ADOPTING
All dogs that come into our care are vet checked and are given at least their first vaccinations. They also receive flea and worming treatment and when old enough all our dogs are microchipped.
We try not to have ‘hard and fast’ rules. Each application for every dog is considered on an individual basis using common sense and our experience. Age is not a barrier.
Becoming the guardian of one of our dogs is a big responsibility so before adopting one PLEASE THINK!
Do you have the TIME a dog needs?
Time to spend with the dog (no dog likes long periods alone) and time for exercise, stimulation and training.
Can you AFFORD a dog?
Good quality food, inoculations, flea and worm treat and ongoing vet bills and/or insurance premiums.
Are you COMMITTED
If your dog has or develops a problem, are you happy to work with your dog to resolve it?
If the answer to all these questions is a resounding YES then the next stage is to select the dog or dogs you are interested in and fill in our online Adoption Enquiry Form, press a button and it goes through to us very quickly. We will notify the foster carer and ask them to contact you to discuss the dog in more detail and arrange for you to meet up.
If the foster carer is happy that the two of you will become good friends your home will be visited to ensure your garden is secure; we will also require a reference from your existing vet. A non-returnable donation fee is requested as a contribution to the costs incurred by us whilst the dog has been in our care. Donation fees vary as they are subject to the breed, age and the health of the animal but the Foster Carer will be able to tell you the donation for the dog that you are interested in adopting.
Complete Adoption Enquiry Form
Settling in your new Dog
Coming in to a new home can be a little daunting for everyone. This guide can help you and your new dog settle in to your exciting journey through life together.
Why is this dog in rescue?
There are many reasons why a dog is in rescue and sometimes the dog can come with no history. Allow your new dog a couple weeks to settle into their surroundings, this will give them time to get used to a routine in their new home and start to build a bond with you.
The First Night
The first night in an unfamiliar environment can be scary, so here a few pointers to help make the transition into their new home less stressful.
- Show them in the day where to go to toilet.
- Decide where they will sleep and provide them with their own bed.
- Give them their own sleeping area.
- Expect them to want to go to toilet in the night.
- Don’t feed them too late before going to bed.
- If they are sleeping in a different room to you leave a radio on for them so it’s not so solitary.
Toilet Training
If a dog has been living in a kennelled environment for a long time, they may not know how to be clean in the house or they just may never have been taught.
Here are some points to help with house training:
- Take them outside to go to toilet regularly.
- Take out every hour if needed and develop a routine.
- Take out after eating and drinking.
- Take out when they wake up.
- Take out after play.
- Give lots of praise and a reward for toileting in the right place.
- Never punish for going to toilet in the house.
- Clean any mistakes up with a proper cleaning solution or use a biological washing liquid.
Children & Dogs
Children and dogs can have a loving and rewarding friendship, but here are some pointers to remember when introducing the new dog to children.
- Keep everyone calm when the new dog arrives as children can become over excited with the thought of a new furry family member.
- Do not give the responsibility to the child to take care of the dog, this is the responsibility of the adults in the household.
- Allow the dog time to settle and to come to you to say hello, do not flood the dog with too much human emotion.
- When children want to introduce themselves, this must be done calmly to not frighten or overexcite the dog.
- Very gently say hello by showing the palm of their hand and by being by the side of the dog giving a gentle stroke to their chest.
- When giving a treat use the palm of your hand and keep hands low to not encourage jumping up.
- Some dogs can be more stimulated by fast movement like collies or terriers.
- Do not allow the child to keep pestering the dog, allow the dog a space to be alone.
- The dog will need some quiet time to acclimatise.
- Never leave the dog and child unsupervised as dogs can become tired and irritable just as children can.
Diet
The right nutrition is very important in a dog’s life, providing the right nutrition will help the dog physically and mentally. Diet can be a minefield as there are so many companies claiming their food is the best.
Some diets contain sugars and can be high in cereals which can cause hyperactivity, aggression and a diet high in cereals can lead to digestion problems resulting in loose stools or worse diarrhoea and vomiting or both. If you have any concerns with diet, speak to a canine nutritionist or your vet.
