There are thousands of dogs across the UK waiting for a home.
Adopting a dog is a big commitment, but if you know you are ready and have the space and time required to look after an animal, it's a noble way to add a pet to your family.
Not only do you help out a dog in need, but you'll know that the professionals and volunteers working in shelters will have made sure the pet has been cared for properly.
Read more: Meet the dogs looking for forever homes
You may wonder, why do you have to pay to adopt a dog?
Well, running an animal shelter is not cheap, with food, heating and other costs, so you money goes towards supporting them in the work. It also pays for vital care that your new pet has had, and covers essential expenses that you'd likely have to pay for anyway if you got your dog another way.
How much do you pay to adopt a dog?
Animal shelters set their own adoption fees, which can vary from pet to pet. Some, like Dogs' Trust, charge a higher fee for puppies, which includes a dog school fee, as Dogs' Trust only rehomes puppies with owners who are willing to complete that course.
In England, Wales and Scotland, Dog's Trust charges £205 to adopt an adult dog and £260 for puppies under six months. The £55 difference is the cost of the puppy training course.
The RSCPA's adoption fees vary throughout England. Its Newcastle and North Northumberland branch charges £120 for adult dogs and £150 for puppies.
At Newcastle Cat and Dog Shelter, puppies aged six months and under cost £250 to rehome, adult dogs £195 and senior dogs aged 10 and over £150.
Why do dog shelters charge people to adopt pets?
First of all, animal shelters cost money to run. While they get donations and funding through events like charity runs, the costs are high. They need to pay for food, heating and other bills, as well as any staff costs and expenses like petrol for home visits.
Adoption fees also cover other expenses for the dogs, such as vet bills, which you'd likely have to pay yourself anyway if you acquired a new dog through other means.
"Every dog we rehome is vaccinated, microchipped and neutered (or we’ll give you a neutering voucher if they haven't yet been neutered)," says Dogs' Trust. "We'll also give you a new Dogs Trust lead and collar, starter pack of food, and 4 weeks’ free insurance from our partner Petplan."
Newcastle Cat and Dog Shelter states: "For your donation fee, you will not only have an amazing new family member but they will come microchipped, vaccinated, neutered (providing they are old enough – if not you will receive a voucher), 4 weeks free insurance and a free health check at Blythman and Partners."
RSPCA says: "Although we can't give away our dogs for free, your adoption fees cover a lot of veterinary expenses - such as microchipping and neutering - that would usually add up after buying a pet."
Higher fees are usually charged to adopt puppies. That can reflect the extra training and medical expenses they incur compared to adult dogs.
Dogs' Trust charges an additional £55 for its puppy training course, which owners must complete to rehome a dog aged under six months.
Dogs' Trust adds: "Training is an essential part of being a responsible dog owner, so we only rehome dogs under six months to adopters who are willing to attend a four-week Dog School course. Our Dog School classes help puppies learn key life skills and teach owners the basic training techniques they need to create a strong bond with their new family member."
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