Reasons to choose a rescue dog from an adoption centre

August 2010 is UK National Dog Adoption Month and I would urge anyone who is considering a new addition to their family to get in touch with an adoption centre who can help find the perfect pet for you.

There are many good reasons to consider rehoming a dog...

Adoption centres across the country are currently full to capacity as more dogs pets than ever have been abandoned by their owners during tough economic times and fewer people are rehoming.  Centres are also experiencing a drop in charitable donations so are faced with having to do more with less.  They need to find homes for the dogs in their care, so they can take in other unwanted animals; unfortunately it is a never-ending cycle.

Adoption centres will have a wide-range of dogs available for rehoming and the staff will make sure that you choose the breed that is best suited to you and your lifestyle. All animals will have undergone a thorough veterinary examination and be fully inoculated and wormed whilst older dogs will also have been neutered to prevent any future accidents! You will also be vetted to ensure you can provide a loving ‘forever-home’; to minimise the risk of a dog being returned to the adoption centre.

Having said that that a wide-range of breeds is available; in UK shelters the majority of dogs are Staffies or Staffie-cross types.  People are often wary of this breed, but in the right hands they make fantastic family pets, although they are not always good with other dogs or cats, they adore people and children.

Dogs for adoption are not all ‘problem’ dogs, many are in a shelter through no fault of their own due to death, family breakdowns and relocation.  They may have been much loved family pets who are now patiently waiting for someone to give them the new home they deserve so they can start enjoying life again.

Although a cute puppy is appealing. an older dog may be a better choice for someone who isn’t able to cope with the demands of a young dog; if you are out at work or a first time dog-owner for example.  Many oldies find themselves in adoption centres when their elderly owners can no longer care for them; they are faced with a bleak future, the kennel environment doesn’t suit an older dog who will be wondering what he did to end up there and feeling dejected.

You will be required to pay a fee to adopt a dog, but this will be considerably less than buying a puppy from a pet shop, puppy farm or dog breeder. If you adopt a puppy, the fee is likely to include the cost of neutering when the dog is old enough. Neutering is vital to ensure that there are no litters of unwanted puppies making an appearance. Neutering doesn’t hurt dogs and doesn’t make them fat or change their personality.

You may have a particular breed in mind and be tempted to respond to an ad in the local paper; these litters may originate from puppy farms, where the dams are forced to whelp time and time again, leading a thoroughly miserable life, often in unspeakable conditions. The puppies, taken away from their mother at a few weeks old will often be worm-ridden, requiring extensive not to mention expensive veterinary treatment, or even need to be euthanized. Unscrupulous puppy farmers will sell pups for extortionate prices with no regard for the welfare of the animals. Don't ever hand over any cash to these vile individuals.

Pedigree dogs bred by reputable breeders may be prone to hereditary medical problems such as hip-dysplasia. In 2009  the Kennel Club undertook a complete review of breed standards after some breeds were becoming deformed due to intensive breeding to obtain exaggerated features favoured in the breed. Pedigree dogs can be very expensive to buy; although they are often purchased with a view to breeding in the future; creating more dogs, when there are already so many waiting in adoption centres.

The physical and emotional benefits of dog-ownership are numerous; you’re given unconditional love from a loyal companion; exercising your dog keeps you fit and active and you’ll meet new friends on your daily outings – dogs like to stop to say ‘hello’ to each other so you’ll get chatting to their owners;  simply grooming and stroking a dog can lower blood pressure and induce relaxation.

If you are unable to commit to adopting a dog, your local adoption centre would welcome any help and support you might be able to offer; dogs need daily walks to relieve the monotony of kennel life and dog-walkers are always needed. You could also consider sponsoring a long-term resident, or, get involved with fund-raising initiatives.