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Original poster

Adopting a rescue dog

10 replies

Diano · 05/12/2025 07:58

It's been a long time since I've adopted a dog and things have changed. I remember the days when youwalked along the cages and chose one. Now its online applications which is okay with me if thats the system. Just want some pointers in what to e mindful of when choosing a dog. Want the decision to be right for both me and the dog.

OP posts:
Roaden · 05/12/2025 08:13

will you be around during the day or out most of the day?

what’s your appetite for walking?

SpanielsGalore · 05/12/2025 09:18

I would look for a rescue that uses foster carers to look after the dogs, rather than kennels. Then the dogs have (hopefully) been properly assessed in a home environment.
Also, if you have a breed in mind, look at breed specific rescues.
The rescue should carry out a homecheck and ask you a lot of questions about your lifestyle and what you can offer a dog, so they can help match you with a suitable dog. They should insist on a couple of meet and greets before allowing you to take the dog home.
Look for a rescue that offers life time support. They should be willing to take the dog back if things don't work out. Offer training and behavioural advice. And possibly cover vet bills for any pre-existing conditions.
Be wary of rescues that try to foist any old dog on you, insist on money up front and let you take the dog at the first meeting. They're only in it for the money and don't care about the welfare of the dogs or their suitability for the adopter.
Finding the right rescue dog for you can take time, so be prepared to be patient and don't lose hope.
Good luck in your search.

Original poster
Diano · 05/12/2025 17:23

Roaden Yes, I'll be around most of the day and would hope to be able to take the dog to many of the places I go - coffee shops, visiting family.

With regards to walking I'm not a hiker but would see dog and I going for 2 walks per day, length will depend on needs / wants of dog I suppose

OP posts:
Original poster
Diano · 05/12/2025 17:25

SpanielsGalore that's excellent advice - thanks

OP posts:
Indeedcorrect · 06/12/2025 14:08

Diano · 05/12/2025 17:23

Roaden Yes, I'll be around most of the day and would hope to be able to take the dog to many of the places I go - coffee shops, visiting family.

With regards to walking I'm not a hiker but would see dog and I going for 2 walks per day, length will depend on needs / wants of dog I suppose

You need to be crystal clear on what level of walking you are happy with - as different breeds have very different requirements

Do you have funds for what is now very expensive pet insurance?

Indeedcorrect · 06/12/2025 14:09

Do you have a garden? Enclosed? What kind of property do you live in? You live alone?

Hoppinggreen · 06/12/2025 14:11

If the Rescue don't want to visit you at home to properly assess you and the house then hav nothing to do with them would be my advice

Runlikesomeoneleftgateopen · 06/12/2025 14:20

I'm not entirely short of this new trend regarding taking dogs to coffee shops.
it seems a lazy way of getting the dog out of the house only to be stuck inside another building.
It's hardly stimulating for the dog or a good means of exercise.
I love dogs and enjoy seeing them out and about but seeing so many dogs being traipsed through noisy crowded shopping places, can't help but feel for them, it's the furthest thing away from their natural environment.

Indeedcorrect · 06/12/2025 14:24

Runlikesomeoneleftgateopen · 06/12/2025 14:20

I'm not entirely short of this new trend regarding taking dogs to coffee shops.
it seems a lazy way of getting the dog out of the house only to be stuck inside another building.
It's hardly stimulating for the dog or a good means of exercise.
I love dogs and enjoy seeing them out and about but seeing so many dogs being traipsed through noisy crowded shopping places, can't help but feel for them, it's the furthest thing away from their natural environment.

It’s never occurred to you that lots of people go to a coffee shop after a dog walk?

I do. My mantra is you scratch my back and I’ll scratch you… so long walk for the dog. Then coffee in cafe for me with her flaked at my feet!

CMOTDibbler · 06/12/2025 14:35

My dog loves going to a coffee shop, and indeed going to actual shops (though he judges if they don't have biscuits). He is normally walked in a rural area, but finds towns very stimulating and interesting as far as I can tell.
Anyway, rescue dogs. Be truthful about how much walking you want to do - theres no shame in being a 2x 30 minutes a day walker, and minimal if its raining. Or being someone who wants the dog to not go on the sofa/bed. But you need to communicate these things honestly so the right dog can be paired with you.
I've fostered a lot, and some people get really arsey when told a particular dog won't have their needs best met by that person. I've had ones who needed a single female household, and others who needed a busy house with lots going on. Some who needed structure and routine, and others who were best with a bit of unpredictability (to stop them insisting on things being exactly the same). And so on. But as a rescue, the thought has to be about the long term welfare of the dog so they don't come back even worse.
My current little foster love is snoring next to me at the moment - she will def be wanting to be on the sofa when she eventually is up for rehoming! But for now we have to explore the mental scars of her past and work on healing them

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