Maybe you’ve recently lost a dog, bought your first house, or just decided that the time is right to bring a dog into your life. Whatever the reason, you now have a big decision to make. Should you buy a dog from a breeder, or rescue a dog looking for a home.
It will come as no surprise that at Rescue Finder we think you should very strongly consider rescuing a dog instead of buying, but let’s talk about why and discuss the pros and cons, as well as important considerations so you can make an informed, responsible choice.
What Does Rehoming a Dog Mean?
Rehoming, or adopting, a dog means giving a home to a dog from a rescue charity or rehoming organisation. These dogs may have been abandoned, surrendered by previous owners, or rescued from difficult situations. Some have experienced unimaginable trauma and abuse, and are just looking for someone to give them the love and care that they need.
Dogs available for rehoming come in all shapes, sizes, ages and breeds, including puppies, seniors, pedigrees and crossbreeds.
What Does Buying a Dog Mean?
Buying a dog usually means purchasing a puppy directly from a breeder. This can range from highly reputable, ethical breeders to illegal or unethical sellers, with many people running puppy farms, using their dogs just for the purpose of making money with little to no regard to the dogs welfare.
When buying, you are typically choosing:
- A puppy rather than an adult dog
- A specific breed
- A dog with no previous home history
This route requires extra care to ensure the breeder is responsible and not contributing to welfare issues. This can be very difficult, but there are a few things you can do if you do decide to purchase a dog:
- Always purchase a puppy with the mum present. It’s a legal requirement, known as Lucy’s Law, for any puppy under the age of 6 months for sale to have the mum present. If the breeder makes excuses, this should be considered a red flag and avoided.
- Always visit the dogs home. If they want to meet somewhere public, this should also be considered a red flag.
- Check the puppies age. It’s illegal to sell a puppy under the age of 8 weeks, with some responsible owners preferring to wait until even later.
A responsible breeder will:
- Let you see the puppy with its mother
- Ask you questions about your suitability
- Provide health testing proof
- Never rush or pressure a sale
- Offer to take the puppy back if things don’t work out
The Benefits of Rehoming a Dog
You’re Giving a Dog a Second Chance
Rehoming directly saves a life and gives a dog a well deserved second chance. Some have never known what it means to be loved and cared for at home, or any home at all.
You’re Making More Space For Other Dogs In Need
Most charities struggle with space and funding, so when you adopt one dog, you’re creating space for another that may otherwise be left abandoned, mistreated or put down.
You Can Have A Clearer Idea Of What To Expect
Dogs in rescue are assessed for behaviour, energy level, and suitability for homes with children, pets, or first-time owners. This often makes matching easier and more accurate than choosing a puppy. Adult dogs often have some level of training and are house-trained so can settle into your home much more quickly.
It’s Usually Much Cheaper
Buying a dog can be very expensive, depending on breed and demand. Some people spend thousands when purchasing a dog. Whilst adopting usually requires a donation so that the charity can continue to run and look after dogs, you also get the benefits of some things being included such as:
- Vaccinations
- Neutering
- Microchipping
- Flea and worming treatments
Ongoing Support
Most rescues provide post-adoption support, advice, training and follow-ups.
The Challenges of Rehoming
Adopting a rescue dog can have some challenges, especially if the dog has no previous training or has experienced trauma. This can make the initial settling-in phase difficult. Charities will often undergo a number of checks to make sure your home and lifestyle is suitable which can take a bit of time and may mean you can’t adopt a certain dog, but remember that these checks are important so they can make sure a dog goes to the right home.
A Final Thought
Thousands of dogs across the UK are waiting in rescue centers for loving homes (as you’ll see on Rescue Finder), many of them well-trained, affectionate, and ready to settle in immediately. For many people, rehoming isn’t just the ethical choice, but the most practical one too.
If you’re considering adoption, Rescue Finder helps you explore dogs from UK charities in one place, making it easier to find the right dog for your home and lifestyle. However you choose to bring a dog into your life, doing your research and choosing responsibly is what truly matters.