Parents' Guide to The Dog House: UK

TV Max Reality TV 2020
The Dog House: UK Poster Image

Common Sense Media Review

Melissa Camacho By Melissa Camacho , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 8+

Sweet British reality series about dogs who rescue humans.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 8+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

What's the Story?

THE DOG HOUSE: UK is a reality series that follows a British dog shelter committed to matching deserving humans with their perfect canine companion. Hopeful adopters meet with the staff at Cambridgeshire's Wood Green Charity and discuss why they want a dog, and the kind they are looking for. They then go to a special meeting pen, where they are introduced, one by one, to dogs the staff believes meet their criteria. Sometimes it's love at first sight, while other times it's a failed connection. But often each side just needs a little time to get to know each other. After meeting what they believe is the right dog, adopters are sent home to think carefully about the decision. At the end of the episode, viewers find out if the dogs they bonded with became permanent members of their families.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say : Not yet rated
Kids say : Not yet rated

This sweet, easygoing series shows the process by which one of Europe's largest animal rehoming centers matches dogs to deserving humans. Potential adopters, who come from all walks of life, share stories about who they are, and the challenges they hope adopting a dog will help them overcome. As a result, the dogs are framed as potential healers, who have the power to help a well-matched owner live a more fulfilling life. It's not easy to watch frightened dogs being dropped off at the shelter, or see dogs reject an excited family. But these scenes are brief, and The Dog House: UK has more than enough beautiful animals and happy endings to make it worth the watch.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the role of dog and other animal shelters in our communities. The Dog House: UK shows us how they home animals, but what are some of the other ways that shelters help the animals that they take in?

  • Animal-themed reality shows like The Dog House: UK raise awareness about the many dogs and other animals that need loving homes. What does it take to be a good pet owner?

TV Details

  • Premiere date : July 30, 2020
  • Network : Max
  • Genre : Reality TV
  • Topics : Animals
  • Character Strengths : Compassion
  • TV rating : NR
  • Last updated : September 30, 2025

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The Dog House: UK Poster Image

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