For dogs:

• Slip lead (very important!) – You cannot take your new dog home without one.
• Crate – Your dog will need to travel home safely in a crate in the car. While a harness and seatbelt can sometimes be used, it is difficult to know the correct harness size beforehand and an ill-fitting harness can easily be escaped from.

For cats:

• Secure cat carrier – Your new cat must travel home in a safe, secure carrier.

For both dogs and cats:

• A blanket, mat or bedding for the base of the crate or carrier to keep them comfortable
• A towel and some wet wipes, just in case of travel sickness or accidents
• Food and water ready at home for when they arrive

It is also a good idea to research pet insurance in advance. There are many different policies available, so it is worth taking the time to find one that suits your needs.

Before bringing your new pet home, make sure the areas they will have access to are safe. Remove potential hazards such as loose wires or anything they could chew. Prepare a quiet, comfortable space where your new dog or cat can settle and feel secure while they adjust to their new home.

At the agreed date and time arranged with the foster carer, you will be able to collect your new dog or cat.

For dogs:
The most important item to bring is a slip lead. Your dog must have a slip lead on before leaving the foster home.

If possible, bring your crate to the foster carer’s door. The foster will place the slip lead on the dog, and the dog should then go straight into the crate. Once the dog is safely inside, carry the crate back to your car and secure it for the journey. This greatly reduces the risk of the dog escaping.

For cats:
Please bring a secure cat carrier. The foster carer will place the cat safely into the carrier before you leave.

When you arrive home, we recommend doing the same process in reverse.

Carry the crate or carrier into your home before opening it. Once inside and the environment is secure, open the door and allow your new pet to come out at their own pace.

For dogs, please ensure the slip lead stays on for the first few days, especially when taking them outside to the garden for the toilet. This helps prevent any chance of them becoming frightened and escaping.

Once home, allow your new pet some time to settle.

For dogs, give them the opportunity to go into the garden to toilet, then show them where their water bowl is, as they may be thirsty after the journey.

For cats, allow them to settle in their quiet space and explore gradually when they feel comfortable.

Try not to make too much fuss initially. The journey and a new environment can be overwhelming, so it’s best to keep things calm and quiet while they adjust.

Avoid introducing too many visitors straight away. Give your new dog or cat time to become familiar with their surroundings and routine before introducing new people.

The first few days are a big adjustment for your new rescue dog or cat. Everything is new to them, so it is important to keep things calm, quiet and predictable while they settle into their new environment.

For safety reasons, please follow these guidelines during the first days and weeks:

• No walks for the first 7 days. Your dog needs time to decompress and become familiar with their new home and garden before being taken out into the world.

• Keep a slip lead on indoors for the first few days, especially if your dog is nervous. This allows you to guide them safely if needed without having to grab them.

• Garden access only at first. When taking your dog outside to the garden for the toilet, keep the slip lead on so there is no chance of them escaping if they become startled.

• When you do begin walking after the first week, your dog must wear a secure 3-point harness.

• Double lead walking is essential. Attach one lead to the harness and another to the collar or slip lead. This provides an extra level of safety in case one piece of equipment fails.

• Take introductions to new places, people and experiences slowly and gradually.

Cats should be allowed to settle at their own pace.

• Provide a quiet room or safe space where they can adjust before exploring the rest of the home.

• Ensure litter tray, food, water and a comfortable sleeping area are easily accessible.

• Allow them to approach you when they feel comfortable rather than forcing interaction.

 If you already have a resident dog, introductions can be done outside the home if your dog is likely to feel stressed by a new arrival. Otherwise, introductions can take place inside the home, with careful supervision, unless a specific introduction plan has been agreed with the guidance of the Love4Dogs Rescue team.

When introducing dogs, it is important to keep things calm and controlled so both animals can adjust to each other gradually.

For cats, introductions should be done slowly and in stages. Allow the cat time to settle first, and gradually introduce scents and supervised contact with other pets in the home.

If you have children, they should ideally have already met the dog or cat in the foster home to ensure they are a good match.

Although bringing a new pet home is exciting, it is very important that both children and adults give the animal space and time to settle. Too much attention too quickly can overwhelm them and potentially damage the relationship before it has had time to develop.

We recommend creating a quiet space where your pet can rest without being disturbed. Dogs and cats should never be touched while they are sleeping or eating.

With patience, understanding and careful introductions, children and pets can build a wonderful bond together.

Every animal is different, and some may need a more tailored approach when settling into their new home.

If you need advice at any stage, please speak to the Love4Dogs Rescue admin team, who will be happy to help guide you through the process.

Sometimes your new dog or cat may have a slight smell after travelling. They are usually bathed by their foster carer, but the smell can sometimes linger for a short time. Try to avoid over-bathing, especially in the early days while they are still settling in and adjusting to their new home.

Below are some minor issues that can occasionally appear after travel or stress. Many will resolve on their own, but if you are ever concerned about your pet’s health, please contact your vet for advice.

In a real emergency, where your pet’s life may be at risk, please take them to a vet immediately.

Upset stomach (dogs and cats)
It is not uncommon for animals to experience mild diarrhoea after a long journey or during periods of stress. Ensure your pet has plenty of fresh water and monitor their condition closely. If symptoms persist, worsen, or you notice blood in the stool, please contact your vet.

Vomiting or diarrhoea occurring frequently
If vomiting or diarrhoea occurs repeatedly over a short period, this may indicate an infection or stomach upset that requires veterinary treatment. Please consult your vet as soon as possible.

Coughing (dogs)
Some dogs may develop a cough after travel or being around other dogs. If your dog develops a persistent cough, particularly one that sounds like retching or gagging, please monitor them and consult your vet if it does not improve.

Head shaking (dogs or cats)
Occasional head shaking can sometimes be caused by irritation in the ears. If this continues, check the ears gently and consult your vet, as ear infections or mites may need treatment.

Scratching
Mild itching can occur due to stress, environmental changes, or skin sensitivity. If scratching becomes excessive or causes redness or hair loss, please seek veterinary advice.

Excessive panting (dogs)
Panting may occur if your dog is feeling stressed, anxious, or warm. Ensure they have access to fresh water and a comfortable environment.

If you are unsure about any symptoms or behaviour changes in your new dog or cat, it is always best to contact your vet for advice.

Your vet will be able to guide you on the best course of action and ensure your new pet receives the care they need.

Some rescue dogs and cats may show certain behaviours while they are adjusting to their new home. This is normal and usually improves as they begin to feel safe and settled.

Some behaviours you may notice include:

• Nervousness or hiding
• Anxiety, including separation anxiety
• Resource guarding around food or toys
• Growling, hissing or snapping when frightened
• Uncertainty around new people or other pets

The most important thing is to stay calm and patient. Your new pet is still learning that they are safe in their new environment.

Use a calm, confident voice and guide them gently towards the behaviour you want. Consistency, routine and positive reinforcement will help them understand what is expected.

Never hit or punish a dog or cat. This can damage trust and make fear-based behaviours worse.

If you are concerned about any behaviour, please get in touch with the Love4Dogs Rescue team. 

We are always happy to offer advice and guidance. In some cases, we may recommend working with a qualified behaviourist to help support both you and your pet.

Remember that every animal is different. Some will settle very quickly, while others may need a little more time and patience.