10 reasons to adopt a Battersea rescue dog

02 Jun 2023

Rehoming a Battersea rescue dog is a very rewarding experience and gives our dogs the second chance of the loving home they deserve. Here are 10 reasons to adopt a dog from Battersea.

Close up of German Shepherd dog's paws sitting on sofa

1. We'll help you find the perfect buddy

Our Animal Charter lays out our commitment to providing the highest standard of care for our animals, minimising any stress and anxiety as well as carrying out thorough observations and evaluations to plan their housing location and ongoing care.

When you register to rehome a Battersea animal, we’ll ask for information about your household and preferences. This is so that our expert rehomers can use their extensive knowledge and experience to match you and your existing pets with a suitable companion. We recognise that everyone's situation is different and make adopting a dog as stress-free as possible with our simple rehoming process.

2. We know that every dog is unique

All our animals receive a detailed behaviour and temperament assessment. Our behaviourists are highly experienced and knowledgeable about specific breed traits, giving new owners complete peace of mind.

3. From chihuahuas to great danes, we have dogs of all shapes and sizes

We often have a wide range of dogs at our centres including pure and cross breeds. We take in dogs of all types, so we never know who is coming through our gates.

Please note: we currently have fewer dogs than usual. To help us manage the number of dogs and cats currently in our care, and to ensure we have the capacity to respond to emergency cases while following Government guidelines, we have reduced the number of animals we take in at our centres.

New dogs and cats come into our care every day, so please keep visiting our site to see the dogs available for rehoming.

4. All our dogs receive a full veterinary assessment

Our vet checks include worming, flea treatment and vaccinations. All animals rehomed from us may return to the Clinic for free treatment for conditions relating to their stay for up to three months.

Get your free pet care guide

Our free guide is packed with expert advice and answers to all your questions on toxic foods, body language, training, and brain games for your pet. We’ve even included recipes for making pet-safe homemade treats and toys.

5. We rehome far and wide

We find loving homes for our dogs in and around London and much further afield – even overseas. All that we ask is that you can travel to one of our centres to meet them and we will then arrange a home visit if necessary.

Even though some of our dogs would prefer a rural environment, we do have dogs who would happily live in a city home. It is most important for us to ensure each dog is matched with the right owner – wherever that home may be.

6. You will be helping to support rescues and spread the word

Battersea champions and supports all dogs and cats and is determined to create lasting change for animals in our society. We take great pride in our work to help people of all ages understand responsible ownership and how current dog laws affect them.

We work within the community, with young people and the Government to inform, educate and advise about animal welfare. So every time you and your Battersea dog take a walk, proudly displaying the Battersea tag, you too are helping spread the word about how important and wonderful it is to rehome a rescue animal.

7. Our rehoming pack will give you everything you need to get started with your new dog

Our rehoming fee is £175 for dogs (over six months), £320 for a pair of dogs, or £250 for puppies (under six months). The cost includes a full veterinary and behavioural assessment, microchipping, initial vaccinations, a collar, identification tag and lead. In most cases your dog will also have been neutered or have an appointment arranged to do so. These costs represent a significant saving on the fees you could pay should you buy a pet from elsewhere.

Each rehomed dog will also be covered with four weeks’ free Petplan insurance so that right from the start your dog will be covered for accidents and new illnesses as they settle in to their new surroundings.

8. You and your dog can become a proud part of the Battersea community

You will be become part of our growing community of rescue lovers who are proud that rescue is their favourite breed.

9. Behavioural advice for your pet, for life

We’ll support you long after rehoming, so you are never alone when you adopt a pet from Battersea. Our team of experts are only an email or phone call away, offering you and your pet support when you need it.

10. Hairy additions make happy homes

By welcoming a rescue dog into your life you are opening yourself to finding a new best friend who will bring lots of love to your home. Read some of our rehoming stories to find out how Battersea pets have proved great additions to their owners' lives.