Question 1

How do I apply to adopt a dog?

Accepted Answer

We have a comprehensive adoption process to ensure that the right dog is matched to the right home. Our aim is to be flexible to match the needs of the individual dog with the suitability of the home offered.

You can see our adoption process here.
 
You can see our dogs currently available for adoption here.

Question 2

I have seen an animal I want to reserve on your website. Can I do this over the phone?

Accepted Answer

We are delighted you’ve seen an animal you like and want to give them a forever home. We want to make sure we match you and your family to an animal that is suitable for your circumstances and also the animal’s needs, and therefore we are unable to make reservations over the phone. Please register your interest by completing an application form, which you can access by clicking on the 'apply now’ button.

Question 3

Is it first come first served when rehoming an animal?

Accepted Answer

We always look to rehome to the person and home which best suited to the animal’s needs.

Question 4

How much does it cost to rehome an animal?

Accepted Answer

We do ask for a rehoming donation of £500 which helps us cover some of the costs of caring for them, including neutering, other veterinary fees, food and microchipping. Your rehoming donation also supports other dogs in our care who may find it harder to find a family of their own.
Something to bear in mind is that our rehoming fee is just the beginning of the costs involved with owning a pet. We would recommend that before making the decision to rehome, you investigate the costs of pet food, pet insurance, grooming and fees at your local veterinary centre so that you are fully prepared for the ongoing costs of having a pet.

Question 5

What's included in the rehoming fee?

Accepted Answer

Our rehoming fee includes vaccinations, microchipping and up-to-date preventative treatments (routine tick/flea and worming). Where required they will have been seen by a vet for any health concerns/issues identified whilst in our care.

Question 6

Will my dog be neutered?

Accepted Answer

Where appropriate, the dogs in our care will be neutered but please note neutering of our dogs and cats is dependent on age and current health status (subject to the recommendation of our vets, where applicable).

Question 7

Do I have to get my dog/puppy neutered/spayed?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we require all dogs/puppies to be neutered/spayed. We do not re-home dogs to be used for breeding, guarding or anything other than as a family pet.

Question 8

When do I need to pay the adoption donation fee?

Accepted Answer

We only request for the donation payment to be made, once a successful home check has been completed and your dogs ins reserved.

Question 9

Can I rehome an animal if I have children?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can. Rescued animals arrive in our care for many reasons and sometimes we don't know their full history. When we assess our animals, we take into consideration any information we may receive on arrival and their behaviour with us to determine the age of children we feel they would be suitable to live with.
 
Not all of our animals will suit living in families with children and usually if a dog is large, strong and boisterous we will recommend they are not rehomed with young children, just to be on the safe side. This will be specified on the dogs profile information.
If the animal you are interested in is not suitable to live with children we will be delighted to help to find the right animal for you and your family.

Question 10

Can I rehome an animal if I have other pets?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but it will depend on individual circumstances. As long as you have the time, space and can provide for your pets, it should be fine. Of course, you also have to make sure your pets will get along and we will give you advice on the best way to introduce your new family member.
 
When completing your rehoming application, please provide as much information on the other pets in your home as possible.

Question 11

My existing dog is not neutered, is this a problem?"

Accepted Answer

We do not allow our dogs to go to homes with existing dogs that are not neutered unless this is for medical or behavioural reasons - if in doubt please enquire first.
 
All SRS dogs are neutered if over 6 months old (or per veterinary advice). We believe neutering is a key aspect of responsible dog ownership. We are also mindful that having an entire dog in the house could mean settling a new dog in and building their own canine relationships can be more difficult.

Question 12

Can I rehome an animal if I live in a flat?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can. During the application process we will ask what type of property you live in as it is essential we ensure the animals we rehome will live in a suitable environment for their needs. Many of our animals have happily gone to live with new owners in a flat and it just depends on the needs of each individual animal.

Question 13

Can I rehome an animal if I live in rented accommodation?

Accepted Answer

Yes, as long as you have permission from your landlord, housing association or local council and where you live is suitable for the animal you wish to rehome. We will need written confirmation from your landlord, housing association or local council that you have this permission before we will be able to rehome one of our animals to you.

Question 14

Can I rehome if my partner does not want a pet?

Accepted Answer

Welcoming an animal into your family is a big commitment. We require everyone in your household to be in agreement about getting a dog and to get involved in providing the care and stimulation your new pet needs.

Question 15

Can I rehome if I don't have a garden?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can. During the application process we will ask you about your garden as it is essential we ensure the animals we rehome will live in a suitable environment for their needs. Many of our animals have happily gone to live with new owners in properties without a garden and it just depends on the needs of each individual animal.

Question 16

Can I rehome a dog and keep it in an outside kennel?

Accepted Answer

We generally do NOT home dogs where they will be living outside except in exceptional circumstances. We do not re-home dogs to be used for guarding. The welfare of the dog is our priority and it must still get the care, exercise and stimulation it needs.

Question 17

Can I rehome a dog and keep it in an outside kennel?

Accepted Answer

We generally do NOT home dogs where they will be living outside except in exceptional circumstances. We do not re-home dogs to be used for guarding. The welfare of the dog is our priority and it must still get the care, exercise and stimulation it needs.

Question 18

Should I wait to rehome if I am moving house or going on holiday?

Accepted Answer

Should you be moving quite soon, we do recommend that you wait until after you have moved and settled into your new home before rehoming an animal. If you’re moving soon, this change in your new animal’s environment can be very stressful for them. Having a pet in your life is very rewarding but it can take up to several months for an animal to completely settle in with its new home and family.

Question 19

Can I adopt a dog if I work?

Accepted Answer

The welfare of our dogs will always be the main priority. We do not place dogs in a family home where they will be left for longer than 4/5 hours a day at any one time. We may accept homes where a dog walker or alternative arrangements can be made.

Question 20

Do you allow dogs to be adopted for working purposes?

Accepted Answer

We do not allow our dogs to be adopted into working homes (ie hunting). However, we do encourage people to apply for dogs that would excel with a "job" to do such as agility, flyball and Cani-x.

Question 21

Do I need to take my adopted dog to training classes?

Accepted Answer

We strongly encourage adopters to attend positive and reward-based training classes, particularly for puppies and young dogs. We can assist with identifying appropriate classes if required.

Question 22

Are the dogs lead trained?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the dog. We can provide more details about each dog when you apply. Some will walk nicely on a lead, others are so excited that they will pull and therefore need lead training. Some will never have been on a lead.

Question 23

Are the dogs house-trained?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the dog. The dogs in UK foster homes are generally house-trained. The dogs in Romania depend on whether they have lived in families previously. Many of our adopters find that the adult dogs do not like to toilet inside, leading many adopters to believe that their new dog may have previously lived in a home.

Question 24

Where do I collect my dog from?

Accepted Answer

That depends on the individual dog. For dogs coming directly from Romania our chosen transporter delivers dogs directly to the adopters door. Our dogs in the UK are primarily housed at our centre in Ayr where they can either be collected by the adopter or we can (in special circumstances) arrange for delivery via the volunteer transport network (at the adopter's cost).

Question 25

What happens if the new dog and my current dog don′t get on?

Accepted Answer

We have a team who will offer you support and advice to manage any difficult situations. In most cases, issues can be resolved if the recommendations are followed through. If there is no improvement, we will discuss if outside support would be useful i.e. a dog behaviourist. If there continues to be no improvement, we will discuss and arrange for the dog to be returned to SRS and re-homed.

Question 26

My dog is exhibiting behaviour difficulties. Can you help?

Accepted Answer

Yes absolutely! We offer continued support to all of our adopters, regardless of the length of time the dog has been with you. Please contact the SRS team for support. Upon adoption we will also provide you with a Quick Start training plan which we ask all families to follow.

Question 27

Do I have to get my dog insured?

Accepted Answer

We recommend that all dogs/puppies are insured in order to ensure that they will be well cared for during their lifetime however we do acknowledge that some adopters may prefer to save each month for their veterinary care. Please note that upon adoption all vet costs become your responsibility unless otherwise agreed with SRS in writing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply to adopt a dog?

I have seen an animal I want to reserve on your website. Can I do this over the phone?

Is it first come first served when rehoming an animal?

How much does it cost to rehome an animal?

What's included in the rehoming fee?

Will my dog be neutered?

Do I have to get my dog/puppy neutered/spayed?

When do I need to pay the adoption donation fee?

Can I rehome an animal if I have children?

Can I rehome an animal if I have other pets?

My existing dog is not neutered, is this a problem?"

Can I rehome an animal if I live in a flat?

Can I rehome an animal if I live in rented accommodation?

Can I rehome if my partner does not want a pet?

Can I rehome if I don't have a garden?

Can I rehome a dog and keep it in an outside kennel?

Can I rehome a dog and keep it in an outside kennel?

Should I wait to rehome if I am moving house or going on holiday?

Can I adopt a dog if I work?

Do you allow dogs to be adopted for working purposes?

Do I need to take my adopted dog to training classes?

Are the dogs lead trained?

Are the dogs house-trained?

Where do I collect my dog from?

What happens if the new dog and my current dog don′t get on?

My dog is exhibiting behaviour difficulties. Can you help?

Do I have to get my dog insured?