll want to make sure you’re making the right one.
Here at DoggyLottery, we’re passionate about supporting the wonderful work of dog rescue centres. With so many dogs in need of a new family, we strongly believe that adopting a rescue dog is the best choice to make.
There are so many benefits of adopting a rescue dog. Some of them might even surprise you! So if you’re thinking about bringing a new four-legged friend into your life, keep reading to find out why you should consider giving a rescue dog a new home.
You’ll be giving a dog a new chance at life
Dogs are loyal and loving creatures. They deserve to live a happy and fulfilling life, to be healthy and have an owner who takes good care of them. Sadly, many dogs have suffered terribly by the time they get to a dog rescue centre, and most are heartbroken that they have lost their beloved owner. You can help relieve a dog’s fear and unhappiness, and open the door to a brighter future.
When you adopt a rescue dog, you will be giving a needy pup a second chance at life. Regardless of how old they are and their story so far, it’s you who can make the next chapter possible. Not only will this make you feel fantastic – you’ll feel super-proud with that warm, fuzzy ‘I’ve made a difference!’ feeling – but your new rescue pup will be eternally grateful to you.
You’ll adopt a dog that’s a perfect fit for you and your family
…and vice versa. The dedicated and experienced teams at dog rescue centres are committed to finding dogs forever homes, but not just any home – it has to be the perfect fit.
The team will ask you lots of questions about your lifestyle and they’ll also be interested to know about the other members of your household, whether they be of the human, canine or feline variety. The staff at the dog rescue centre will take this information as well as any requirements or preferences you might have and use it to find you the perfect pup with the ideal characteristics, temperament and breed.
Please be honest and give as much information as you can. The team will arrange a visit to double-check your home is suitable for the dog you are rescuing, so any untruths will surface. Remember, a dog’s health and wellbeing are of the utmost importance. You will only be allowed to rescue a dog if you can give it the kind of life and home environment it needs.
You should know that when you choose to adopt a rescue dog, you will be supported every step of the way, right from when you make that first enquiry to the minute you take your new four-legged friend home. The staff at the dog rescue centre will likely follow up with you weeks and months down the line to check you and your new canine companion are getting on well, and that there are no problems.
You’ll be able to choose from lots of wonderful dogs
Right now, there are thousands of dogs waiting for new owners in dog rescue centres, so rest assured there is plenty of choice. Rescue dogs come in all shapes and sizes. Some are young, some are mature. Some dogs are content to laze around all day, while others are playful and active. Your perfect pooch is waiting for you, and the team at the rescue centre will be able to help you find them.
Sadly, some people worry that there won’t be a lot of choice at a dog rescue centre. Some potential owners want a cute 8 week-old Labrador puppy or an insta-worthy French Bulldog, while others have their heart set on a specific breed based on their traits and characteristics.
Unfortunately, just because a dog is purebred doesn’t mean they won’t be abandoned. You might just find the breed you’ve got your heart set on at a dog rescue centre. And did you know that many puppies are born at dog rescue centres too? This happens when mum has been rescued herself while pregnant.
Just remember, your future four-legged friend might not look like how you imagined. Dogs make wonderful companions, regardless of their breed or appearance. By opening your mind and listening to the advice of dog rescue teams, you could make a rescue pup’s dreams come true.
Your new pet pooch will be in tip-top condition
The amazing teams at dog rescue centres will always make sure that dogs are in fantastic health before they are put up for adoption. Yes, we’re talking wet noses and waggy tails.
When you take your rescue dog home, you can expect them to have been fully vaccinated, de-flead and de-wormed. They will also have been spayed or neutered and microchipped. This is to ensure that all dogs are fighting fit and have the best chance of living a full and healthy life.
Adopting a pup is a great way to support a dog rescue centre
There are hundreds and thousands of abandoned dogs up and down the country and the world over, and by adopting just one of these special souls, you’ll effectively be saving a life. Dog rescue centres in the UK are struggling to cope under huge pressure, with more and more dogs being abandoned, so it’s so important that we show them all the support we can.
If you decide to adopt a rescue dog, you will be helping a dog rescue centre in numerous ways. Not only will you be making an important financial contribution to support their work (this usually works out less than the amount you would pay a breeder), but you’ll also be freeing up a much-needed space for another dog in need.
The amazing staff and volunteers at dog rescue centres put in so much work to help abandoned dogs. They take them in when they have nowhere else to go, nurse them back to health and offer vital rehabilitation to help with emotional, social and behavioural issues. But the end goal is always to find a suitable forever home. So when you adopt a dog, not only will there be a huge smile on your face, but you’ll also be making a rescue team’s day.
You’ll be saying “NO” to dog breeders
Last but not least, when you choose to adopt a rescue dog, you’re taking an active role in saying “no” to the harmful practice of breeding dogs for profit.
In the UK and around the world, there are countless dogs who are in desperate need of love, care, food, shelter and medical attention. Breeding dogs for profit contributes to overpopulation problems and stops would-be dog owners from taking in needy pups. All the while there is demand for pedigree dogs and dogs that look a certain way, those who breed for profit will continue to do so.
In the UK, there are brilliant laws and organisations that protect dogs and regulate breeders, and many breeders do truly look after their dogs and work to ensure their health and wellbeing. Sadly, this doesn’t mean that there aren’t cruel and irresponsible breeders out there, and puppy farms are a continual problem up and down the country. What’s more, some purebred dogs are prone to severe health problems and have a shorter life expectancy.
When you turn to your local dog rescue centre instead of a dog breeder, you are doing so much good. You’ll be taking in a needy soul instead of contributing to a potentially harmful industry, and you’ll be giving you and your new furry friend a greater chance of success.
Adopting a dog is a wonderful thing for anyone to do, but it is a big commitment to make. If you’re unsure, try answering these six questions to find out if you’re really ready for a dog.
If now is not the best time to adopt a rescue dog, that’s okay! There are lots of ways you can support dog rescue centres. If you need some pointers, read our article: 11 Ways To Support Dog Rescue Centres.
A great way to support all the wonderful work that happens at dog rescue centres up and down the UK is to play the DoggyLottery! Our unique dog lottery may be fun and games, but most importantly, it helps to provide much-needed funds to dog rescue centres. You can join in for just £1.50 per week, and who knows – you might just win a fantastic prize!
