Where to get a pet dog/

Dalglish

Hi
We've decided for all the right reasons to get a pet dog for our ten yr old son.
We have tried the RSPCA rehoming but it seems it's easier to enter the UK illegally than it is to re-home a pet. However, I agree with the underlying reason.
We are looking for a mongrel which is docile and have tried some of the main sites but all seem to direct u to pedigree puppies.
Any suggestions? Live in west London
many thanks

bramble1

Have you tried any smaller independant rescues? they can be slightly more leninant towards who they rescue to. But, what were the reasons you were told you can't rehome?

Liquorice_Twirls

Just wondering why you can't get a rehomed dog? If this is because of your lifestyle (eg working hours) or location (eg near a busy road or live in a flat or something) then are you sure that you should be thinking of getting a dog anyway?

If it isn't any of these reasons, you could try the small ads in a pet shop which sometimes have ads for mongrel puppies. Think my Mum rehomed (privately) a cat which was advertised (for free) on preloved website. (Still think it's sad thinking an animal was "preloved"!)

Dalglish

No there's nothing stopping us in the eyes of the Rspca - we have someone at home and a garden but we need to make 3 separate visits to the rehoming centre, fill out a questionnaire, be interviewed, have a home visit, take the dog for walks, go back to have the result of the questionnaire then see the superintendent.
Know where I'm coming from?
Think they should make an assessment of the family on the basis of time at home and gut feeling!

Horace

Dalglish wrote: »

No there's nothing stopping us in the eyes of the Rspca - we have someone at home and a garden but we need to make 3 separate visits to the rehoming centre, fill out a questionnaire, be interviewed, have a home visit, take the dog for walks, go back to have the result of the questionnaire then see the superintendent.
Know where I'm coming from?
Think they should make an assessment of the family on the basis of time at home and gut feeling!

I can see their point - they have to make sure you are the right person to have a dog, lots of dogs get mistreated which is why they go to RSPCA centres anyway. They cannot risk a dog's health and wellbeing on a gut feeling. Think of it as being like adopting a child..the home won't just hand you the child, they have to go through a rigorous process to make sure you are suitable and so it is the same with a dog. If you are upset by this procedure do you think that you are fit to keep a dog? Just asking.

Have you tried Battersea Dog's Home - they are always looking for people to re-home dogs (and cats).

bramble1

If you're not willing to put in the effort to go through that process...just wondering...are you really ready for a dog?
Why does it have to be a mongrel? If you're not willing to jump through a rescue centre's hoop, then why not get a predigree pup from a reputable breeder?

Getting a mongrel from a private ad can be all sorts of great but all sorts of bad too.... the owner might not be 100% truthful with reasons why they are getting rid - last thing you need is a dog with issues you've not prepared yourself to deal with.

Sagz_2

You could try Dogs Trust at Harefield

chris_n_tj

Dalglish wrote: »

No there's nothing stopping us in the eyes of the Rspca - we have someone at home and a garden but we need to make 3 separate visits to the rehoming centre, fill out a questionnaire, be interviewed, have a home visit, take the dog for walks, go back to have the result of the questionnaire then see the superintendent.
Know where I'm coming from?
Think they should make an assessment of the family on the basis of time at home and gut feeling!

I think you will find most rescues do this. Its done for the benifit of the animal not the human. It also shows the rescue centres just how commited a person is.
Good luck I hope you find a new friend soon
Chris n TJ

Deep_In_Debt

if you are London, why not try Battersea Dogs' Home? Wood Green Animal centre are West London

dannyjebb

Liquorice_Twirls wrote: »

you could try the small ads in a pet shop which sometimes have ads for mongrel puppies.

Yes and fund the puppy farming trade!!!! Never buy a puppy unless you can go visit it as its growing up and you can at least see the mum so you know it is well brought up and you will get an idea of the puppies temperment from seeing the mum. Also its best to get a pup that has been brought up in a family environment or you will have trouble getting it used to everyday noises such as the hoover and washing machine. You say you want a mongrel...for what reasons? If you dont want to pay the cost of a new pedigree puppy have you thought of a retired greyhound? aslong as you dont have cats or other small animals. They need much less exercise than you would think and are great pets

Danny

Youdontseeme

Have you tried dogsblog.com ? You can search by area.

I have fallen in love with Areo http://www.dogsblog.com/aero-3/ I wish I hadn't looked!!!

One thing I would say though is I have never been a 10yr old boy, but at that age the last thing I would have wanted was a dog that was "docile".

I would have wanted one I could play with, take for long walks, teach tricks etc..

I do realise that a dog has to fit in with the whole family but get one that is a bit "boring" and you might yourself having to all the work (chances are you will anyway but hey..:rotfl:

I'm not knocking you for not wanting something that runs around hell for leather, but it might be something to think about.

Good luck with your search and please post some piccies when you finally have your pooch home :rotfl: