Rescue dog

A rescue dog is a dog that is rescued from a possible euthanasia after being found as a stray, a dog that has been saved from an abusive or neglectful home by an animal rescue organisation such as the RSPCA in the UK or the ASPCA in the USA.

The majority of dogs that arrive in rescue centres are between six months and three years of age and weigh more than fifty pounds. Any breed of dog can arrive in a rescue centre though some breeds are more prevalent than others. In the UK, Staffordshire Bull Terriers or Bull Terrier crossbreeds make up a large proportion of all dogs in rescue simply because of their popularity amongst the low population in general. Labelling a breed as aggressive makes those dogs more difficult to rehome. Many rescue dogs are rehomed quickly, but some wait longer for a home. This may be particularly true when the rescue dog is older. Some agencies provide ongoing health care and support for older dogs after they have been placed. There are several charities dedicated to rescuing and rehoming older dogs.