How to Rescue a Dog: A Step-by-Step Guide

So, you’ve decided to rescue a dog — how exciting! Welcoming a rescue dog into your life can be one of the most rewarding things you’ll ever do. But let’s be honest: knowing where to begin can feel overwhelming.

The good news is that with a bit of research, patience, and preparation, the process becomes much more manageable — and entirely worth it.

Before You Begin: Things to Consider

Adopting a dog, especially a rescue, is a long-term commitment. Many rescue dogs come with their own histories, which may include trauma, neglect, or time spent on the streets. That doesn’t mean they’re broken — far from it — but they may need extra time, understanding, and training to adjust.

💡 TIP: Make sure you’re ready for the emotional, practical, and financial responsibility. Your dog will rely on you not just for food and shelter, but for love, structure, and safety — for life.

📖 Recommended Reading: Everything You Need to Know Before Rescuing a Dog

Step-by-Step Guide to Rescuing a Dog

1. Decide What Kind of Dog You’re Looking For

Start by creating a list of qualities that matter to you. Consider:

  • Size (small, medium, large)

  • Age (puppy, adult, senior)

  • Energy level

  • Temperament

  • Compatibility with kids or other pets

  • Any dealbreakers (e.g. must be hypoallergenic, can’t bark excessively, etc.)

This will help narrow down your search and make sure you choose a dog that fits your lifestyle.

2. Find Reputable Rescue Organisations

Research a few rescue organisations — both in the UK and abroad — that align with your values. Look at their adoption processes, ethics, and support systems.

🔍 Tip: Not every rescue will have the right dog for you straight away. Shelters often experience high turnover, so check back regularly. Some rescues also accept general applications and will match you with a suitable dog when one becomes available.

📌 Check out our recommended list of rescues here.

3. Start Enquiring About Dogs You Like

Once you see a dog that interests you, reach out to the rescue. Ask questions about:

  • Temperament and behaviour

  • Socialisation with other dogs or people

  • Medical history

  • Energy levels and exercise needs

  • Post-adoption support

📋 Helpful Resource: Top 5 Questions to Ask Before Adopting a Rescue Dog

4. Express Your Interest & Submit an Application

If you're serious about a dog, fill in the organisation’s adoption form or contact them directly. Include a short intro about yourself:

  • Your living situation

  • Whether you have other pets or children

  • Your work schedule and lifestyle

  • What kind of home you can offer

🐶 Note: Puppies tend to get adopted fast — don’t wait too long to submit your interest!

5. Undergo a Home Check or Interview

Once your application is reviewed, the rescue will want to learn more about you. Depending on the organisation, this could involve:

  • A phone or video interview

  • A home visit (in person or virtual)

  • Photos or videos of your home and garden

💡 Tip: UK-based rescues often have stricter criteria (e.g. secure garden, someone home most of the time). Smaller international rescues may be more flexible.

6. Wait for the Decision

The rescue will decide if you’re the right match based on your application and the dog’s needs. If you're not successful, don’t be discouraged — it's not personal. Dogs deserve the right fit, and the perfect match for you might be just around the corner.

📝 You can always ask for feedback and request to be considered for other dogs in the future.

7. Pay the Adoption Fees or Deposit

Once you're matched, you'll typically be asked to pay:

  • A deposit to secure the adoption

  • An adoption fee (usually £200–£400)

  • Additional costs for vaccinations, microchipping, spaying/neutering, and — if relevant — international transport

💸 Adopting is still significantly cheaper than buying a dog, and your fee supports ongoing rescue work.

8. Prepare for the Wait

Depending on where your new dog is located, the time between approval and arrival can vary:

  • UK dogs may come home within days or weeks

  • Overseas dogs often take 4–8 weeks due to passports, vaccinations, and travel arrangements

🛫 Some rescues handle the entire process and deliver the dog to your door. Others may ask you to meet at a transport hub or foster home.

9. Get Ready for Your New Arrival

This is the fun part — and sometimes the nerve-wracking part, too. Even if you haven’t met your dog yet, you can still get things ready:

  • Buy essentials: bed, food, lead, collar, toys, crate, ID tag, etc.

  • Puppy-proof or dog-proof your home

  • Prepare your schedule (you may need a few days off to help them settle)

📋 Check out: New Dog Checklist | Training Tips for Rescue Dogs

10. Welcome Your Dog Home!

Your dog is finally coming home. Whether you're collecting them or they’re arriving via transport, this is a big milestone.

💗 Be patient — your dog may need time to decompress and adjust. They’re experiencing a huge transition. The “3-3-3 rule” is a helpful guide:

  • 3 days to feel overwhelmed

  • 3 weeks to begin settling in

  • 3 months to fully adjust

📖 Read More: Helping Your Rescue Dog Settle In

Not Ready to Commit? Try Fostering!

If you're unsure about adopting or aren’t in a position to commit long-term, fostering is an amazing way to help. You’ll provide a safe, temporary home for a dog in need while they wait for their forever family — and you might even fall in love along the way!

Final Thoughts

Adopting a rescue dog is not always quick or easy — but it’s absolutely worth it. With patience, research, and a big heart, you can change a dog’s life forever… and they’ll likely change yours right back.

🐾 Start your journey today — explore our list of trusted rescue organisations here.