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Things to consider before getting a dog

Getting a dog is a big commitment, and something which should be thoroughly researched and thought through. Here we cover some of the important things to consider.

Which dog might be a good match?

  • It is important to understand the breed characteristics of any dog that you plan to share your home with, to ensure that you are fully able to meet their needs and enable them to thrive. Some breeds have more energy and will require more exercise than others; some breeds may be more prone to specific health issues and some breeds will suit particular types of home and family more than others.
  • As well as the breed(s), the individual background and previous experiences of each dog will also influence them. Adopting a dog from Raystede means that we will provide you with a full background (where available) and take the time to help you to find your ideal match.
  • Like humans, a dog’s age is likely to have an impact on their energy levels and exercise requirements, so this is another thing to consider when finding your match.
  • Each of our dogs has an individual profile on our website, where you can find out all about them and the specific things they need in their forever home. If you are considering enquiring about any of our dogs, please take the time to read their profile (and watch their film if available) to decide whether you can offer them a suitable home.

Which dog might be a good match?

  • It is important to understand the breed characteristics of any dog that you plan to share your home with, to ensure that you are fully able to meet their needs and enable them to thrive. Some breeds have more energy and will require more exercise than others; some breeds may be more prone to specific health issues and some breeds will suit particular types of home and family more than others.
  • As well as the breed(s), the individual background and previous experiences of each dog will also influence them. Adopting a dog from Raystede means that we will provide you with a full background (where available) and take the time to help you to find your ideal match.
  • Like humans, a dog’s age is likely to have an impact on their energy levels and exercise requirements, so this is another thing to consider when finding your match.
  • Each of our dogs has an individual profile on our website, where you can find out all about them and the specific things they need in their forever home. If you are considering enquiring about any of our dogs, please take the time to read their profile (and watch their film if available) to decide whether you can offer them a suitable home.

Do you have the time?

  • Dogs are social creatures who cannot be left home alone for hours at a time. Dogs should never be left for more than four hours at a time, as they require company and stimulation, as well as toileting. Some dogs may suffer with separation anxiety where they just need lots of company initially to build up their sense of safety.
  • You need to consider how long your dog might be left alone, and how often, and then make plans for this (e.g. dog walker, doggy day care etc) before you get the dog. If you work full time and are going to be out of the house for long periods of the day, it may not be the best time to get a dog. A pet camera can be useful to observe their behaviour when left alone, to check they are not distressed.
  • As well as company, a dog will require time for training and games. Dogs love to learn and need lots of mental stimulation, as well as physical exercise.

Why choose a rescue dog?

  • By adopting a dog through a rescue centre such as Raystede, you will be fully supported throughout the process of finding the right one, and settling it into your home and life.
  • We will provide you with the full background history of each individual dog, as well as our expert behaviour assessment, when helping you to decide whether you are a good match. Our Kennels Team are also on hand to offer advice, support and expertise throughout the whole adoption process, and the lifetime of the dog.
  • If your circumstances change in the future, and you are no longer able to care for the dog, we will always take the dog back into our care.
  • All Raystede dogs will have received a full vet health check, which will be shared with a potential adopter. Also included within the adoption fee are first vaccinations, microchipping, and neutering.
  • Dogs are a huge financial commitment, so our adoption fees also include four weeks of free pet insurance.

Why choose a rescue dog?

  • By adopting a dog through a rescue centre such as Raystede, you will be fully supported throughout the process of finding the right one, and settling it into your home and life.
  • We will provide you with the full background history of each individual dog, as well as our expert behaviour assessment, when helping you to decide whether you are a good match. Our Kennels Team are also on hand to offer advice, support and expertise throughout the whole adoption process, and the lifetime of the dog.
  • If your circumstances change in the future, and you are no longer able to care for the dog, we will always take the dog back into our care.
  • All Raystede dogs will have received a full vet health check, which will be shared with a potential adopter. Also included within the adoption fee are first vaccinations, microchipping, and neutering.
  • Dogs are a huge financial commitment, so our adoption fees also include four weeks of free pet insurance.

Other rescue centres you may wish to register with

Battersea Brands Hatch, Sevenoaks: bbh.intake@battersea.org.uk 01474 875105

Clymping Dog Sanctuary, Arundel: rescue@clympingdogsanctuary.co.uk 01903 883116

Celia Hammond Trust, Wadhurst: headoffice@celiahammond.org 01892 783367

Dogs Trust, Shoreham: info@dogstrust.org.uk 01273 452576

Kit Wilson Trust, Hadlow Down: mail@kitwilsontrust.org.uk 01825 830444

RSPCA, Brighton: info@rspca-brighton.co.uk 01273 554218

Sussex Pet Rescue, Storrington: info@sussexpetrescue.org 01403 864742

WADARS, Worthing: enquiries@wadars.co.uk 01903 247111

This list is for information purposes only and in no way an endorsement by Raystede of those included.

How do I adopt a dog from Raystede?

  • You will need to complete an online application form. If you are not keen on using the internet, don’t worry, a member of our Rehoming Team can help you to complete an application form over the phone. Please call 01825 880468 between 8.30am – 4.30pm.
  • Please add as much detail as possible on your form, telling us all about the home you can offer a dog, the family and lifestyle a dog will need to suit, and about the type of dog you are hoping to share your life with. Due to the high volume of enquiries we receive, we cannot respond to every application so make sure you include everything you want us to know on your application form. You can attach photos and film clips to your application, if you feel this would be helpful.
  • Once you have submitted your application, you need to monitor our website regularly, carefully reading the profile of each individual dog to see whether you can offer them the home they need. The website is updated regularly so don’t worry if you don’t spot a match immediately!
  • When you spot a dog that is a good match for you and your family, home and lifestyle, please email us at info@raystede.org
  • Our expert Kennels Team, who know each individual dog thoroughly, will assess your application to see if the match could be a success.
  • If we think it is a potential match, you will be invited to Raystede to meet the dog and a member of the Kennels Team. They will introduce you to the dog and discuss it’s background, health and behaviour; this often requires a few visits, particularly with our more complex dogs.
  • If all goes well, our Rehoming Team will contact you to arrange an adoption appointment where they will talk you through caring for your new dog before you take your new companion home.
  • Our Kennels Team will be in touch regularly as you settle your new dog in, to offer any advice, help and support you might need.
Our full adoption process Apply to adopt a dog

Thinking of buying a dog?

  • Adopting a dog from a rescue centre may take time and require some patience. Whilst we strongly believe in rescuing animals, if you do decide to look into buying a dog, it is important that you ask lots of questions of the seller, and expect (and want) to be asked lots of questions in return.
  • You need to see proof of a dog’s microchipping and vaccinations, and should also enquire about the dog’s vet history. Finding out about the dog’s current food, exercise and training regime, and what words the current owner uses to communicate with the dog, will help the transition from one home to another.
  • If you are trying to find a breeder for a specific breed, breeders should be willing to invest time in you, and provide the opportunity to speak to them and arrange more than one meeting with them and the dog before buying. Some websites you may find useful are:
  • Be cautious of sellers who try to pressure you into a quick purchase, or who make excuses and can’t provide the information or proof you require.
  • If you have any concerns about an advert you see for a dog online, please report these concerns so that they can be properly investigated: Report an Advert (paag.org.uk)

Thinking of buying a dog?

  • Adopting a dog from a rescue centre may take time and require some patience. Whilst we strongly believe in rescuing animals, if you do decide to look into buying a dog, it is important that you ask lots of questions of the seller, and expect (and want) to be asked lots of questions in return.
  • You need to see proof of a dog’s microchipping and vaccinations, and should also enquire about the dog’s vet history. Finding out about the dog’s current food, exercise and training regime, and what words the current owner uses to communicate with the dog, will help the transition from one home to another.
  • If you are trying to find a breeder for a specific breed, breeders should be willing to invest time in you, and provide the opportunity to speak to them and arrange more than one meeting with them and the dog before buying. Some websites you may find useful are:
  • Be cautious of sellers who try to pressure you into a quick purchase, or who make excuses and can’t provide the information or proof you require.
  • If you have any concerns about an advert you see for a dog online, please report these concerns so that they can be properly investigated: Report an Advert (paag.org.uk)

Things to look out for when buying a dog

Is the dog microchipped?

Microchipping is essential and can help you find your dog when they go missing.

The seller will need to provide you with the microchip number, it is up to you as the new keeper, to change the details on the microchip. You can do this by contacting the registered microchip database. It is a legal requirement for all dogs over the age of 8 weeks to be microchipped

Is the dog vaccinated?

Regular vaccinations help keep your dog healthy and free of disease. You need to see a copy of the vaccination card and when it was last stamped. If in any doubt you can call the vet where the dog was last vaccinated and check. Some older dogs may have stopped their course of vaccinations, as discussed with their vets.

They may suggest the dog still needs annual vaccinations and will check that you are prepared to do that.

Can you access the vet history of that dog?

Previous veterinary history helps you to understand your dogs needs better. You may be given a document from the owner and you can ask for permission to speak to the dog’s vet to verify the vet history.

The seller should ask if you have got the funds to continue any treatments the dog might be on.

What is the dog’s current exercise regime?

Different dogs require different amounts of exercise. Does the dog look in appropriate shape for the exercise the owner says it is getting?

The owner should ask how much exercise you can offer the dog.

What is the current training regime and words you use to communicate to your dog?

The owner will demonstrate this to you and make suggestions of any trainers they’ve used in the past or classes they’ve gone to that might continue to help. Observe how responsive the dog is - or not - to the owner.

The owner should ask you to have a go at doing some of the cue words with the dog to make sure the dog doesn’t get confused. The owner might offer ongoing support for its training.

What is the dog’s current diet?

The owner will write down what the dog eats and the amount. Ideally, they will give you some food to take with you so you can continue the dog’s diet and purchase the right food for it. The owner should ask if you can afford to continue to keep the dog on the diet it is used to or whether you intend to change the dog’s in the future.

What about buying a puppy?

  • All of the advice about buying a dog would also apply to getting a puppy, but there are few extra important things to remember if considering a puppy.
  • Puppies must be at least 8 weeks of age before they are available.
  • You should always meet the puppy with their mum, and in the environment they have grown up.

Things to look out for when getting a puppy

Raystede recommends you adopt rather than buy a puppy. However, if you do choose to look for a puppy online, make sure you consider the following...

Is the puppy’s age advertised as 8 weeks or older?

Does the ad include a photo of the puppy?

Does the ad say the puppy is microchipped?

This is a legal requirement before the puppy is sold, or at 12 weeks of age, whichever comes first.

Does the ad say the puppy is vaccinated?

Puppies should be vaccinated by a vet at 6-9 weeks of age, with second round at 10-12 weeks.

The vaccination certificate should be signed and stamped by a vet.

Does the ad say the puppy has been treated for fleas and worms?

The breeder should be able to tell you which specific treatment was used.

Can the puppy be seen with their mother?

Never accept any excuses for not being able to see the puppy interacting with the mother.

Can the puppy be seen at the breeder’s property?

Never agree to have the puppy delivered or to meet in a neutral location such as a car park.

Could I get a dog from abroad?

  • The number of dogs from abroad living in the UK has increased hugely in recent years, reaching an estimated 900,000 in 2022. There are specific risks associated with these dogs which you should be aware of, if you choose to consider this option.
  • If buying a puppy from abroad, you will be unable to follow the advice of meeting the puppy with their mum and in the environment they have been brought up in.
  • An adult dog from abroad may not be used to a home environment and may struggle to adapt. Dogs from abroad have a lot more freedom, often coming from free roaming sanctuaries living with multiple dogs. It can therefore can be a huge shift to them being on lead all the time and living in busy urban areas. They may not have experienced much human contact, or may have had negative experiences with people, meaning that they are likely to misinterpret human affection or may react defensively to well-meant gestures.
  • Some dogs are being illegally imported into the country, with fraudulent information provided about things such as age, vaccination status, levels of socialisation.
  • There is an emerging problem of diseases being brought into the country, often without dogs displaying symptoms, which can be transmitted to the UK dog population as well as to people. Vets are reporting greater incidences of diseases such as Canine Brucellosis and Leishmaniasis, which pose a growing heath threat.
  • If you do consider this route, go through a well-established organisation with a successful history of rehoming dogs from abroad. These organisations will ask you as many questions as a UK rescue organisation or a reputable breeder, and will also offer training and behavioural support with settling your dog in. They should also provide proof of transportation methods used to bring the dogs in, and proof of health checks, including those diseases which do not currently have to be tested by law.

Other pages you may find useful

Adopt a dog See our current dogs available for adoption.
Adopt a Dog FAQs We answer some more questions you may have.
Dog Care Guide Tips and advice on caring for your new pet.

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