Can I Adopt a Rescue Dog If I Have Children or Live in a Flat?

Many people who would love to adopt a rescue dog worry that they will automatically be turned down because they have children or because they live in a flat.

At SalliPets Dog Rescue, we don't believe that either of those things should automatically prevent someone from giving a rescue dog a loving home.

We look at the individual dog and the individual family.

Our aim is to find the right match.

Adopting a Rescue Dog When You Have Children

SalliPets rehomes suitable dogs with families who have children.

Many of the dogs who come to us are not coming from kennels or an unknown background. They have previously been family pets living in ordinary homes, and some have already lived happily with children.

That history can give us valuable information when considering their next home.

We ask about the dog's background, temperament and behaviour and whether they have previously lived with or spent time around children.

Importantly, we also want to know about any history of aggression or biting.

Where a dog has lived successfully with children, has no known bite history, and their temperament and circumstances make a family home appropriate, having children does not automatically exclude a family from adopting through SalliPets.

Every dog is different, however, so we would never say that every rescue dog is suitable for every child or family.

The match has to be right for both the dog and the family.

Children Can Be Part of a Wonderful Rescue Home

Growing up with a dog can be a wonderful experience.

Children can learn about kindness, responsibility, patience and respecting animals. A rescue dog can also become a much-loved member of the family and a child's companion for many years.

But adults remain responsible for the dog's care and for supervising interactions between dogs and younger children.

We consider factors such as the children's ages, the dog's temperament and previous experience, the home environment and the dog's individual needs.

We don't simply apply a blanket rule that says “children = no.”

Can You Adopt a Rescue Dog If You Live in a Flat?

Yes. Living in a flat does not automatically mean you cannot provide an excellent home for a dog.

A large garden can be useful, but having a garden doesn't by itself make somebody a good dog owner.

What matters much more is whether the dog's needs can be properly met.

Some dogs may need considerable outdoor space and exercise, while others may be perfectly happy living in a flat provided they receive appropriate walks, stimulation, companionship and opportunities to go outside.

We therefore consider the dog's individual needs and the adopter's lifestyle, rather than rejecting somebody simply because their home is a flat.

The Right Dog for the Right Home

A quiet or older dog may be very comfortable living in a flat with someone who has plenty of time for walks and companionship.

Another dog may need a secure garden, lots of exercise or a quieter environment.

Similarly, one dog may adore living in a busy family home with children, while another may need an adult-only household.

That's why matching matters.

At SalliPets, the question isn't simply:

“Do you have children?”

or:

“Do you live in a flat?”

The more important question is:

“Can this family provide the right home for this particular dog?”

We Learn About Our Dogs Before Rehoming Them

We want prospective adopters to know as much as reasonably possible about the dog they are considering.

Because many SalliPets dogs come from family homes, information from their previous families can be particularly valuable.

We ask about things such as:

• behaviour around children
• experience with other dogs
• experience with cats
• temperament
• exercise requirements
• behaviour in the home
• ability to be left
• training
• medical needs
• any known bite or aggression history
• routines, habits, likes and dislikes

This helps us decide what sort of home is appropriate.

Previous and New Families Can Keep in Touch

SalliPets also does something that can make the transition easier.

Where everyone is comfortable with it, we put the dog's new family in touch with the people who previously cared for the dog.

The previous family can share invaluable information about the dog's routines and personality, while the new family can let them know how the dog is settling.

For someone faced with the painful decision of rehoming a much-loved pet, knowing that their dog is safe and loved can provide enormous reassurance.

Our 7-Day Adoption Trial

SalliPets offers a 7-day trial period before the adoption contract is finalised.

This allows the prospective family and dog some time together before making the adoption permanent.

It is another part of our approach to finding the right match rather than simply placing a dog as quickly as possible.

Looking for a Rescue Dog for Your Family?

If you have children, don't assume that means you cannot adopt a rescue dog.

And if you live in a flat, don't assume that rules you out either.

Talk to us.

Tell SalliPets about your household, your children, your home, your lifestyle and the type of dog you are hoping to adopt.

We can then consider whether one of our dogs could be a suitable match.

A loving home isn't defined simply by whether it has children, how big it is, or whether it has a garden. What matters is finding the right home for the right dog.