How to Prepare Your Family for Adopting a Rescue Dog

Bringing a dog home is one of the most joyous things you can do as a family. Pets bring the family together, bring more love into the house, and bring their fair share of silliness to boot! But, while many families are content going to a breeder, there are hundreds of thousands of rescue dogs in need of a new home.  

In recent years, the RSPCA has been rehoming dogs by the tens of thousands, but is still struggling to find a home for every unwanted dog. This could be a golden opportunity for your family – but how can you involve everyone in adopting a rescue? 

Involve Everyone 

The first step to preparing your family for a new furry family member should be, always, to involve everyone in the process. From the very beginning to those first furtive steps your rescue pooch takes in their new forever home, your family should be along for the ride – whether to help you out or to be a part of something beautiful. 

This process can start with choosing the rescue, of course. Everyone can have a say in who you bring home, and even what their name will be.  

Preparing for the arrival of a rescue is a little different to bringing a puppy home, too, given the prior life experiences – not all of which good – that rescues can have. You could bond with your family by having them volunteer at a shelter with you and letting them get a clearer idea of what looking after a rescue looks like. 

Kit Out Your Home 

Of course, when it comes to bringing any dog home, your home needs to be tangibly prepared and dog-friendly. Rescues add another layer of necessity, often having been reared in ill-suited homes before meeting their new family. Food bowls and dog toys are a given, but there is another essential consideration. 

Dog crates are an invaluable choice for rehoming dogs, being a useful ‘safe space’ that you can get them used to before bringing them somewhere new. Positive training with the crate can start you on the right path generally, allowing you to keep control in potentially hairy situations. 

Educate Yourself and Your Family 

At several points in this journey already, you’ll have seen the importance of knowledge and understanding in the integration of a rescue dog into your home. This importance extends to every member of the family, and should be considered carefully before bringing a rescue back.  

Everyone in the family should have some familiarity with your chosen rescue’s breed, demeanour and needs, and should be given the knowledge necessary to facilitate a smooth and harmonious journey to pet-dom. 

Rules and Responsibilities 

Lastly, if you are adopting as a family, you should also be adopting responsibility as a family. Ensuring everyone is doing their fair share to welcome and look after the rescue is key, not only to bonding as a family unit but also to ensuring your rescue’s needs are truly being met.