Choosing to get a dog is a huge decision to make, and one that more of us than ever before have taken in recent year – around one-in-three UK households now contain at least one four-legged friend.
While some are seeking a new puppy, other big-hearted potential dog owners are happy to adopt a pet that is looking for a new forever home after perhaps not having the best start in life.
The Dogs Trust are dedicated to matching up dogs in need of a home with their perfect owner, and their centre at West Calder, near Edinburgh, currently has a selection of pooches.
To see if you’re a potential match, just fill in an application form here with all your details and let the Dogs Tust match you up with a suitable pet.
They’ll then look at how closely your lifestyle matches the needs of the dog and, if you’re a great fit for your selected animal, they’ll invite you to meet your prospective pup.
They may also organise a home check to make sure it’s suitable for your new family member.
You can also pop into the rehoming centre before submitting the application to see the dogs beforehand.
Here are 13 of the dogs currently looking for a home.
5. Snowy
Snowy is an 11 year old Crossbreed. He is a lovely, friendly boy who is full of life! He loves meeting people and making new friends with them. He likes exploring on his walks and enjoys a nice snuggle on the couch afterwards. He would love to have a secure garden of his own where he can sniff and play to his heart's content. Snowy needs to be the only pet in the home, and can live with children of 12 years and over. He would like to have people who can be around most of the time to help him settle in to a new home gradually. Could you offer him a loving home? | Dogs Trust
6. Twiglet
Twiglet is a 7 year old Rottie cross. Twiglet is looking for her special someone! Twiglet likes to meet new people a few times before inviting them into her very special social circle. You'll know you've met her criteria when she brings you her favourite ball to play with; she may even show off for you and tidy up her toys when you're finished playing! Twiglet loves her toys so much that she can struggle to know when it's time to relax and have a snooze, so someone who can continue to support her down time skills would be ideal. Twiglet would also like to have someone at home with her initially to help her get into a new routine and get her paws under the table before she's left by herself. Twiglet would thrive in a home where she can be centre of attention, so no children or other pets is essential for her. She would also appreciate her own garden where she can play with her toys and maybe even help out with a spot of gardening. Twiglet is more than happy to jump in the car and head out to quiet spots to go walking, as she prefers to keep her adventures on the quiet side and not see too many dogs. | Dogs Trust
7. Cooper
Cooper is a 3-Year-Old Miniature Dachshund. Cooper is full of beans and always up for an adventure. He loves to go on nice long walks and will sniff and snuffle his way along any terrain. A splash in a stream or a run along the beach is also one of his favourite days out. Afterwards he likes nothing better than to snuggle under a blanket on the sofa with you and snooze away the evenings. Cooper does like to keep you aware of what is going on so expect a bark or two when the door bell goes or when he just gets so excited he becomes all wiggly and woofy. Cooper is a little shy to start with so he would like you to come and meet him a few times before he is ready to pack his bags, jump in your car and start his next adventure. | Dogs Trust
8. Lando Longlegs
Lando Longlegs is a super sweet 4-year-old ex-racing Greyhound. Lando is a sweet and gentle boy who enjoys lots of snuggles on the sofa. He will follow you around like a little (or big!) shadow. Lando is a a total sweetheart and loves being right next to you on his walks. He enjoys his walks and walks beautifully on lead. Being an ex racer, he will need to be kept on lead and wear his muzzle on his walks, which he is happy to do so! Lando is happy to pass other dogs on walks. He could live with children aged 10 and above and would like to be the only pet in the home. Lando is looking for someone who can be at home with him most of the time to help him build his confidence with being left alone and to help him settle in. Lando enjoys the quieter side of life and would be a wonderful match for a calm, peaceful home looking for a loyal friend. | Dogs Trust