7 Questions To Ask Yourself Before Adopting a Rescue Dog

Anyone with a rescue dog will tell you that the moment where you lock eyes with that special four-legged friend and realise they are ‘the one’ is pretty magical. At Tug-E-Nuff Dog Gear, we know the feeling well.

There are thousands of dogs looking for homes up and down the country. Research states that in 2024, approx 2.5 million pets were given up for rehoming and around 100,000 of those were dogs. 

Research from Statista shows that only 14% of dogs entering new homes in 2024 were adopted from rescue. 

Rehoming a rescue is one of the most rewarding things you can do. But is adopting a rescue dog the right choice for you?

To help you decide, here are seven questions we think you should ask yourself before adopting a dog...

1. Have you got other dogs?

Every rescue dog is different and it’s important that rehoming staff find the right home for every dog. Some dogs can be rehomed with other dogs - in fact, many specifically need to live with other dogs because of certain backgrounds, like ex-breeding dogs. While other rescues need to be the only dog in the house.

Getting a second dog is as much of a big decision as getting a first, so it’s worth taking your time to find the right dog for your situation.

2. Have you got children?

Lots of rescue dogs are unable to be rehomed with children, so this is certainly an important factor to consider if you have a young family. Staff at all rehoming centres will be able to advise you if a dog is suitable to be rehomed with children of different ages.

3. Can you afford a dog?

Adopting a dog can be cheaper than buying a puppy - but that’s not the sole reason to consider it. Usually your adoption fee covers basics like neutering, microchipping and some vaccinations, but there are ongoing costs for things like food, training toys, and vet bills to consider.

You don’t have to be rich to adopt a rescue dog, but you need to be confident that you can afford to look after their needs.

4. Are you up for a challenge?

Lots of rescue dogs have had a difficult start to life and therefore need some help adjusting to a ‘normal’ life. It can sometimes be a challenge, but the reward of earning a rescue’s trust and watching them blossom makes every effort worthwhile.

From not being house trained to chewing, jumping, and pulling on the lead, there are a range of bad habits that you need to be prepared to work on.

At Tug-E-Nuff Dog Gear, we firmly believe in the power of play to boost bonds and transform dogs from all backgrounds.

We’ve seen countless examples of our motivational, interactive training toys being used to bring out the best in in nervous and shy dogs - and even those who don’t know ‘how’ to play. Get some ideas on how to help your rescue learn to play here.

5. Have you got time?

Rescue dogs need time to get to know you, time to get used to their new home and time to learn new skills. It’s worth mentioning that puppies need this too!

When you take on a rescue dog, be prepared to invest your time helping them grow and settle in. If you’re unsure, ask at your local rehoming centre about fostering a dog. 

Learn more about how to help a rescue dog settle in here. 

6. Are you open-minded?

Rescue dogs come in all shapes, sizes, colours and breeds. It’s about finding the dog that’s the right fit for your family and lifestyle, not finding a particular type of dog.

When looking for a rescue dog, be open-minded about breed and you might end up surprised by the dog you fall in love with!

In our Training Tips area of our website, you’ll find lots of breed-specific articles to help you find the motivational toys that are perfect for your rescue.

7. Are you ready for a lot of love?

When you adopt a rescue dog and give them their forever home, it’s the start of a loving bond that will bring you endless joy and satisfaction. Get ready for a lot of love!

Remember, we offer personalised toy recommendations for dogs of all shapes and sizes, so if you’d like some expert advice from our in-house Play Expert, get in touch.

READ NEXT:

6 pros and cons of getting a second dog

How to help a rescue settle in

7 ways to teach a rescue dog to play