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Original poster

Pointless trying to find rescue dog online?

17 replies

ElyElla · 09/02/2019 13:53

I've been checking out all the major rescue centres and organisations online but it seems a 'reserved' tag immediately seems to be put across the photos of any new dogs as soon as they're posted - especially if they're child-friendly etc. Is it really just a case of having to get down to the centres themselves rather than hoping you'll find something on the website?

OP posts:
Walnutwhipster · 09/02/2019 13:55

Try smaller specific breed rescues. A lot won't touch families with young children now.

youbethemummylion · 09/02/2019 13:58

Yes I think you have to go down discuss your circumstances and wait for a dog to come in that matches. Thats what the people have done who get the instantly reserved dogs. Also try smaller rescues (not necessarily breed specific as a good old mongrel is an excellent choice of dog)

Original poster
ElyElla · 09/02/2019 14:09

Any recommendations for any centres I should be checking out? Have been looking at Blue Cross, Battersea, the RSPCA and Dogs Trust. Live in London

OP posts:
mrsjoyfulprizeforraffiawork · 09/02/2019 14:14

From my own experience at the beginning of 2017, you must register with the rescue first (I registered with nearest RSPCA centre - and Battersea Dogs Home) - then, they can let you know if something you see might be suitable for you (there is always more to each dog than is on the website) and also you are in a position to instantly reserve a dog you think you'd like by email or 'phone and thus get a chance to meet it and decide before you are pipped at the post. I registered with RSPCA in person as I'd gone to have a look around at some dogs I'd seen on their website (they are never quite as you'd imagined when you see them and, lovely though they were, I just didn't feel the "click" with either of them but you are allowed to walk any of them that you are interested in, which is helpful). I think you might be able to register online but I'm not sure. Soon after I did this with both centres, I was able to ring up and reserve a dog I'd seen at Battersea and the rest is history...... she slumbers peacefully at my feet now. Battersea don't ring you to let you know if something comes up, you have to keep ringing them to ask them. RSPCA has many more dogs up for adoption than they put on their website! You only find out when you go there but if you were registered and kept in touch with them regularly, they would probably tell you if they had any suitable for you that weren't on the website.

CMOTDibbler · 09/02/2019 14:17

What sort of dog are you looking for? With smaller rescues, you are better looking at FB than their websites as they are updated much quicker.
The rescue I foster for keeps a list of people looking for puppies now as they get so much interest, so its worth phoning and talking to the rescues

Pissedoffdotcom · 09/02/2019 14:19

Facebook. Find a foster based rescue & get in touch with them. They will direct you to a suitable dog or keep you in mind when new arrivals turn up. Many work together too so one may be able to direct you to another

florentina1 · 09/02/2019 14:22

I got my Terrier from a small rehomimg place in Gatwick. It is called Rescue Remedies. They are quite breed specific but were very helpful. If you are happy to take a mature dog, then try the Oldies site.

missbattenburg · 09/02/2019 14:43

Is it really just a case of having to get down to the centres themselves

Yes. IME rescues only get round to adding dogs to websites after they have been there a few days (or longer).

By then, many people will have seen them in real life so the chances of someone taking a popular dog first, is high.

Popular = good with other dogs, children, etc.

Original poster
ElyElla · 09/02/2019 15:03

Probably looking for a smaller dog. It's for my 13 year old who's been going on about one for years now. I've had dogs myself in the past so I know all about the responsibilities etc. Not fussy about breeds. Have had mainly mongrels in the past but that's not out of any particular choice, just what happened to be around at the centres I visited at the time.

OP posts:
DogInATent · 09/02/2019 20:03

Go to the shelter, don't online shop for a rescue dog. You need the shelter staff to know you, understand the sort of dog you're looking for and they'll contact you if they think there's a dog right for you.

Or.. just go along and see the dogs that are there. The online bios are as accurate as an online dating profile.

AvocadosBeforeMortgages · 09/02/2019 21:01

With being in London, have a look at Mayhew and All Dogs Matter too

Original poster
ElyElla · 10/02/2019 01:59

Thanks for the advice. Have added those other centres to my bookmarks.

OP posts:
Justagirlwholovesaboy · 10/02/2019 04:31

I follow lots of rescue centres and support their shops. A couple of years ago I was approved for a dog but I had a family bereavement and it wouldn’t have been fair. Last year I submitted interest in any dog, and after three months no response. This was to multiple shelters, so I now have a puppy, I love him but would have opted for a rescue dog given the choice, I don’t regret it, he’s gorgeous and not from a farm. But I do feel sad that I could have rehomed if someone had responded

florentina1 · 10/02/2019 09:53

RescueRemedies have a couple of Terriers and a Cocker Spaniel at the moment.

whydoineedanickname · 10/02/2019 10:00

We got ours from Battersea. You need to go there and have an interview. When we went they didn’t have any that were suitable for children so I emailed them everyday until our dog came in. You definitely need to go there and make them aware you are really interested then they’ll call you first when a dog comes in that suits you.

Original poster
ElyElla · 11/02/2019 00:53

I'm planning to pop down to Battersea during half term hopefully.

OP posts:
Namechange8471 · 11/02/2019 01:03

Don't let it out you off. We were 3rd reserve for a lovely dog, thought we'd never get him.

We take him home Tuesday Smile

Go along to the rehoming centre, there's lots of dogs that aren't even online.

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