Psychologists agree on the multifarious benefits that come with dog ownership. Dogs provide constant companionship and a reason to exercise. They give the day structure and reduce anxiety. They can improve your social life and they definitely give you a sense of purpose.
Demand for puppies soared last year as a result of the pandemic and its lockdowns. Bill Lambert, Head of Health and Welfare at The Kennel Club says: ‘Our dogs are certainly helping us through the pandemic, providing a welcome and happy distraction as Covid-19 causes anxiety, suffering and disruption across the nation. However, we do have concerns about those puppies which may have been bought on impulse, without owners doing their homework on how or where to get a dog responsibly, or fully realising a puppy is a new family member for life not a short-term commodity.’
We know that with careful planning and the right research, a dog could change your life for the better – forever. So why not change a dog’s life in return by rescuing one who needs a loving home?
These sites will tell you everything you need to know about how to plan and prepare and even where to find the right rescue dog for your family.
The Kennel Club
This website is a crucial tool in the kit of any new dog owner. Working to ensure that dogs live happy lives with responsible owners, The Kennel Club is the UK’s largest organisation devoted to dog health, welfare and training. Use it to find your rescue dog and answers to all of your canine questions.
Love Underdogs
Set up by a small group of animal lovers, Love Underdogs has found homes for almost 1,000 unwanted, neglected and abused dogs. They say: ‘We all know and love our dogs dearly. We care about their future and do everything in our power to set them up for a happy life and find them the best possible homes.’ Mostly from Romania, their dogs have a European passport and are vet checked in the UK and treated if necessary before being put up for adoption. They are also neutered, vaccinated, wormed and microchipped.
The Mayhew
This animal welfare charity works to improve life for dogs and cats in London and internationally. Their brilliant search function allows you to find the right rescue dog for your particular circumstances by enabling you to search via tabs like “can live with other dogs”, “can live in a flat”, “can be left alone”, etc.
RSPCA
The RSPCA is yet another charity that is desperately in need of your support whether you adopt a dog from one of its rehoming centres or not. Its website is chock full of sage advice. And its dog pre-adoption booklet is utterly comprehensive – and very encouraging about how tightly the charity will hold your hand throughout the dog adoption process.
Battersea
Battersea has been supporting dogs and cats since 1860. It cares for over 7,000 animals each year and is jolly good at finding the right animal for the right person. It has fewer animals than usual on its books right now but encourages you to register your details and promise that your journey towards a new pet begins the moment you do. You will be in good hands. They say: ‘To ensure successful matches between people and pets, we use a combination of 160 years’ rehoming experience, our staff expertise and analytical tools.’
Dogs Trust
Founded in 1891, The Dogs Trust is the largest dog welfare charity in the UK. They say: ‘Our mission is to bring about the day when all dogs can enjoy a happy life, free from the threat of unnecessary destruction.’ A pretty compelling statement of intent, right? Through its rehoming search function, you can search via breed, size, age and more.
Wild At Heart Foundation
As this charming website states: ‘A dog can lift our mood, change our day, keep us active and transform a house into a home. They offer freely what humans can spend a lifetime learning – the ability to love unconditionally. They save our lives in so many ways; we owe it to dogs to return this amazing loyalty.’ Quite right. The stray dogs on their books come from across the world. Start your search today.
By Becky Ladenburg
January 2021
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