Hi everyone, I wanted to come on here and share the awful experience I had at a rescue centre four days ago. We lost our dog two months ago now. After a few chats with the kids, we decided that a rescue was the best place to find our next companion. We headed over to a local shelter, having a rough idea of the dog we wanted. We met one, and it went really well; he was a bit timid, but that’s to be expected. Me and the kids absolutely fell in love with him, and the feeling seemed mutual. So, we went into the office to sort out the adoption. That’s where it all went pear-shaped. They asked for the adoption paperwork, including proof of income. I’m a childminder and I’m on a low wage, and my partner does agency work – also on a low wage. And then the manager informs us that we don't earn enough!! I was gobsmacked. I asked her what sort of salary you need to adopt a dog? But she wouldn't give a straight answer, just kept saying we didn’t earn enough! You can imagine how gutted the kids were, and us too. Just as I was – if you’ll excuse the expression – giving the manager a piece of my mind, another family came in to finalise an adoption, and the manager said, really loudly so we wouldn't miss a word, "Oh brilliant, you have decent salaries!!!!!" I felt truly humiliated. If there’s anyone from a rescue on this forum, could you tell me what a "decent salary" for adoption actually is? Because I have no idea. Anyway, I don’t think I’ll be setting foot in a rescue centre again. Thanks for reading to the end.
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Yes, it’s completely unacceptable. Perhaps you could get in touch with someone in senior management, or look into the hierarchy? There must be higher-ups who oversee the shelter managers.
Do look into it and keep us updated. Hang in there. In life, you have to fight for what’s right, and especially to be able to adopt a little pooch. Since when do you need to be earning a fortune to justify an adoption? This manager and her behaviour don’t align at all with the national animal rescue charter.
See you soon, and have a wonderful festive season.
I’m sure you’ll have adopted a little sweetheart by then, and a long life awaits the five of you in 2026. (I’m not a psychic!) but the Christmas spirit lasts well beyond the final days of the year. 🤔🤔🤔😘😘😘😍😍😍😍
It’s completely normal for the rescue centre to check whether adopters have the financial means to look after a pet and provide for their care, but there’s a way to handle it with politeness and respect. I understand it, but then again, a dog can be just as happy and loved with people of modest means as they are with the well-off. The love you give isn’t down to your bank balance. But food, general care, and vet bills really add up, so it’s only right they check you can afford it. As for the welcome you get, it’s often very different from what they show on telly in programmes like *The Dog House*.
I have a 13-year-old blind Coton de Tuléar and I’m only on a small pension. My friend has always had a good life and has always received all the proper care and food—even my vet says so. My dog actually comes before me because he’s my loyal companion, and I don’t believe that having a low income should stop you from adopting; that’s just my opinion. But you first have to remember that when you adopt, you're making a commitment for many years. You have to constantly look after them—feeding them, taking them to the vet, walking them and giving them cuddles. It’s a responsibility and not a toy, so think carefully before you commit!
It’s unbelievable, especially since most pets come from breeders and cost an absolute fortune!! And yet they still end up in the RSPCA!
I think when you love your pet, you do everything you can for their welfare, and I know what I’m talking about because I’m not exactly on a CEO’s salary myself.
Regards,
Izzy
Actually, pedigree dogs aren’t the majority in shelters and the RSPCA, even if you do still see them there from time to time.
It’s honestly unbelievable, especially considering most of these pets come from breeders and cost an absolute fortune!! And yet, they still end up at the RSPCA!
I reckon if you truly love your pet, you do everything you can for their well-being – and I know what I’m talking about, because it’s not like I’m on a CEO’s salary myself.
Best regards,
Izzy
It’s not just the RSPCA; you can also donate to smaller animal rescue charities. Personally, I prefer giving things like dry food, beds, wormers and flea treatments... Then there are also homeless people with pets. I can promise you that you’ll really make their day. I always prioritise them because they don't get help from anyone else, and it means the world to them because their pet always comes first.
I’m not in a position to adopt as I’ve already got a small dog. I’ve been considering donating to the RSPCA for a while now. I must admit, these accounts don’t really encourage me. I’m going to have to think about it a bit more; it’s a shame for the animals though, as they don’t have the luxury of waiting.
Donate dry food rather than money if you’re not sure how it’ll be spent. You sometimes see volunteers outside supermarkets collecting donations :)
I’m not in a position to adopt since I’ve already got a small dog, but I’ve been thinking about donating to the RSPCA for a while now. I must admit, these stories are really putting me off. I’m going to have to give it some more thought; it’s a real shame for the animals though, as they don’t have the luxury of time.
Good evening, I’m in a very similar boat. I have four fur babies who all came from the RSPCA. That includes two seniors aged 17 (one sadly passed away in June 2024). My babies always come first. Since I don’t have children and I work as a cleaner... I’ve been saving my whole life (I'm 58) and I’ve been on long-term sick leave for the last two years. We went to pick up a 13-year-old sweetheart ❤️ and wanted to take another one as well. But we were refused... apparently our home is too small, even though we have fields and the woods just half a mile away. I even showed them my savings accounts and all the records for our pets' care, along with references from our two vets. Our babies have always had all the medical care they need and carefully prepared home-cooked food—they even get extra-special meals for birthdays and holidays. We don't eat animals ourselves and are happy with very simple meals for ourselves. Our four babies are more than just children to us. They are our lives, our family, and they rely on us completely. When our 17 and 13-year-old babies eventually go to the rainbow bridge to join their brothers and sisters, we’ll still have 10-year-old Plume and 6-year-old Muffin. I’m certain the rescue centre will turn us down for adoption again. I’ll look into joining a smaller animal charity instead, as I simply couldn't live without the love of animals. It makes me sick to my stomach because there are so many little souls stuck in cages. And that's not even touching on all the animal suffering out there... slaughterhouses, vivisection, all kinds of exploitation. Humans are so cruel to these beings who only ever ask for love.
If we start from the premise that you need a certain level of income to adopt a pet, then surely the same should apply to having a child, whether they’re adopted or not! I’m one of those people who believe in the freedom to love, even if you aren't well-off.
