Can anyone advise? Rescue dog question.

[akaWisey]

I've wanted to get a dog for a while and would look for a rescue animal, probably from Battersea dogs home as it's nearest to me I think. I don't know where to start but before I go any further I need to know I'm doing the right thing.

Do they accept adopters who work as I'm not in a position to be a SAHM to a dog and I live alone (except for two cats). I have a largish safe garden and live in a quiet street with access to loads of fab walks including the beach. It's dog city here . I'd be able to walk a dog in the morning and evenings and obviously weekends. But, in your opinion, would I be setting up an animal for misery by not being here full time (or even part-time although sometimes I work from home). I hope I'm not being unrealistic but if I am I'm sure you'll let me know .

[PetraStrorm]

I'm considering a rescue dog too. A lot of the places I've looked at (only online so far) are very specific about which dogs can be left for how long, and some of them say they won't rehome any dog if it will be alone for more than a few hours a day.

I'm fortunate that I work mainly from home, but I've already mentally committed to getting in a dog sitter/walker as necessary on the roughly one day a week I'd have to go into the office once the dog has settled in.

I think the best thing to do is contact the shelter and be completely open about your situation and see what they say. Good luck

[MehsMum]

Dogs are social animals and are much, much happier if someone is at home with them most of the time. If you're out 9-5 every weekday, it wouldn't be fair on a dog.
Sorry.

[Staffle]

The general rule of thumb is 4 hours a day for a dog to be left by itself.
Some very calm/older dogs can be left all day, provided a dog walker or someone came by midway through the day to let it out/walk as necessary, and I am sure you will get replies from people that have this arrangement. I don't think it's fair for a dog to be left ALL working day alone with no break and this can easily lead to problems (barking, ripping up furniture, soiling in the house etc.)
I have a seasonal job so work at home for 6 months and 6 months of site visits. When I am out of the house full time we have arranged doggy day care (it's about £15-£20 a day near us) for my dog - could you use something like this? My dog loves it, he gets to hang out with his mates and play/snooze all day in company. The rescue we got our dog from wanted proof of this arrangement prior to us adopting him as they would not have rehomed him to us if he was going to be left all day, 6 months of the year.