How to Adopt

Learn about our adoption process and take the first step towards giving a rescue dog a safe, loving forever home.

Adoption Process

Finding the Right Dog for Your Family

At Dogs in Distress, our goal is to find the best possible match between each dog and their future family. Every dog has their own personality, needs, and background, which is why we take the time to carefully assess both our dogs and potential adopters. This helps ensure successful, long-term placements where both the dog and family can thrive together.

Our adoption process is designed to be straightforward while putting the welfare of our dogs first. From your initial application through to meeting your chosen dog and bringing them home, our team will be there to guide and support you every step of the way. We want every adoption to be the start of a happy and lasting relationship.

How to Adopt

Adopting a rescue dog is a rewarding experience that changes lives. Our adoption process is designed to help us find the best match for both you and the dog, ensuring a happy and successful future together. We’ll guide you through each step and provide support along the way.

Adoption Process: Four Simple Steps

Submit Application

Complete our adoption application form and tell us about your home, lifestyle, and the type of dog you're looking for.

Application Review

Our team will carefully review your application and contact you to discuss your suitability and preferences.

Meet Your Match

We'll help introduce you to suitable dogs and arrange meetings to ensure it's the right fit for both you and the dog.

Welcome Them Home

Once everything is approved, you can complete the adoption and welcome your new companion into their forever home.

Give a Rescue Dog a Loving Forever Home

Every dog deserves a second chance and a place to call home. If you’re ready to welcome a rescue dog into your family, we’d love to help you find the right match. Complete our adoption application today and take the first step towards changing a dog’s life forever.

Why Choose Us

Why Adopt Through Dogs in Distress?

Every dog deserves the chance to live a happy, safe life. For over 20 years, Dogs in Distress has been rescuing, rehabilitating and carefully rehoming dogs across Ireland. We take the time to understand every dog’s personality and needs, ensuring each one finds the right home with the support they deserve.

Experienced Rescue Team

For more than two decades, we've rescued and cared for dogs of all ages, breeds and backgrounds. Our experienced volunteers work tirelessly to give every dog the best possible chance of finding a loving home.

Carefully Matched Adoptions

We don't believe in one-size-fits-all rehoming. We carefully assess each dog's personality, lifestyle and needs before matching them with the right family, helping create lasting, successful adoptions.

Ongoing Support

Our commitment doesn't end on adoption day. We're here to offer advice, guidance and support whenever you need us, helping both you and your new companion settle into life together.