Dogs enrich our lives in many ways. They provide companionship, love us unconditionally, and even improve our health, reducing stress simply by being there. If you’ve decided to add a four-legged member to your family, first you must decide whether to buy from a breeder or pet shop, or to adopt from a rescue or rehoming organisation. There are many pros to rehoming a dog, and the cons can easily be avoided with thorough preparation.
The biggest pro associated with rehoming a dog has to be the fact that you are providing a loving home for a dog that doesn’t have one. Rehoming a dog also costs much less than purchasing from a breeder or pet shop, both initially and in the long run. Rehoming fees for dogs – which include the cost of spaying or neutering – are usually a fraction of what you would pay for a puppy from a breeder or pet shop.
Also, puppies from pet shops usually come from puppy farms, which tend to overbreed their animals. Overbreeding can result in puppies with genetic complications such as hip dysplasia and congenital heart defects. These puppies can even be sold sick with worms or, in the worst-case scenario, the parvovirus. All of these conditions will amount to very large vet bills.
The dog not fitting in with the family is the biggest con you hear associated with rehoming a dog. When this happens, the family often turns the dog back into the rehoming organisation. This heartbreaking situation can often be avoided by doing a bit of homework before picking out a dog.
Begin by making a list of breeds of dog that you like. Then, research each breed to learn the following: maximum size, temperament and breed-specific health issues. It is important for you to find a dog that fits in with your home, personality and budget. For example, if you work 50 hours a week and live in a small flat, a Border Collie definitely wouldn’t be a good fit, as they are high in energy and require lots of exercise.
You would want to choose a companion dog that enjoys napping the day away, such as a pug. It’s also important to look at health issues common to the breeds you prefer, as you will never want to be in a position in which you can’t afford to give your dog the care it needs, or to feed it, for that matter. A German Shepherd will cost significantly more to feed than a Yorkshire Terrier.
Once you have answered these important dog breed questions and narrowed down your list, then you can begin visiting rehoming centres. The staff will work closely with you throughout the rehoming process, answering any pet questions you may have. It’s okay to fall instantly in love with a dog, just be sure it’s a breed that’s included on your list. If you already own a dog, be sure to set up a meeting between the two dogs, outside of your home, before making your final decision.
If you have your heart set on a particular breed of dog, and it’s not one of the more common breeds, you can contact a rescue organisation that deals with that particular type. They are more than happy to hear from families looking to provide forever homes for their rescue dogs.