20/11/2025
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The Dark Side of “Rescue" and How to Spot the Good Ones...
This isn't our image, there's nobody we can see to give credit to, but it's important. Anyone who works with dogs ethically will tell you the same thing: We are fed up with the cowboy rescues popping up online.
The ones who look shiny on social media, post dramatic stories, and shout about “saving lives” – but behind the scenes?
🐾Dogs are being placed in completely unsuitable homes.
🐾Owners get zero post-adoption support.
🐾Adoption fees are sky-high with no transparency.
🐾Fosterers are fundraising for dogs but still expected to pay the bills themselves.
And when something goes wrong? You’re suddenly a “troll” or a “hater” for daring to ask questions.
Not all rescues are like this – there are some fantastic, ethical organisations doing genuinely life-changing work. But the rise of the social-media “rescuer” is harming dogs, harming owners, and damaging the reputation of truly good rescues.
So let’s talk about what a GOOD rescue looks like, and what to watch for.
What an ETHICAL rescue does right: ✅
• Matches dogs to homes based on behaviour, needs, lifestyle and safety
• Provides full medical and behavioural history – nothing hidden
• Offers proper post-adoption support (not just a quick handover)
• Is transparent about where every penny of the adoption fee goes
• Works with POSITVE qualified trainers and behaviourists
• Ensures fosterers are supported, not financially drained
• Has proper facilities that meet welfare standards — not a shed, garage, or stable
• Puts dog welfare above likes, shares, drama or donations
A rescue using a garden shed as a “kennel” is not rescuing – it’s hoarding.
A stable is not a dog kennel.
“Temporary” setups often become permanent, and dogs deserve far, far better.
Proper kennels should be purpose-built, safe, warm, clean, legally compliant, and designed for behaviour and welfare, not thrown together to look good on social media or be labelled as "temporary accommodation". Do it properly or don't do it at all.
Red Flags of a Problem Rescue: ❌
• Every post is an emergency, drama, crisis.
• Pressure to adopt quickly or guilt when you ask questions
• No proper home checks or behaviour assessments
• Dogs imported or moved around with no paperwork
• Mistakes are covered up; blame is pushed onto adopters or volunteers
• Anyone who asks for transparency is blocked or called a “problem”
• High adoption fees with no explanation
• Fosterers expected to cover all costs
• Poor or dangerous facilities (sheds, makeshift pens, stables, shipping containers)
• More focus on donations than on actual support
Before adopting, ask:
• Can I see the full medical & behavioural notes?
• Who does your behaviour assessments, and what are their qualifications?
• What support do you provide after adoption?
• Can you explain your adoption fee breakdown?
• Can I see where the dogs are kept?
• Is this a licensed, purpose-built facility?
• Who pays for vet and care costs in foster?
A good rescue won’t panic when you ask these.
They’ll welcome it.
The Bottom line is, real rescue work isn’t glamorous.
It’s not about attention, drama, or quick fixes. Ego should never be a consideration.
It’s slow, thoughtful, ethical, expensive, time consuming and focused on the dog — always.
Support the rescues who are doing it properly.
Call out the ones who aren’t.
And adopt with your eyes open, not just your heart.
If you're a rescue who wants support, doesn't have a behaviourist to refer to, would like guidance on policies - just reach out! Likewise, if you're a potential adopter and unsure if you're going to the right place, give us a call, we're always happy to support.
