Considering Adopting a Basset Hound from Basset Rescue Network of Great Britain?
Here are some important things to keep in mind before adopting a Basset Hound:
- Commitment: Dogs, especially rescue dogs, require a significant time commitment. Basset Hounds can live up to 10-12 years or more, so you need to be prepared for a long-term commitment.
- Training and Socialisation: Some rescue dogs may have had difficult experiences in the past, which could affect their behaviour. Be ready to invest time and effort into training and socialising the dog to become a well-behaved and well-adjusted companion. Some rescue dogs may have behavioural issues or require additional time and patience to adjust to their new home. Understanding and patience are crucial during this period.
- Exercise Needs: Basset Hounds can vary in their energy levels. It’s important that exercise is adapted to their individual needs. Too much exercise whilst they mature can make their joints more prone to injury. Be prepared for daily walks and playtime.
- Health Concerns: Basset Hounds can be prone to certain health issues, such as IVDD, Elbow and Hip Dysplasia, Glaucoma, Ear infections (due to floppy ears) Skin/Food allergies and Obesity can really exasperate/cause back and joint issues. Lafora is sadly also a disease that is becoming more prevalent in the breed.
- Grooming: Basset Hounds traditionally have short coats but there is also the occasional long haired Basset. Both can shed a lot, so regular grooming is essential to keep their coat clean and healthy. Grooming sessions are also a good time for ear cleaning sessions and claw trims.
- Financial Responsibility: Owning a dog comes with financial responsibilities, including food, grooming, medical expenses, and potential unexpected veterinary bills.
- Home Environment: Basset Hounds can adapt to various living situations, but they generally enjoy a relaxed and comfortable home environment. Ensure your living situation is suitable for a dog.
- Compatibility: Take your lifestyle into account and consider if a Basset Hound’s temperament and needs align with your daily routine.
- Support from the Rescue: The Basset Rescue Network of Great Britain is a reputable rescue organisation and will provide support and guidance during the adoption process and afterward. Be sure to communicate with us about any concerns or questions you may have.
What we will consider if you apply
- Do you have Basset Hound / Rescue dog experience?
- Do you have a secure garden?
- Is everyone in the family on board with the adoption?
- Is your family set up suitable for the Basset you have specifically applied for?
- Do you have the patience and understanding that a rescue dog is not a plug and play dog? They could be traumatised from their move, be upset and confused and will need time, patience, love, commitment from you to settle in.
- Are you going to be home most of the time? It is becoming more common with Bassets that they suffer with separation anxiety and love human company. This can be overcome in time with positive training but in the early days we would expect someone to be around a lot of the time to help the basset settle in.
- If you have other dogs, will they cope with a new addition?
- Have you considered the specific needs of the basset applied for?
Our aim whilst considering applications
We truly do our best to match the humans to the hounds we have in our care. We take this seriously and we will ask questions, we will carry out a homecheck, this may result in us asking you to fix fences, move things around in your home. This isn’t us being fussy or mean, this is us knowing the hounds from their assessment and making their transition into your home as easy as possible for them. Their terms and their needs will always be at the forefront of our process.
If you pass the initial calls and homecheck, you will be required, with all family members who live in your home including resident dogs, to travel to the basset’s foster home and have a meet and greet. You may be asked to have a second meet and greet to ensure all is well.
If we do not believe that you are the best possible home for a particular basset, we will explain our reasonings. You will always be welcome to apply again for another basset.
All we want for our hounds is for them to be happy and settled in the best environment for them, which we are sure you will understand and appreciate.
Testimonials
They never ever leave a Basset behind always do everything in their power to get the hounds to the right fosters and forever homes in a word they are “AMAZING”.
Great work, no hound gets left behind. A true sentiment
that is the embodiment of what this organisation is about. Great work team.
They do a good job of saving these hounds and finding special homes for life. They also work hard to raise money to pay for any vet bills.
They do outstanding work with the hounds & always put them first. They match hounds with their perfect parents & when they need vet treatment they get it done, these people are amazing, could not recommend them enough.
Thank you for sending my recent purchases from your shop. Very efficient and wonderful quality merchandise, particularly the canvas/hessian bags and the t-shirts
We have the privilege of adopting Dylan. The whole process was seamless and very reassuring that they cover all bases, both in relation to vetting us and also in the assessment of the hound.
