Where to find a dog?

[averylongtimeago]

I am helping an elderly Aunty find a new dog. She has been looking online- but some sites ask for a payment before you can see the contact details, another wants a screenshot of her passport or driving license. The Dogs trust won’t let you look at a list of what dogs they’ve got- you have to fill in a form and they allocate you a “suitable” dog.
She knows what she wants, is fit and active and has a plan in place for if anything happens to her (we take on her dog , it’s in her will).

I am concerned that she will end up getting scammed by clicking on random links on her laptop- so where should we look?

Independent rescues are often more pragmatic. E.g. Arundawn in Sussex (albeit they rehome to a much wider area) are very sensible and easy to work with in my experience.

Most rescue centres have an online form and definitely don't ask for payment, that's a clear red flag

Breed rescues are better, in my opinion, than the big charities. Dogs given for rehoming are generally fostered to a family home, rather than kennelled, so the assessment is more realistic.

You might ask her local vet. Ours often know of dogs needing a new home.

100% agree.

We hear far too many stories in the news, and on MN, about people who went to the big five rescues and ended up with completely inappropriate dogs.

Not only will smaller, breed specific, rescues will have their dogs in foster so you get a proper assessment of how the dog acts in a home, but their ongoing support tends to be much more thorough.

I always use this example but my neighbour adopted from the big five. She was told the dog was child friendly. It attacked her child, unprovoked - the child literally just walked past the dog. When she contacted the rescue they completely ignored her and basically said it was her problem now. I obviously can't speak for all breed specific ones, but if we had a dog do that who we had re-homed from our breed specific one, we would absolutely take it back in a heartbeat and either assess what had gone wrong, or if necessary, PTS. We would never leave an owner to deal with it themselves.

Beagle Welfare have a number of dogs for rehoming and beagles make wonderful pets.

Which breed does she want?

Go to the breed specific rescue(s).

Do not adopt from abroad and never pay to see the dog. But I appreciate getting someone to take these points on boad is frustrating.

How elderly is elderly? That may cause her issues with some rescue organisations.
I agree that smaller local/breed rescues can be more pragmatic. Also, interestingly, I found that Battersea were pretty flexible in their requirements (but I wasn't that impressed with their comms/knowledge about individual dogs so go in with your eyes wide open and prepared to ask lots of questions on that front).

Thanks for the replies- she is 80, always had dogs, including rescued, golden retrievers and spaniels. We know her age could be a problem to adopting, hence the arrangement set out in her will. She’s looking for a Golden, middle aged. Likes spaniels, but realistically they would probably be too bouncy!

She’s looked on pets4homes and a site called Golden Retriever Owners uk (who wanted a payment before you can see contact details).
Shes also had a random Facebook message offering her a puppy (delivered!) from 300 miles away for £300!

Please tell me you're joking about Golden Retriever Owners UK!? They are literally the lowest of the low. Amoeba's have more intellect than half the alleged owners and breeders on there...

Separately, whilst I am the last to be ageist about Golden Retriever ownership (I have sold puppies to people in their 70s), there is absolutely no guarantee a middle-aged Golden would not be as bouncy as a Spaniel. My 13 year old girl can still do 7mile walks in one go at a fast pace, and my 6 year old girl (technically middle aged) can do 15 miles a day easily. She needs to use a breed specific rescue if she wants a Golden Retriever - when poorly bred they are riddled with health issues - that might be able to live the sort of life she can offer.

Also, no good breeder or seller would re-home a dog without at least wanting to meet you several times - and certainly would not ask for money up front.

There are lots of Golden Retriever rescues in the UK - please use one of them and be prepared to wait.

Edit: I just realised amoeba's are quite intelligent...so I revise my above statement to:

Koalas have more intellect than half the alleged owners and breeders on there...

I soon realized Golden Retriever owners was a bad idea! Luckily we spotted one advertise locally, so she’s off to see it today.
Thanks everyone for your suggestions