How to apply to adopt
Thank you for your interest in adopting one of our lovely rescue dogs and puppies. The information below and our FAQs page will tell you how we work and explain our application, and selection processes – understanding this will help you to apply more effectively.
The majority of our dogs live with foster carers (rather than in kennels). This allows us to really get to know them and understand what type of home they need to enable them, and their new owners, to live happily together, for years to come. We use this information to set each dog’s rehoming criteria. It is vital to read this carefully before applying as only those that do match the criteria will be considered. You can find out more about how and why we set rehoming criteria here.
It also means that we do not re-home on a first come first served basis, instead we take time to assess all applications and find the best match possible. Each dog’s profile on our website outlines their ideal home. Please take time to read these carefully to make sure you are a great match for each other before applying.
When you’ve found your ideal new family member, click on the ‘Apply to Adopt Me’ button on their page to find out more about the adoption process and, of course, to apply to adopt him or her.
Please note: If there is no ‘Apply to Adopt Me’ button on your chosen dog’s profile this means that they are not currently available for adoption. Although it may be tempting to try to complete an application (or contact us direct to express an interest), please be aware that we can only accept and assess applications for available dogs made on their own Adopt button.
What happens next?
Once applications close, we assess and shortlist all applications against the specific needs of the dog applied for. We then contact a small number of shortlisted applicants by email/telephone to talk in more detail about
- their chosen dog,
- the home being offered,
- the minimum adoption donation required (this contributes to but rarely covers our costs in relation to caring for and re-homing the dog).
This also gives shortlisted applicants the opportunity to ask any questions they may have and confirm that they want their application to continue to the next stage. Please note; as our dogs are fostered in private homes it is not possible to arrange for you to meet the dog unless you are the successful applicant.
Our trustees then make a final decision about which applicant is offering the best possible home. If that is you, we will contact you to request a deposit of £25 and, once received, arrange a home check*. If this is passed, we will make arrangements for you to meet your new dog with your whole family and any resident dog(s).
If the meeting is successful, your new dog’s foster carer will ask you to sign a copy of our legally binding adoption contract and complete the activation forms for your four weeks’ free pet insurance. If adopting an un-neutered puppy, you will also be asked to sign a neutering contract. Then, subject to any remaining balance of the adoption donation being paid, you will be able to take your new dog home.
The time limit on the above process will vary from dog to dog. We know how excited you will be to welcome your chosen dog home but if like us, you love dogs, we know you’ll agree that finding the right new companion will be worth the wait!
Visit our FAQs page to find out more about adopting from us
Finally, please note that we don’t have the capacity to provide individual feedback, instead we ask that you monitor your chosen dog’s status via their page on the website – the following outlines the key stages in each dog’s journey with us and what that means in terms of the progress of any application you may have made for him or her:
- Applications Open – Whilst the dog is still available to apply for, it is unlikely we’ve looked in detail at any of those forms already received
- Applications Closed – this will mean our trustees are in the process of shortlisting and/or calling those that have been shortlisted
- Reserved – this means an adopter has been chosen, if by this stage you have not been contacted and invited to adopt, sadly your application has not been successful this time
- Rehomed – the dog has now been adopted and has moved on to its’ new home
Not being chosen doesn’t mean your application wasn’t good or that you are not offering a great home for the right dog. We get so many great applications for every dog, but ultimately we can only choose one adopter. Some people may be lucky enough to get the first dog they apply for, but many of our adopters tell us they’ve applied for several dogs before being successful. We know it is frustrating not to be chosen but please don’t give up. Please take a look at our short applications masterclass video to give yourself the best chance of success.
If you have a question about adopting with Pro Dogs that isn’t covered above, please check our Frequently Asked Questions page to see if the information required is covered there. If not, please contact us and we’ll do our best to help.
* If we decline your application post home check, we will refund your deposit unless the home check is not passed due to incorrect information being supplied by the applicant. If you withdraw your application at any point, the deposit will be retained to cover our costs and no refund can be given