5 Dog rescue homes near Edinburgh: centres where you can adopt a pet for your home - and how to apply

In the past year, puppy prices have soared due to an increase in the number of people working from home or furloughed in need of some canine company.

Adopting a dog allows for abandoned dogs to be rehomed

Instead of purchasing a pup, why not check out these animal rehoming centres near you and adopt your new furry friend?

Dogs Trust (West Calder)

Bentyhead, West Calder EH55 8LE

Although not open to the public due to coronavirus, the Dog’s Trust facility in West Calder continues to look for people interested in adopting a new pet.

They are also working to match their dogs and new owners through virtual meetings with contenders, and they will drop off your new friend contact free, where possible.

The site offers a rehoming FAQ section and detailed information about adopting during the pandemic.

The cost of adopting an adult dog is £150 in Scotland, which pays for the dog to be fully vaccinated, microchipped and neutered before moving to its new home.

If not neutered, the charity supplies a voucher which you can use at a local vet.

You also receive a new Dogs Trust lead and collar, starter pack of food, and 4 weeks’ free insurance from our partner Petplan.

To adopt a puppy, you should expect to pay £205, this includes everything you get with an adult dog, plus £55 for puppy training school.

To express an interest in the dogs at West Calder, visit their profiles and follow the guidelines to be considered as their new owner.

The site does mention that there has been an unprecedented demand for pets and therefore the process could be lengthy and you may not secure the dog of your choice on your first attempt.

Edinburgh cat and dog home

26 Seafield Rd E, Edinburgh EH15 1EH

The dog home has a number of animals, varying in age, sex and the type of home the need to settle and be comfortable.

The website allows you to filter to accommodate the kind of pet you are looking for, though you will need to go through an extensive adoption process to successfully adopt your pet of choice.

The centre is not allowing for walk-in visits due to coronavirus, therefore people interested in adopting must first fill out their online booking form.

SSPCA Edinburgh & Lothians Animal Rescue & Rehoming Centre

Mansfield Rd, Balerno EH14 7JU

Running since 1930, the SSPCA centre in Balerno has 38 dog kennels, as well as a number of other animals.

The centre is open every day from 10am to 4pm, except Tuesdays and you can view all of the animals on its website.

In order to rehome an animal, you must register interest online and fill out the application form. The charity also has an FAQ section which answers questions from how much it costs to rehome an animal to your ability to rehome during coronavirus local lockdowns.

Dog Aid Society of Scotland

60 Blackford Ave, Edinburgh EH9 3ER

This charity does not have kennel facilities and therefore works quickly to rehome pets. Animals remain with their owners until this process has been completed.

The DogAid society prioritises the dog’s needs and therefore works closely with people interested in rehoming them, to ensure the dogs and new owners are compatible.

Due to coronavirus restrictions, the facility is closed, but people interested in adoption can contact the charity on 0131 668 3633.

Edinburgh Samoyed Rescue

Earl Grey St, Edinburgh EH3 9BN

The Samoyed Rescue charity is a private organisation which rehomes dogs across Edinburgh, with the majority coming from loving homes where the owner can unfortunately not care for their pet any longer.

The charity asks that you consider a number of factors before deciding to adopt one of their tenants.

These range from your relationships, current or anticipated children and the type of home you live in.

For anyone who has considered their list of requirements and feels they have the right home for a new canine companion, you can complete the online application where you will be asked about yourself and the reason you wish to adopt.