The Adoption Process
Your Initial Enquiry
We will discuss your needs in terms of a dog and decide whether the dog in question is suitable for your circumstances, if not, we will make suggestions towards the type of you should be looking at to suit your family and environment.
Your Visit
The dog you are interested in or who is suggested as a match for you may be resident in our sanctuary or in a foster home. Dogs in our sanctuary can be visited by appointment made with the sanctuary. When a dog is in foster care, we normally put you in touch with the fosterer to arrange to visit the dog at a mutually convenient time. When you visit either the sanctuary or a fosterer, we ask that you bring along any other dogs that you have to see how they get on with the possible new addition. Whenever possible all family members must be present. If the visit is successful, then the dog is reserved for you until a homecheck is carried out.
Homechecks
Homechecks are carried out to ensure that the dog is going to a suitable home. There are specific requirements that we look for when doing a homecheck. Please remember that a dog is a huge commitment and should be taken seriously. Most of our dogs are strays or dogs that have not had a happy life, we endeavour to place a dog in a lifetime loving home, where both the dog and owner are happy.
We have set requirements as listed below:
- You must have a secure fenced in garden.
- We do not rehome to people in rented accommodation, unless they have a written letter from the landlord giving permission.
- Dogs MUST be allowed in the house. We do not rehome dogs that are kept outside all the time.
- We do not home dogs as guard dogs.
- We do not rehome dogs or pups to families with children under five years of age.
- We do not rehome pups to families that are working fulltime. Puppies need time and attention and cannot be left on their own for more that four hours a day.
- There must be daily exercise provided for the dog.
- If a pup is adopted from us then it must be spayed/neutered once it reaches 6 months of age. – There will be a follow up call to ensure this has been carried out.
Please do not be offended if after the homecheck is carried out, the dog you initially enquired about turns out to be unsuitable for your circumstances.
This is why homechecks are very important. Just because one dog isn’t suitable for you , it doesn’t mean that another wouldn’t suit your family perfectly, and we will suggest other dogs to you.
Adopting A Dog
If everyone is in agreement that this is the right dog for you and your family – and most importantly the dog is happy with you – then the adoption can take place.
Adoption Contract
Before you take a dog home you must sign an adoption contract, the terms and conditions are read and signed in front of one of our members, this contract must be adhered to.
Adoption Donation
Our suggested minimum donation is €150 for adult dogs. This includes their microchip and cert, vaccinations and neuter/spay. An adult dog will have all this done before rehoming. For puppies, our recommended minimum donation is €150. The pup will be micro-chipped, vaccinated and wormed. This also includes the cost of the spay or neutering operation that will be carried out at one of our vets most convenient to you when they reach six months old. Once they are ready to be spayed/neutered you will contact us once you have made the booking and we will confirm it with our vets.
If you are adopting out of Cork the donation will be agreed on on a case by case basis.
Going Home
When you come to take your dog home, please bring a collar and lead. Then you and the newest member of your family can begin your new life together! Please keep in contact with us as we love to hear how the dog is getting on. We are always available to advise you should you need our assistance.
Here is also a very informative link that was recently sent to us and written by Holly Barry. http://www.vetsure.com/pet-information/latest-pet-news/rehoming-a-rescue-dog/
