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Original poster

Adopting via the RSPCA

5 replies

wizzler · 27/01/2012 20:48

Hi,
As a family we have been planning to get a dog, and I have identified ( with your help!) the breed that will suit our circumstances and decided that a puppy would be best. I have found that my local RSPCA has a litter of puppies which would be perfect. I know that they want anyone considering adopting to take the whole family to their site, and complete questionnaires etc and I am fine with that.

My concern is that, I gather that the RSPCA are really tough on who can adopt, and often turn people away. I understand that they need to get the adoption right. My concern is that if I take the DC ( 5 and 7) to see these puppies, and then the RSPCA reject us, they will be devastated..

Does anyone out there have any experience in this area ? I think we would be able to give these dogs a good home, DH is at home all the time, and we have a good sized garden. We often go for walks as a family, and live near woodland. We rarely go on holiday abroad Sad, and we would be happy to adapt our lives to meet the needs of a canine family member.The DC are fairly sensible .

OP posts:
countydurhamlass · 27/01/2012 21:11

i adopted my collie cross from the RSPCA, albeit 12 years ago and he is still going strong. We had to take him for a walk three times before were were allowed to take him home. they came to our house to check where we lived and to ensure it was suitable. at the time we lived in a 2 bed terraced house with a smallish yard in the middle of a large town. i was only in my early 20s. they asked us questions and came to visit us a couple of times after we had taken him home and then that was it. i think as long as you can show that you understand what a puppy/dog needs and are willing to put the effort in then you wont have a problem.

twange · 27/01/2012 21:12

Have the RSPCA told you that is the process, or is it just what you've been told by others?

I adopted a long time ago from from a dogs trust and I met the dog first, then I was home checked/filled application forms etc, and only then, when it was agreed I could hopefully become the new owner, was bringing the whole family along required.

Maybe it is different at the RSPCA, sorry I can't help you more.

By the way, I recently adopted from an online rescue that only has dogs with fosterers, and this has been much nicer as the dog is much better assessed and you have far more idea that the dog is the right one for you. If by any chance you are near swindon and want a puppy jack russell :
yorkie-rescue.friendhood.net/t7140p120-angel-jack-russell-terrier-swindon#110500

Sluttybuttons · 27/01/2012 21:16

The sspca wouldnt even consider rehoming a pet if you have young children. RSPCA might be different though

Original poster
wizzler · 27/01/2012 21:52

Thanks for the advice everyone. I have been looking on lots of the rescue sites, but many of those dogs are identified as not suitable for young children, and as many are from breeders they will only rehome where another dog is present.

I know the RSPCA need to see us all (though your experience sounds a more sensible approach Twange), from their website,

Slutty, I think I might give them a call tomorrow morning. If its a straight, no, then I won't bother. It just seemed so perfect.. exactly what we were hoping for, and we would be helping some rescue pups...seemed to be a win win!

OP posts:
INeedMoreDaylight · 27/01/2012 23:34

I adopted a 3 year old Labrador cross from the RSPCA 11 years ago. I had a 6 year old and they wouldn't let us have any dog they didn't know the history of...quite rightly.
I guess that wouldn't be an issue with a puppy though.

Assuming the procedure hasn't changed.
We had to fill in a form and take the dog out for a walk. As we wanted to go ahead with the adoption a home visit was arranged.

The home visit was fine, they just wanted to check it was safe for the dog and that the garden was secure. We'd had a dog before, but they will have a chat with you to ensure you understand the responsibilities involved in owning a dog and that somebody will be at home with the dog the majority of the time.
They will tell you at the end of the visit if you have been approved and give you a form to say you have.

The next step was for the whole family to go and meet the dog. Our son has ASD and quite frankly he behaved appallingly, as he was so excited to see the dog. I was sure we would be turned down, but they said that it was fine as the dog was totally unfazed by our manic child :o

We took him home that day and he was a much loved member of our family until we lost him two months ago.

Have a chat with them, I found them very friendly :)

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