Adopting a Labrador in London: rescues, costs and the wait

There are two routes, and most London adopters use both: register with a Labrador breed rescue, and watch the general rescues near London. The count under the short answer is live: it shows every Labrador and Labrador cross listed with us in London and within about 35 miles, with a link to the rescue that has each dog.

Usually because an owner's life changed, not because of the dog. Labrador Rescue South East & Central says many of the Labradors it rehomes come to it because of changed family circumstances, and that most are well cared for and in good health. Some are old and need a good retirement, and some have problems that can settle in the right home. Its area page names domestic crisis, bereavement, ill treatment and financial problems among the reasons.

The Labrador Lifeline Trust adds a London-relevant warning: because Labradors fetch "such a high premium on sales websites", it says rescue is being bypassed by people selling their unwanted dogs. It also says it has lots of homes ready and waiting, so expect to wait for the right dog.

A Labrador from a breed rescue is not always cheap: a young dog from Labrador Rescue South East & Central costs £500 and a puppy £600, which overlaps the bottom of Blue Cross's £400 to £3,000 range for buying a puppy. The difference is what comes with it. A rescue knows the dog's temperament and vet history and stays involved: Labrador Rescue South East & Central says it will always take a dog back, and its FAQs describe a follow-up visit a couple of weeks after the dog arrives.

Older Labradors cost less to adopt (£300 from 4 to 8 years, £200 from 8 to 10), and general rescues often charge less again: All Dogs Matter charges between £150 and £220 and Foal Farm Animal Rescue £150 to £350. Either way, PDSA estimates the set-up cost of a large dog at £560 and a minimum of £116 a month after that.

A rescue Labrador rarely comes with its parents' health test results, so ask what the rescue's vet has found. These are the concerns UK sources name for the breed:

• Hips, elbows and eyes. The Royal Kennel Club asks Labrador breeders to have hips and elbows scored and eyes tested, with DNA tests for several inherited conditions including exercise induced collapse and progressive retinal atrophy.
• Joints and weight. PDSA lists hip and elbow dysplasia among the breed's potential problems, and lists Labradors as "prone to obesity". The Royal Kennel Club's Breed Watch asks show judges to look out for dogs that are significantly overweight.

The breed rescues are clear about time alone. Labrador Rescue South East & Central says a dog should not be left for more than 3 to 4 hours during the day, and The Labrador Lifeline Trust generally asks that a dog is not left for more than 4 hours a day. If you commute into central London, say how the dog's day would be covered.

Space and exercise matter too. The Royal Kennel Club lists the Labrador as a large breed needing more than two hours of exercise a day, and Dogs Trust calls Labradors typically high-energy dogs who need daily walks and time to explore and play. A rescue dog's needs vary with age and health, so let the rescue judge whether a particular dog would suit your home.

Rescue Labradors are adopted, not sold. You apply, the rescue matches you with a dog, and you pay its adoption fee. Puppies do come through rescue, but a breed rescue can't say when, so be open to an older dog.

If you decide to buy, The Royal Kennel Club runs a "Find a puppy" service, and Dogs Trust suggests talking to your vet first, as some practices offer pre-purchase consultations on likely health conditions and rough costs. Ask to see the parents' hip, elbow and eye results. The Labrador Lifeline Trust warns against buying a puppy over the internet, saying most of these puppies come from puppy farms. If an advert looks like a scam, report it to Report Fraud (formerly Action Fraud).