Why adopt a pet instead of buying from a breeder
Adopting a pet gives an animal a second chance and supports rescue and rehoming. Learn the benefits of adoption, including expert matching and health checks, so you can decide whether to adopt or buy a pet with confidence.
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Expert pet matching
When you adopt from us, you’re supported every step of the way. If you’re wondering how the RSPCA matches pets, our teams get to know the animals in our care and help place them in homes where their needs can be met.
We’ll consider things like your lifestyle, experience, children, existing pets and the animal’s personality, behaviour and care needs. If the first animal you’re interested in isn’t the right fit, we can suggest other options.
This flexible approach helps move away from blanket rules and focuses on finding the right match for each animal and adopter. Whether you’re looking for a family pet, live in rented accommodation or are just starting your search, we can help you explore pets who may suit your home.
Pet health checks
One of the benefits of adopting a pet is knowing our teams have helped prepare them for their new start. Depending on the species and their needs, we may arrange veterinary checks, vaccinations, parasite treatment, microchipping and neutering where appropriate.
We’ll also share what we know about their health, behaviour, feeding and care needs, so you can help them settle in with confidence. Adoption fees help cover some of this care, although the support animals receive from us often costs much more.
This means you start with clearer information, while your pet gets the care and preparation they need before moving into their new home.
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Veterinary checks
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Vaccinations
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Parasite treatment
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Microchipping
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Neutering
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Pet insurance
Pet insurance can help you plan ahead for your new companion’s care after adoption. Learn what to consider then choosing the right cover.
Help reduce demand for breeding
If you’re deciding whether to adopt or buy a pet, it’s worth thinking about the wider impact of your choice. Choosing adoption gives an animal already in need a loving home, rather than adding demand for more animals to be bred.
This matters at a time when rising cruelty, neglect and large-scale animal rescues have pushed our centres to crisis point. We have more than 7,000 animals in our care at any one time, and rescued animals are coming in faster than they’re being adopted. Every adoption helps create space for another animal who needs us.
Poor breeding practices can cause serious welfare problems, especially where animals are bred for profit, convenience or appearance rather than health and wellbeing. If you do decide to buy from a breeder, take time to research carefully and make sure they put animal welfare first.
Supporting our rescue centres
Adopting doesn’t just help one animal. It helps make room in our centres and branches for more animals who need care, treatment and time to recover. Before you apply, take time to understand what your chosen pet may need in the years ahead. Our guidance can help you prepare for their future care, from everyday routines to species-specific needs.
By choosing adoption, you can:
Give a rescue pet the chance of a loving home
Help create space for another animal in need
Support our animal centres and branches
Help our teams care for animals rescued from cruelty and neglect
Make a responsible choice that puts animal welfare first
