Dogs Trust > Rehoming > Choosing a Dog >
Dogs Trust looks after more than 12,000 dogs every year: nobody loves dogs more than we do.
We know what a rich and rewarding relationship it can be. We also know that getting a dog is a big commitment: in time, money and care. With 112,000 dogs found abandoned every year, it’s worth spending some time thinking before deciding to get a dog. There’s the time involved: a dog can live for 15 years – this is a long-term relationship. There’s the cost – of food, toys, vaccinations, pet insurance and vet’s bills. Finally there’s lifestyle to consider: can you give a dog the attention, exercise and love he deserves?
Once you’ve decided that you’d like to get a dog, there are different ways to go about finding the right one.
We’ve been matching people with their ideal companions for decades. By getting to know you, we believe we can help you find a dog that’s right for you. All our dogs are neutered and microchipped and given a complete health check, including vaccinations. We also give you a collar and lead and six weeks’ free insurance. When you rehome a dog from Dogs Trust, we charge a modest adoption fee. Once you’ve adopted your dog, we’re here to support you - with training or advice - throughout your dog’s life.
If you’re interested in a particular breed, it’s worth finding out as much as you can about its traits and habits. Staff at any of our centres will be happy give you their experience of all breeds. The Kennel Club can give you a list of reputable breeders.
Sadly, far too many dogs are bred for a quick profit and raised without care or love – one of the reasons so many are abandoned and destroyed each year. At Dogs Trust we strongly advise you to avoid breeders where the dogs are not kept in clean conditions, where you cannot see the puppies’ parents and to avoid puppy farms.
Collie types as family pets - Is a collie for you? Do you know what hard work they can be? Most collies need special homes that are willing and happy to provide lots of exercise, training and fun activities such as agility or flyball. Still interested in a collie? Then read this!
Greyhounds and lurchers as family pets - They don’t need lots of exercise, they don’t eat very much and can make perfect family pets! There are thousands in rescue up and down the UK. If you’re thinking about rehoming a dog - then think greyhound or lurcher!
We run Seventeen rehoming centres all around the UK.
Click on the map or use the menu below to find your nearest centre.
If you are ready to give a dog a home our 'Adopting a Dog' section tells you how to do it.
