Adopting a dog in London means saving one of the many animals currently looking for a home in the city. In 2020 the RSPCA reported around 56,563 incidents around dogs, the highest of all pets.

Rehoming is therefore a great way to do your bit and show these dogs what a loving home can look like.

Coming home to a dog’s greeting brings unmatched companionship. After a busy day, a dog helps reduce stress and fosters relaxation, plus the extra exercise keeps you in shape.

Of course, rescuing a dog comes with its own challenges. Older dogs may have special needs that you need to be aware of or behavioural issues. However, adopting a dog rather than buying from a breeder offers plenty more rewards.

Work with your new furry friend to help them trust again. Show them what a safe environment can feel like and watch them blossom into a loyal companion.

Looking to adopt a dog in London? You're in luck! The city has many fantastic rehoming charities. This guide will highlight some options and what it takes to become a new pet parent.

Preparing for Fur-Parenting: Are You Ready?

There are many benefits to adopting a dog, but it is also a massive responsibility.

You’ll need to ensure that you have enough time and space to spend with your new companion. Or, ensure you can afford adequate care when you're not home. The more time you can spend with the dog, the better.

You also need to make sure you can take the dog on ample walks, especially if it’s a larger breed. If you don't have experience with dogs, reach out to a friend who does for some advice.

Different breeds have different needs. You'll want to make sure to do your research on the specific breed(s) of pup you adopt.

It’s also worth noting that rescue dogs may have various issues that require special needs. This will be specific to the dog’s experience, but you need to be prepared. The shelter will tell you what you need to know.

Here’s a list of equipment you may want to prepare in advance:

A Crate - make sure you get the right size. Not too small and not too big.

• Leash
• Doggy Bags
• Toys
• Treats
• Food

Owning a four-legged friend can be costly. With regular monthly costs to budget for, such as food, insurance and more. It's also worth setting money aside for any emergency vet bills you may have to pay.

Make sure that you not only feel ready for this commitment but are also financially ready.

Battersea

Since 1860, many rescue dogs and cats have found their forever homes through Battersea. Based in South London, this charity is one of the best-known not just in London but across the UK.

You may have seen some of Battersea's residents on the ITV show "Paul O'Grady For The Love of Dogs". This show gives you an inside look at how the charity works and some of their dogs up for adoption.

You'll find Battersea right across from Battersea Park. It's easily accessible from the Battersea Power Station stop or via bus. There's also a car park for visitors so you can travel by road.

To ensure their dogs go to the best homes, Battersea uses a rigorous rehoming process. Battersea also recommends not applying for a specific pet. They will use their 160 years of experience to match you with the perfect pet.

First, register your information and answer a few questions. The team will assess your information and determine whether you are a good match. If you are, the rehoming team will be in touch.

If they find a good match, they will arrange a call to discuss things further. Often, someone will pop around to your home for an inspection. This is just to ensure that your living arrangements are suitable for your potential pet.

Once all the boxes have been ticked, you'll be invited to Battersea to be introduced to your match. Hopefully, if things go well, you'll soon be adopting your new furry friend.

Battersea also offers plenty of advice and support for new dog owners. They want to make sure that the owner and pet settle in so if you need anything after the adoption, get in touch with them.

If you're living in our Union Wharf building, Battersea will be the best place for you to adopt a dog. The easiest route to Battersea is either by car or by Thameslink and the 344 bus.

All Dogs Matter

All Dogs Matter works in London to transform the lives of lost, unwanted, or abandoned dogs. Their work isn’t limited to the UK, either. All Dogs Matter even works to rehome stray dogs from overseas.

This charity also welcomes those looking to foster. Fostering can be a great way to build your skills as a dog owner while also giving a newly rescued dog a home.

It is a challenging role, but richly rewarding if you feel up to the task.

All Dogs Matter allows you to browse their current dogs available for adoption. Each dog's profile tells you what you need to know to find the best fit for you and your lifestyle.

Pay attention to dogs who may need more experienced owners or have special needs. If you're interested, make sure you have the right experience to give them the best life possible.

The process for adopting dogs in London is similar to that at Battersea. First, you'll need to register your interest. All Dogs Matter suggests enquiring about a specific dog that fits what you're looking for in a pet.

Then you'll have an assessment from the team. They will determine whether the dog you've picked is the right fit and, if not, choose a more suitable match.

You'll then be invited to meet your potential pet to see if you're a good match. Again, after you have rehomed your dog, you'll receive continued support to help you both settle in.

If you're living in Vantage Point, then All Dogs Matter is your closest charity. You can get there by road in just 8-minutes or walk along Archway Road for 35 minutes.

The Mayhew

The Mayhew is an animal welfare charity in Kensal Green, just north of Notting Hill. Like Battersea, it has celebrity ambassadors, including Joanna Lumley and Louis Theroux.

The Mayhew facilitates dog adoptions in London and abroad and offers pet owner education. Their community vet clinic provides affordable services, including neutering, vaccinations, and regular check-ups to keep pets healthy.

They also run TheraPaws, a therapy dog program where volunteers visit hospices, hospitals, and corporations to reduce stress and enhance morale.

The adoption process involves expressing interest in a dog, having your application reviewed, and meeting the dog before finalising the adoption.
There is a rehoming fee of £160, which reserves your chosen pet. A home visit will be conducted prior to adoption.

For residents of the Vantage Point building, The Mayhew is the closest charity, accessible by a 25-minute drive or via the Northern Line and the number 18 bus.

Dogs Trust

If you're looking to adopt a dog in London then the Dogs Trust is one of the most established charities to visit.

Often the Dogs Trust receive animals that struggle to be rehomed. Instead, they offer sponsorship to keep these dogs safe and housed in kennels or foster homes.

The charity also offers dogs for adoption in London and in many locations around the UK. In total, they have 23 rehoming centres across the country. Their largest London centre is in West London in Uxbridge. Here you'll find a huge, newly built centre surrounded by open fields.

If you want to simply pop in and meet the dogs looking for a new home, you can browse on Saturdays, Sundays and Tuesdays. Simply pay a visit between 12-4 pm to find your potential new four-legged friend.

To adopt a dog you'll need to register your interest or you can chat with someone face to face. This is a great way to ask any questions you need answered before you make this big commitment.

The Dogs Trust encourage multiple meetings with their dogs. Many of them will need to build trust and a bond before they can go home with their new owner.
Taking this time helps ensure the rehoming process goes as smoothly as possible.

If everything goes to plan, you'll be able to bring your new dog home in no time. You'll also be provided with four weeks of free pet insurance.
You'll receive a starter pack with microchipping information, a handbook and dog food. The team will also call you a couple of days after adoption to make sure everything is going well.

The Dogs Trust make sure that all their dogs are perfectly matched. If you want to learn more about their rehoming process, you can find out more here.

If you’re living in our Berkshire House residence, this is your closest charity. It’s a quick 35 minutes by car, which is the easiest way to visit the centre.

Where to Adopt a Dog in London

When it comes to adopting a dog in London you have plenty of options to choose from. Rehoming an abandoned or relinquished pet is a hugely rewarding process. Even though it can be a big commitment, seeing your pet flourish is worth it.

At Essential Living, we know how important having a pet at home can be for your well-being. Finding rental properties that allow pets can be tricky though.

All our London rentals are pet-friendly. No matter which of our developments you pick, you and your furry friend are more than welcome. We also have a number of guides to help you settle into apartment life with a pet.

Suggested blogs:
Can you keep a dog in a flat?
The best pet-friendly landlords in the UK
Rented Properties that allow pets in London

If you'd like to rent one of our pet-friendly apartments, get in touch with our team. Adopting a dog is rewarding but requires commitment.

Ensure you have enough time and space for your new companion and be ready for regular exercise, especially for larger breeds. If you're inexperienced, seek advice from someone knowledgeable.

Research the specific breed you want, as each breed has different needs. Many rescue dogs may also come with unique challenges, and the shelter will provide the necessary information to help you prepare.