How to adopt a dog
Thinking about adopting a dog? Learn how the RSPCA adoption process works, how we match dogs and puppies with the right homes, and what to consider before applying. We’ll guide you through each stage and support you along the way.
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Dog adoption process
Find a rescue dog or puppy
Start by using our Find a Pet search to find a rescue dog or puppy near you. You can filter dogs by location, as well as age, size and lifestyle needs, to help you adopt a dog who suits your home.
Some people hope to adopt a puppy, while others prefer to rehome a dog who may be calmer or already trained. Each profile explains the dog’s personality, background and the type of home they need. Taking time to read each profile carefully helps you understand how to adopt a dog that’s a good match for your lifestyle.
Apply to adopt a dog near you
When you’ve found a dog you’d like to adopt, complete the application on their profile page. This helps us understand your home, routine and experience so we can assess whether the dog’s needs can be met. You should hear back from our team within 48 hours. If the match isn’t quite right, we’ll help you find another dog who may suit you better. Some dogs are ready to be rehomed immediately, so make sure you’re ready too.
Meet and get to know each other
If your application is suitable, our team will invite you to meet your selected dog.
Meetings usually take place at the animal centre, though sometimes they may happen in a foster home or another quiet environment, depending on the dog’s needs. Some dogs only need one meeting, while others benefit from several visits. This can be especially helpful when children or other pets will be part of the household.
Spending time together helps everyone feel confident before any final decision is made.
Prepare your home
For some dog adoptions, we may arrange a home visit or virtual home check. This gives us the opportunity to talk through practical details, such as exercise routines, garden safety, sleeping areas and how the dog will settle into your daily life.
This is particularly important if you’re planning to rehome a puppy, as younger dogs often need extra support, supervision and time to adjust to their new surroundings.
These conversations are designed to support you and make sure the dog’s needs can be met.
Complete the adoption
Once everything is agreed, we’ll guide you through the final paperwork and adoption fee. Your dog will be microchipped, vaccinated, neutered (or booked in) and treated for fleas and worms. You’ll receive their veterinary history, settling-in advice and ongoing support if you need it.
Find a pet
Meet our rescue dogs
Before you apply
What we need from you
Rehoming a dog is a big decision, and finding the right match matters for both you and the dog. We’ll consider your lifestyle, working pattern and any children or other pets in your household. Dogs can live well into their teenage years and need daily care, companionship and plenty of enrichment, so adoption is a long-term commitment.
Before you apply to rehome a dog, we ask that you:
- Are aged 18 or over
- Have permission from your landlord if you rent
- Can provide a safe and suitable home environment
- Can meet the dog’s exercise, training and companionship needs
- Are open to reward-based training methods
- Understand the long-term commitment of dog ownership
If the dog you apply for isn’t the right match, we’ll help you explore others who may suit your home better.
Dog adoption fees
If you’re wondering how much it is to rehome a dog from the RSPCA, fees vary by centre and by age of the dog. Adoption fees help cover the cost of preparing each dog for rehoming, although the care they receive from us often costs much more.
Adoption fees also support our rescue work and allow us to reach more animals in need.
Your fee contributes towards:
Microchipping
Vaccinations
Neutering where possible (or a neutering voucher)
Flea and worm treatment
Veterinary checks and rehabilitation
Understanding the cost of owning a dog
Owning a dog involves ongoing costs such as food, grooming, insurance and veterinary care. Our pet cost calculator can help you understand what to budget for before adopting a dog.
Further resources
Frequently asked questions
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Yes, as long as your tenancy agreement allows dogs. Confirm this with your landlord before applying, to avoid issues later. Living in a flat doesn’t automatically mean you can’t adopt a dog. We’ll look at your lifestyle and the individual dog’s needs to find the right match.
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You’ll need a secure collar and ID tag, lead, food and water bowls, appropriate food, a bed, toys and a safe resting space. We’ll provide guidance before collection and share advice on settling your dog in.
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Possibly. Some dogs can live happily with other dogs or animals, while others prefer to be the only pet. We assess compatibility carefully and may arrange introductions before adoption.
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Yes. Our teams are happy to answer questions before you apply. If you’re unsure whether you’re ready to adopt a dog, we can talk through your circumstances and suggest suitable options.
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Some dogs may already be house trained, but many will still need time and training to adjust to their new home. Patience and consistency are important while they settle in.
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Many dogs live happily with families. We consider the ages of children, their experience with dogs and the temperament of the individual dog when making adoption decisions.
We’ll advise on safe introductions and make sure the dog is suitable for living with children. Supervision, clear boundaries and educating children about respectful interaction are essential for everyone’s safety.