Please read before applying

Before submitting an adoption application, please take some time to read the information on our website and consider whether you are truly ready to welcome a rescue dog or cat into your home.

Although we always do our best to match the right animal with the right family, sometimes animals do have to come back to us. In most cases this happens because adopters were not fully prepared for the commitment of adopting a rescue animal.

Being moved from home to home can be very stressful for dogs and cats, so we ask that you carefully consider the following before applying.

Please make sure that everyone in the household agrees with the decision to adopt, including partners, family members and children.

If anyone has doubts or concerns, it may not be the right time to apply.

Adopting a rescue animal requires time, patience and commitment.

Many rescue dogs and cats need time to decompress and learn to trust their new environment. They may take days or even weeks to fully settle and show their true personality.

Ideally, you should have time available during the first week to help them adjust to their new home.

Dogs and cats can live 10–15 years or more, so please think carefully about whether you are ready for this long-term responsibility.

You should consider:

• Daily care and exercise (for dogs)
• Training and behavioural support if needed
• Ongoing costs such as food, equipment, grooming and veterinary care
• Insurance or savings for unexpected vet bills

Your home should be a safe and secure environment for a rescue animal.

If you have a garden, it must be secure and escape-proof before applying.

Animals waiting for homes cannot wait while gardens are repaired or fencing is installed.

Please only apply if you are ready to adopt soon.

Once a suitable match is found, the process can move quickly. Our foster carers are not able to hold animals for long periods while adopters prepare.

Please also consider the practical aspects of owning a pet:

• Who will care for your pet if you go on holiday?
• What arrangements are in place if you become unwell?
• Do you have access to a local vet?
• How will you get to a vet in an emergency?

If you already have pets, please think carefully about how a new dog or cat may affect them.

While we do our best to match animals based on compatibility, there is never a guarantee that all pets will get along perfectly.

Please ensure you have a plan in place to introduce animals safely and manage them separately if necessary.

Many rescue animals have experienced difficult starts in life. They may be nervous at first and may need time to learn routines and build trust.

With patience, kindness and consistency, these animals often become the most loyal and loving companions you could ever hope for.

Adopting a rescue animal is a big commitment, but it is also incredibly rewarding. By choosing to adopt, you are giving a dog or cat the chance at a safe, happy and loving future.