Adopting a dog in the UK: questions you should ask

Longing for dog walks and cuddles on the sofa with a gorgeous pup? A pet can bring much joy to a family home and teach children valuable life lessons, as well as providing a loving companion for them to grow up with. If you decide to adopt a dog from a shelter, it gives the animal a new life and a chance to be loved and cared for.

The dog may have suffered neglect and abandonment with their previous owners. Alternatively, their loving owners may not have been able to care for them due to ill health. By adopting, you can give them another chance at life. It can save you money too. Shelters will microchip, spay, neuter and vaccinate animals, which cuts the costs of dog adoption for you and ensures you're taking home a healthy dog.

Adopting from shelters also helps to eradicate illegal puppy farms where puppies are bred for profit.

When choosing a dog to rescue, it's important that you get as much information as possible to make sure they are the right pet for you. Here, with the help of Pedigree® and our Mumsnet users, we've compiled a list of questions you should ask when going through the adoption process to ensure you can love and care for your new companion.

1. How long will adoption take?

How long it takes to adopt a dog in the UK can vary depending on different factors. Generally, the adoption process involves several steps: finding a dog you want to rehome, completing a form, spending some time getting to know the dog, having a home visit by the shelter and, finally, collecting your new companion.

This entire process of dog adoption in the UK can take at least a week to complete, and in some cases, might be longer.

The potential duration is important to consider if you're planning to go on holiday or be away from home during this time, as it could affect your application.

What Mumsnet users say

Definitelyrandom · Real experience

Very quickly, with our local Greyhound Trust. We filled the form in, went for a chat and to spend an hour walking hounds. Came back a couple of days later and walked some more and chatted some more. Were home vetted. Brought "our" hound home for the day. Chatted some more when we took him back. A couple of days later we brought him home to see how we got on (as first time greyhound people) and kept in touch and got advice from the trust as needed. After a week or so we filled in the adoption papers.

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2. How much will it cost to adopt a dog?

While the cost of adopting a dog can work out much less than buying one from a breeder, it’s good to understand what you will be paying and what this covers.

The costs can vary depending on the shelter you go to and the type of dog you choose but the price should include vaccinations and health checks. For example, rescuing a dog through The Dogs Trust will cost you around £250 in fees for an adult dog and £310 for a puppy.

As well as the adoption costs, you’ll also need to consider the upfront costs of bedding, toys, blankets, crates (if suitable) and any treats they might like.

What Mumsnet users say

RobBeckettsTeeth · Real experience

We paid £150 to the Greyhound Trust for ours. She was neutered, chipped and vaxxed. We also were given a lead, muzzle and collar.

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florentina1 · Real experience

I adopted 3 years ago from a small private rescue and the fee was £275.

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3. Can I adopt a dog if I have young children?

Shelters vary on their criteria for dog adoption here in the UK. For example, some may not allow families with young children to adopt, while others may not consider it an issue depending on the dog.

If you want to rescue a dog, it’s best to check this with the shelter you have in mind. But bear in mind that it may take longer to match you with a suitable dog that is okay around children, but it is possible.

What Mumsnet users say

flipflopson5thavenue · Real experience

We'd love to adopt/rehome a dog, but my DS are currently 6 year old and 8 year old. Am I right in thinking most rescue centres won't rehome dogs with young children? Is there generally a minimum age for the children?

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tabulahrasa · Real experience

Mostly it depends on the dog, the history they have for it and their assessment of it… There are less dogs available suitable to live with children always because they have to be very sure the dog will be happy living with children and that no children are put in danger.

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4. Do I need to have a garden for my dog?

While having a secure garden will be part of the criteria for some rescue centres, not having one may not stop you from getting a rescue dog.

Some charities complete home checks as part of the adoption process and check your outside space to make sure it is safe and suitable for a pet, however, dogs have been known to be rehomed with owners in flats or homes without a garden, if it is not essential for the dog.

What Mumsnet users say

LarkRize · Real experience

We have adopted from Dogs Trust. Most of our place is stock fenced, we said to them we would fence a small area round the house higher, which we did, and that was fine. They are lovely in person, so do have a chat with them and take photos and videos to show your set up. Their support and follow up is fantastic so worth persevering IME.

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5. Can I adopt a dog if I have other pets?

Having a pet in the house won’t prevent you from adoption, but it will be taken into account when finding a suitable dog for you.

This will be decided based on the personality and background of your adoptive dog. This includes homes with cats, which can be suitable for dogs who are used to being around cats.

What Mumsnet users say

Dappled · Real experience

I'm just mentioning this to say, be very careful to find out what you can of a rescue dogs history re. cats and don't necessarily feel reassured if a dog has lived with cats in another environment e.g. a foster home, or has met a cat briefly once.

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6. Can I adopt a dog if I work full time?

How much you will be at home will be something that comes up in the adoption process.

Shelters will prefer families that are home for walks and meals, however, working full time may not completely rule you out of getting a dog. Rescue centres will look at applications on a case-by-case basis.

Although, if you’re often away from home, you should consider whether you can provide the necessary care and attention a dog needs. Dogs shouldn’t be left alone for more than four hours, especially when settling into new surroundings. So, you should carefully consider if your lifestyle can accommodate a dog’s needs before committing to adoption.

What Mumsnet users say

Alwaystired45 · Real experience

I've always said that I'd like to get a rescue dog rather than buying a puppy, but from looking at the RSPCA website, I've noticed that a lot of their dogs need someone who will be home most of the time. How does that work? Surely most people work? I know a lot of people WFH now but that can't be everyone who has a pet, right?! I know I could provide a good home to one of these lovely dogs, but I can't change my working schedule, which is such a shame.

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7. Will the dog have any health conditions?

This is an essential piece of information to know when adopting a dog. Knowing whether your dog has existing medical issues or is likely to develop them will help you prepare for any future costs of treatment or medication.

Find out about what dietary requirements they may have and if you’ll need to buy any special food or vitamins. Pedigree® has a range of multivitamins to help boost joint care, digestion and immunity so you can give your dog the best start with your family. You can also get them Pedigree® DENTASTIX™ to keep their teeth and gums healthy too.

What Mumsnet users say

Terminallysleepdeprived · Real experience

Things to be wary of with all adoptions is potential medical issues. I was provided with vet documentation to show this one was healthy but often people lie, so ensure that even if you get from a rescue you get an independent vet assessment too.

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8. What kind of personality does the dog have?

This is one of the most important factors to consider. Your new dog’s energy levels could affect how they fit into your life and family. You may be happy to take on a dog that requires some training or you may need a calmer dog that will be happy snoozing and cuddling up with you. Also, find out if they’ve had any training previously as this is something you may want to consider.

Things to ask include: how much exercise they’ll need, how they behave on walks, how house trained they are, and if they are ok around other animals and children.

What Mumsnet users say

IngGenius · Real experience

Ask yourself If you can live with the dog as he is now? Don't assume all the behaviours he is displaying will be able to change. Many might but some may not.

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9. Is there anything we need to know about the dog’s history?

It’s important to get as much information as you can about your dog's background, such as how long they have been at the rehoming centre, whether they have been rehomed before, and if they have any fears. This will help you understand their needs and what they may have experienced previously so you can give them the care they need.

Find out whether they have any favourite treats and games to help you build a bond with them and help them settle in more easily. Bear in mind the shelter may not know everything about the dog.

If you’re looking for food and treats, Pedigree® has a wide range of dog treats such as MARKIES™ for adult dogs and RODEO™ Dog Treats with Beef.

What Mumsnet users say

ReadtheReviews · Real experience

Fear triggers (some have odd ones, one didn't like black dogs, another very upset by frying onions). Has he been allowed on furniture? Food allergies.

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About the author

Gemma Wilcock is a freelance writer and copywriter. At Mumsnet, she creates content providing useful parenting advice, information and top products to make life easier – as a mother of two children herself, Gemma knows how important it is to get the right advice.

After working on women’s weekly magazines for nine years, Gemma turned to freelance writing to fit around family life, writing for a range of online and print publications, charities and small businesses. She loves writing about subjects that will be helpful to the reader – and herself! - including recommending top products on Mumsnet that help parents in their day-to-day life.