Adopting a Dog: Frequently Asked Questions
We have responsibility for taking in stray, found and lost dogs. We also offer a service of taking in unwanted dogs for a fee.
Unclaimed dogs, and those we have taken in, are then offered for adoption to new keepers.
The adopted dogs pages give information about how we work with dogs for adoption, when they become available, information about how to keep them once you have adopted them and what happens if things go wrong.
Here are some FAQ's that you may find interesting.
Will my dog be micro chipped?
If after one month you decide to keep the dog, we will arrange for the dog to be micro-chipped. The only exceptions to this are if the dog is already chipped or a vet has advised against it.
How do you know the dog I adopt is healthy?
Sometimes it is impossible to tell if a dog has a pre-existing condition and this will only show after time, however, our staff carry out surveillance to monitor the dog to see if it shows any signs of illness or injury. We cannot therefore guarantee that the dog will remain healthy, only that it appears to be at the time of adoption.
What do I do when I get my new pet home?
Let the dog settle in, don't do anything that it will find stressful as soon as you get it home. Remember, the dog is in a new environment with new people, it needs time to get used to it. We would suggest not giving the dog a bath as it may find this a traumatic experience if it has not been bathed before.
Will my dog be neutered, spayed ("Doctored")?
Anyone that adopts a dog from us is advised that the dog should be Spayed/ Neutered, if it has not already been done so. This should be done within 6 months of adoption. A check is made shortly after to confirm that this has been carried out. Persons in receipt of a means tested benefit may be eligible for a Neutering/ Spaying Voucher from Dogs Trust. To find out if you qualify, please call the Dogs Trust Neutering Hotline on 0845 6063036.
Will the dog be good with my children?
We cannot verify the temperament of the dog in a new environment; we can only say how it has behaved with us. We carry out an assessment on its behaviour but obviously, this can alter once it is placed in a new environment.
Will the dog be good with my other pets?
We cannot verify the temperament of the dog with other animals; we can only say how it has behaved with us. We carry out an assessment on its behaviour but obviously, this can alter once it is placed in a new environment.
What do I feed the dog?
Whilst the dog is with us, because of the limited opportunities for exercise, vets have advised us to keep the dogs on relatively low protein diets. This stops the dogs getting diarrhoea and becoming dehydrated. Don't change the dog's diet straight away; change it slowly over a period of time. We will tell you what the dog is being fed whilst it is with us.
Can I bring it back if it doesn't work out?
Yes, you can. We will offer a replacement dog for a one time only service within 3 months of the adoption date. We will not refund the adoption fee.
What do you know of the dog's behaviour?
We assess every dog as far as we can and provide factual evidence of how the dog has behaved whilst it has been with us. We will not however adopt a dog out to someone who we feel is not an appropriate person to own the dog.
Will I need to register with a vet?
Yes you will, it is inevitable that at some stage, the dog will need the services of a vet and it is no good waiting until the dog becomes ill to register, it may be too late.
What things do I need to be aware of when owning a dog?
- You need to be aware of the cost, it can be expensive to own a dog
- You need to ensure your dog does not upset your neighbours. There are laws to deal with it if it does and you could end up with fines or being imprisoned if you allow it to do something wrong.
- You must familiarise yourself with what a dog's needs are, they are sociable animals that need the company of others (dogs/people).
- They are hierarchical animals and so it could challenge (dominate) people in a family to gain higher status. You must be firm but fair with your pet.
What laws are there that I need to be aware of?
- Environmental Protection Act 1990, Section 79g (barking dogs, accumulation of waste)Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 and amendments (prohibited breeds)
- Public Health Act (filthy and verminous premises)
- Animal Welfare Act 2006 (Welfare of your dog)
- Clean Neighbouhoods and Environment Act 2005 (Dog control Orders)
- Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996 (allowing a dog to foul public areas and failing to remove the waste)
Will you help me deal with a problem if one arises and I don't want to bring the dog back?
We will do whatever we can to try and help you, or we will give you details of people that can if we can't help directly.
Is the dog wormed?
They are not wormed whilst with us unless a vet advises that it should be done. This is because we don't wish to stress the dog any more than it already is.
Will the dog have fleas?
Some dogs do have fleas but they are not harmful unless the dog is allergic to them. Whilst they are with us, any dogs that need a treatment are given it automatically. You will need to give the dog regular flea treatments whilst you have it throughout its life.
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