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  • How do I apply to adopt a dog?
    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.
  • I have seen an animal I want to reserve on your website. Can I do this over the phone?
    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.
  • Is it first come first served when rehoming an animal?
    We always look to rehome to the person and home which best suited to the animal’s needs.
  • How much does it cost to rehome an animal?
    We do ask for a rehoming donation of £350 for all dogs we rehome (£500 for dogs travelling into the Uk after 5th January due to increased costs) as this helps us cover some of the costs of caring for them, including neutering, other veterinary fees, food and microchipping. 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.
  • What's included in the rehoming fee?
    Every dog and cat we rehome will have been fully vet checked, neutered (subject to veterinary advice), treated against fleas and worms for three months, microchipped and vaccinated.
  • Do I have to get my dog/puppy neutered/spayed?
    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.
  • When do I need to pay the adoption donation fee?
    We only request for the donation payment to be made, once a successful home check has been completed and your dogs ins reserved.
  • Can I rehome an animal if I have children?
    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.
  • Can I rehome an animal if I have other pets?
    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.
  • My existing dog is not neutered, is this a problem?"
    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.
  • Can I rehome an animal if I live in a flat?
    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.
  • Can I rehome an animal if I live in rented accommodation?
    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.
  • Can I rehome if my partner does not want a pet?
    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.
  • Can I rehome if I don't have a garden?
    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.
  • Can I rehome a dog and keep it in an outside kennel?
    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.
  • Can I rehome a dog and keep it in an outside kennel?
    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.
  • Should I wait to rehome if I am moving house or going on holiday?
    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.
  • Can I adopt a dog if I work?
    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.
  • Do you allow dogs to be adopted for working purposes?
    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.
  • Do I need to take my adopted dog to training classes?
    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.
  • Are the dogs lead trained?
    It depends on the dog. We can provide more details about each dog. 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.
  • Are the dogs house-trained?
    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.
  • Where do I collect my dog from?
    That depends on the individual dog. For dogs coming directly from Romania our chosen transporter delivers dogs directly to the adopters door. For the UK dogs they can either be collected from their foster home by the adopter or we can arrange for delivery via the volunteer transport network (at the adopter's cost).
  • What happens if the new dog and my current dog don′t get on?
    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.
  • My dog is exhibiting behaviour difficulties. Can you help?
    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.
  • Do I have to get my dog insured?
    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.
  • What experience do I need to become a Foster Carer?
    Foster carers should have some dog knowledge or experience. Each foster home will be carefully matched with each foster dog taking into account your previous experience and any preferences or requirements you have detailed in your application form. Full support is provided by the SRS Team including access to behavioural advice and support.
  • What costs are involved with fostering?
    All expenses associated with the care of your foster dog such as pre-approved vet fees are covered by SRS, although some foster homes choose to provide food. We can also provide collars, leads, toys, bedding and a crate if needed.
  • How long will my forever foster dog stay with me?
    Forever foster dogs stay with you for the remainder of their lives but continue to be supported by SRS.
  • Do you have any age restrictions for children in the foster home?
    We do not foster to homes with children under 5 years old, unless they have a vast and varied experience with dogs.
  • What happens if my foster dog has any issues or does not work out?
    Whilst every care is taken to assess our dogs for the most suitable forever foster home it should be noted that we cannot guarantee exactly how the foster dog will behave in your home. Inevitably there will be times when the foster dog develops issues we were not aware of, or that are outside your experience. These could include training, behavioural or medical issues. There will be occasions when the foster dog does not work out and we will arrange for the dog to be returned to our rescue centre as soon as practically possible.
  • How do I apply to become a foster carer?
    If you are interested in fostering for SRS you will need to complete a Foster Application form. A member of our team will contact you for an initial chat to discuss fostering in more detail if your application is successful. If both parties are happy, a home check will be organised and if successful, you will be sent a Foster Carer Information pack and will be asked to sign our Foster Agreement.
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