Covid-19 update April 2021: Our rehoming centres are currently closed to the public for general browsing. We’re still rehoming virtually and we’re here to help if you can no longer care for your dog. Please don’t visit, or travel to our centres unless you have already been matched with a dog, or are leaving donations at one of our contact-free drop off points.
Dog ownership is a wonderful thing, but it is also a huge responsibility. As our saying goes, 'a dog is for life' and, in this case, not just for lockdown!
We're here to help! Take a look at our advice on getting dog ready, what do if you’ve just brought a pooch home, and how to help prepare them for life after lockdown.
If you’re thinking about getting a dog, it’s important to think about what life will look on the other side of lockdown, when we are hopefully back to our usual routines and commitments. Consider what your usual daily and weekly life looks like and whether you can give a dog everything they need once things return to normal. And lockdown or not, whenever you decide to get a dog, you need to know you can afford food, bedding, vet treatment and insurance for the duration of the dogs’ life, too.
Take our quiz to see if you're ready for some of the basics of dog ownership!
To completely change your schedule (& give up lie ins!)?
For more time spent at home or the expense of a dog sitter/walker?
For walks in all weathers?
To devote time to training, games and fun with your furry friend?
To spend £££s every month on food, treats, insurance & other doggy essentials?
For furniture covered in fur?
To think for two? A night out, a holiday or a weekend away all mean planning for your pooch too!
To be chief pooper scooper?
To learn the language of your dog so you can give them everything they need?
Congratulations, it sounds like you’re ready to become a dog parent! Here are some things to consider before you pick a pooch:
It sounds like you might not be quite ready to welcome a furry friend into your family at the moment. Being a responsible dog parent is a big commitment! If you’ve got your heart set on a dog, have a think about what changes you could make to your life, do lots of research and speak to other dog owners you know. We’ve got lots more advice on our website, and we’ll be here to help you adopt when you’re ready! In the meantime how about the next best thing - Sponsoring one of our dogs!
As the pandemic continues, many dog owners will be faced with the heartbreaking decision to give up their dog.
A small donation will help us change the tale for dogs and their owners by providing advice and support when they need us most.
Donate now
Prepare your dog for post-lockdown life with our advice for preventing separation anxiety
Worried about raising a puppy during a pandemic? Read our advice
If you’re ready, take a look at dogs available for rehoming!