Re-homing a rescue dog can be very rewarding. Remember, however, that many dogs in re-homing centres are there because their owners couldnt handle the responsibility. Thats why its important to consider the issues carefully before you finally decide that adoptions right for you.

1 Where do you live? How big is your house or flat? Do you have a garden or is there a park nearby? 2 How much time and energy do you have? Is there room in your life for an active dog or should you be considering one that needs slightly less exercise? 3 Do you have children or grandchildren? Do these children have much experience of dogs? What sort of dog is comfortable with children? 4. Are you out of the house a lot? If you work full-time, your dog will have to spend a long time on his own. Not all dogs are happy to do that. 5 Can you afford a dog? From food to vets fees, owning a dog can work out very expensive. You may want to settle for a smaller dog and avoid breeds with known veterinary problems. 6 Do you have another dog or cat or other pets? How are they going to react to a new arrival? And which dog is most likely to get on with them? 7 How much do you know about the dog you have in mind? Different breeds can be very different in terms of their behaviour, their demands and their potential health problems. 8 What age is best for you? Puppies will be more active and are less likely to be trained. An adult dog may be calmer but also more set in their ways. 9 How about size and sex? A large dog in a small flat sounds like a recipe for disaster but energy levels are what really counts. Gender matters, too, particularly if you have another dog. You may want to get one of the same sex or have one neutered. 10 Will the coat fit? There are smooth dogs and there are hairy dogs. Could you cope with the daily grooming a long-haired breed would require? If you have an allergy to dog hair (or to vacuuming!) you may want to think about a non-shedding breed. Now take the adoption questionnaire >