Why adopt?
The benefits, the misconceptions and the FAQs of adopting a pet
We have over 75 years of experience as a rehoming centre, and we have always strived to have the best welfare standards. We win awards and applauds for our site and services, but really it is all about the animals - we are here for cats and dogs who have nowhere else to go.
Each year we take in over 700 animals, many with complex health and behaviour issues. We have an on-site veterinary suite and a behaviour team to rehabilitate those who need extra care on their journey to adoption.
Our rehoming service matches you to cats or dogs, and we provide support as you make the exciting choice to adopt, and for that settling-in period afterwards. If it doesn't work out, or your circumstances change, we will always accept back our previous BCDH cats and dogs.
Getting a rescue dog from us has many benefits, we can tell you a lot more about the dog before you take them into your home – we will be honest, explain any training that needs to be continued and we give lots of support on your adoption journey.
All of our animals are neutered and have had a vet check up for common health issues. Many have dental treatment here, which can be a very expensive cost to pet owners. They are also microchipped and had flea and worming medication.
» Click here to read more about the pros and cons of where you buy your pet
The adoption journey is part of the experience, and can take anything from one week to several months. You can understand, this isn’t a shop where we can order in what isn’t in stock and we really want to make a great rehoming choice for you and the animal to make your friendship last forever.
It is very good value to adopt, especially with the number of benefits you get as part of the adoption package. We don’t make a profit from the adoption fee.
We consider every application and match a pet to suit your lifestyle. But please consider if you have enough time to give to a pet – wherever they come from.
You must be over 18 to adopt, but we have no upper age limit. We take the animal's needs into consideration when matching you with a pet to make sure you are a good fit.
Yes we do, but we are cautious to protect an animal's welfare and the safety of your family. If you have young children, then it will take longer to match you. It may be that adoption isn't right for you, right now.
» Click here for a more detailed look at how pets can live safely with children.
We consider every application and match a pet to suit your home - however unusual it may be.
Adoption centres have changed a lot to keep up with modern consumers, whilst keeping the animal’s welfare in mind. To get started we have one form, request photos of your home and garden, and have a conversation with you.
We have a wide variety of breeds and crossbreeds, it may surprise you. In rescue it can be that we are a couple of years behind the trend of breeds, and also representative of what breeds are owned in the local area. We’re having a chihuahua and spaniel trend at the moment!
Although breeds can be a guide to the behaviour of an animal, we get to to know each animal's personality and match that to what you are looking for in a pet. So please keep your mind open to different breeds if we suggest them!
Nobody’s perfect, and neither are pets, whether they are in rescue or in a home. We are very open about our animals’ quirks and issues so you know what to expect and we can support you after adoption.
» Find out more about our behaviour assessments.
We would argue not necessarily, as young animals are a LOT of work. Adult animals are more settled in their manners, often have had some training and have an understanding of us weird humans. However all animals - whether bought or adopted, will need time to settle in to a new home and routine.
» Click here to read more about things to consider before adopting a pet.
About half of our dogs and over half of our cats are strays or have been abandoned, and the rest come from private homes.
Keep looking! We take in, on average, 14 animals every week, and one of them will be a perfect match for you.
You only have to apply once, and then you are ready to put a reserve of your own on. If we can't match you straight away, then we ask that you check the website and let us know if you are interested in any of the new animals online.
Every animal is unique and we use all of our expertise to make the matches – every animal is assessed by the Behaviour and Animal Care team, the Veterinary team and the Rehoming team too.
We don't have visitors walking around site - it is just too stressful for the animals who are in recovery and in training - but instead you simply fill in a form, and send in some photos of your house and garden, and we will call you for a conversation about what you are looking for, and so your adoption journey begins.
» Find out more on The adoption process.