7 replies to this topic

[Rocket]

OK, so the time has come for us to find a new dog.

Our last dog Pebbles literally dropped dead of old age in front of us, and some mourning time later we would like to give another dog a happy and loving home.

But my wife wants to get a dog from one of these adoption agencies but this worries me.

Why does this worry me? Well our cat seemed to come out in sympathy and died at the grand old age of 18 within weeks of our dog departing so we attempted to adopt a cat but they wanted to come round and check the security of our fences so that it couldn't get out of the garden.

But I said "You what? it's a cat, it will climb up a fence no matter if it is 20' high" so we didn't adopt a cat.

What are these checks like for a dog, has anyone ever been there?

[TallGuy]

Perhaps they want to check you don't have any small children it might decide to eat.

[Professional_Cynic]

OK, so the time has come for us to find a new dog.

Our last dog Pebbles literally dropped dead of old age in front of us, and some mourning time later we would like to give another dog a happy and loving home.

But my wife wants to get a dog from one of these adoption agencies but this worries me.

Why does this worry me? Well our cat seemed to come out in sympathy and died at the grand old age of 18 within weeks of our dog departing so we attempted to adopt a cat but they wanted to come round and check the security of our fences so that it couldn't get out of the garden.

But I said "You what? it's a cat, it will climb up a fence no matter if it is 20' high" so we didn't adopt a cat.

What are these checks like for a dog, has anyone ever been there?

I've been vetted (in my old house) by battersea and the RSPCA. basically they come round to talk to you, make sure you're telling the truth about where you live, that you have a suitable house for the animal you are after, secure garden etc. they also want to see whats close to where you live, ie parks and open space.

Its nothing to be afraid of unless you have every room in your house full of caged animals and a vivisection lab in the shed.

ne thing they will ask you about are your views on neutering/castration. They like you to be pro castration

[Vampyre]

I've had 3 dogs from rescue centres, and the checks vary according to where you go. The Dogs Trust are the most thorough that I've experienced. It's pretty simple common sense stuff, are you going to be out all day? will you be able to excercise the dog, is the house and garden suitable, are there children at the house or likely to visit and so on. If you've had a dog before they may also take a reference from your vet to make sure you took it for it's vaccinations and so on.

The best advice I can give you is be honest with yourself as to how much effort you are prepared to put in, as a dog from a rescue centre will need a lot of work. It is after all a huge upheaval for them, not only to be put into a centre, but to then be taken away to another new home. There are plenty of people who can help you, the rescue centres or vets can usually recommend trainers or classes. Most dog handlers are usually happy to offer advice as well.

[sparkydale]

I got my second dog from here: www.dogsfriends.co.uk because they are based locally.

Before we adopted her, we went to visit her at the foster home (they try and keep their dogs out of kennels and in foster homes, often with other dogs) with our other dog and a friends dog that we often look after. This was to ensure that all the dogs got on and there were no dominance issues. We were there for a good couple of hours. They also spoke to our regular vet (with permission) to ensure that our pets are in regular care.

They often do a home visit, to check suitability, but a glowing reference from the foster owner and a quick google earth check on our address showed that we were in a secure location, on the edge of a village so they didn't bother in our case.

The biggest problem we had was getting our new dog used to the cat. But now, a year later and a little use of a squirty water bottle, the cat is back on top and often sleeps in the dog bed having pushed the dogs out.

[Doghandler2009]

I have had two dogs (not my working dogs) from the blue cross rescue centre a lab/staff cross and a staff/terrier cross and they had a quick chat a quick check and that was it the lab was a lovely friendly dog we had for years and the other one is a great family pet.

they were also happy for us to take them on a trial period just in case they did not get on with my working dogs

Just to add my best advice if you go to a rescue centre is to pick the right dog with your head and not your fellings i usually want to bring several home with me

Edited by doghandler2009, 06 September 2010 - 08:38 PM.

[Dark_Lord666]

We got my dog from the Dog's Trust, they were fantastic they did checks, came round and looked at the house and garden, all they want to do is make sure that the Dog will be treated really well and looked after, we were fortunate in we got a Rottweiller/german shepherd cross breed, sweetest dog anyone could meet, literally would lick a person to death.

They charged £80, she was chipped, spayed/neutered and healthy! - Just be prepared when walking round as it broke my head that i couldnt take them all

[fentiger48]

You could try the relevant Breed Rescues - details available from the Kennel Club.

Have had 2 Rough Collies via breed rescue - no problems.

Also, used to assist witha breed rescue - when you are dealing with certain breeds - as an example, Irish Wolfhounds - a home visit is very useful to ensure that the dog is in the right enviroment.

Most cat rescues do not require a home visit - try your local Cats Protection, but ideas vary from branch to branch!

Personally speaking, I do not agree with cats being let out - I understand that in Australia it is illegal to allow your cat to wander.