Adopt a dog: how rescue dogs can become your new pet
More than one in three dogs abandoned last year is still looking for a new home. Would you consider taking one in?
If you’re looking for a pet, you might have considered adopting a dog from a rescue centre. As a result of the financial crisis, there is no shortage of dogs that have been abandoned and are in need of a home.
New research from Churchill Pet Insurance shows that over 35% of dogs that were abandoned in 2011 are still waiting from someone to take them in.
The survey of 300 rescue centres also showed that:
- many dog owners are under financial pressure and have to give up their pets
- relationship break-ups are leading to more dogs being abandoned
- the sheer volume of dogs in shelters is taking its toll on Britain’s over-burdened animal welfare sector.
Adopting a dog
On a positive note, an increasing number of people in the UK are becoming more comfortable with the idea of taking in rescue dogs.
- Over 90% of dog lovers know about the problems dogs in rescue centres face and are aware of how many dogs are currently waiting for new homes
- More than half (56%) of dog owners surveyed wouldn’t consider a dog who’s been in a rescue centre for six months or more a problem dog
- In the past, many such dogs would have remained in shelters because people had concerns about whether they would fit in to their home.
How to adopt a dog
If you’re interested in adopting a pet, you can contact dog rescue centres or animal shelters. You could also contact one of the following organisations for information and advice:
- RSPCA opens in a new window
- Battersea Dogs & Cats Home opens in a new window
- DogsBlog.com opens in a new window