It’s a sad fact of life that, for some, owning a dog doesn’t work out. Thankfully, when the worst comes to the worst, the RSPCA can step in to provide safe shelter, food and care for an abandoned dog, while trying to find that dog a happy new forever home.

There are many reasons why a dog may find itself at an RSPCA animal shelter. In some case, the RSPCA inspectors may remove a dog from its home environment, if it’s found to be suffering cruelty, abuse or neglect. In other cases an owner may feel unable to care for their dog anymore – whether that’s because they don’t have the money or the time, or maybe they didn’t realise what a commitment dog ownership is.

Dogs can often be abandoned when they become sick and they need costly medication or treatment, as well as extra attention. Or maybe they have special needs that the owner can’t cope with. Other dogs can come to the RSPCA because their owner has become ill or sadly died.

Whatever the reason a dog comes to the RSPCA animal shelter, it will be given the care and attention that it needs. While dogs are kept comfortable and have all the essentials that they needs at the RSPCA shelters, the ultimate aim is that the RSPCA will be able to rehome the dog – afterall, nothing beats having your own owner, your own happy home and a place within a loving family.

Rehoming a dog also means that there is then a space freed up for another needy dog to take – with over 300 dogs being taken in every month, RSPCA shelters really are full to bursting. If you were able to give a dog a new home, you’d also be helping the RSPCA to help other dogs in need.

If you are considering taking a dog into your home and into your family, it’s important to give thought to the reasons dog ownership doesn’t always work out. Dogs need a lot of attention including daily walks, and may not be suited to those with very busy lifestyles or who are away from home a lot. You also need to consider that dogs need looking after when you’re on holiday, away with work or even on an overnight stay. As well as time, it also costs money to look after a dog, with food, accessories and insurance to cover the cost of any medications or  treatment they may need being taken into consideration when working out your household budget.

Once you are certain that dog ownership is for you, you should consider rehoming an RSPCA dog, and giving a home to a dog in real need. As well as gaining a lifelong, loyal companion in your pet, you’ll also be helping a charity that relies on donations to fund the work in preventing cruelty to animals – it’s a win win situation all round!

Should you decide to rehome a dog, the RSPCA will take care to help you find the dog that is right for you, your family and your circumstances, to ensure a perfect match and a long and happy pet/owner partnership.[/pre_post_ad]