Do you want to adopt a dog?
Would you like priority access to dogs coming into rescue?
Would you be happy to ‘foster’ a dog with a view to adoption?
Would you be happy to continue to foster that dog (if you decided not to adopt) whilst we find him or her an adopter?
If you’ve answered yes to all the above, our new Foster2Adopt programme could be just right for you. All those on the programme will have priority access to our rescue dogs, subject to the terms and conditions below.
The Programme
Too many dogs are waiting for spaces in rescue, so many of them are at risk of being put to sleep before a space becomes available for them, Our Foster2Adopt programme has been designed and introduced to enable us to rescue more dogs in need and find new homes to give them the life they deserve. Being able to rescue more dogs is not only great for them but also means there will be more dogs available for those that are serious about adopting.
How it works
You’ll begin by completing an application to join the programme
If you are accepted, you will be asked to make a minimum donation of £25 to cover the costs of us completing all required home-checks so you’re fully vetted and ready to accept a dog. If, following your home-check we decide to decline your application we will, on request, refund your donation. If you are accepted onto the programme, we will deduct the donation made from the final adoption donation set for any dog you decide to adopt (all adoptions are subject to a set donation which will vary from dog to dog but which will be published in advance)
Once the relevant checks are complete, and you have been accepted onto the programme, you will be added to a private group page on Facebook where you will be amongst the first to see details of new dogs waiting to come in to rescue and can indicate any that you would be interested in fostering with a view to adopting
If selected to foster, your chosen dog will come to live with you so you can see how you all get on and, if at the end of the two week trial period, you decide you’d like to keep the dog, we will complete the formal adoption process with you
If, having spent time with your dog, you decide that he or she is not for you, we ask that you continue to foster him or her whilst we look for an alternative adopter – please note that this is an important condition of being accepted onto the programme and we can only move a dog on in exceptional circumstances AND only if and when an alternative foster home becomes available.
Please note that if you decide to apply to join the Foster2Adopt programme, you will need to be aware of the following Terms and Conditions so please read them carefully before completing an application
Terms and Conditions
- Acceptance onto the programme is at the sole discretion of Pro Dogs Direct Trustees (please note spaces are limited and you may be placed on a waiting list before gaining access to the participant group)
- If, following your initial application, you are invited to progress to the home-check stage, we will ask for a minimum donation of £25 to cover the cost of your home and ID checks (see details above of how this donation is handled subsequently)
- You will need to ‘pass’ all home checks in order to be accepted onto the Foster2Adopt programme. Whilst we always aim to complete these checks as soon as possible, please be aware that if applicant numbers are high, there may be a delay in getting your home check underway, we appreciate your understanding and patience
- Fostering a dog may involve taking a dog that we know very little about and we have a duty of care to ensure that we are mindful of safety and risk – in light of this it may be that we feel your home is not suitable for fostering – similarly, you must consider whether you confident to accept a dog for which we may have little or no background information into your home
- Places on the programme are limited and acceptance on to the programme is entirely at the Trustee’s discretion – not being accepted on to the programme does not mean that you cannot apply for a dog in the usual way, merely that we feel you may be more suited to a dog that we have been able to assess more fully
- If accepted onto the programme you will have access to, and be able to express an interest in fostering dogs shown on, our private Facebook group page but the final decision about where the dog is placed will rest with out trustees – please be aware that we will always choose the most appropriate foster home for each dog based on their needs and the information we have available. We know it may be disappointing if you are not chosen for a dog but ask that you understand that their needs must be our priority
- If you are chosen for a dog, we will cover all vet costs (neutering, dental work, vaccinations, microchip, flea and worming treatments) and provide a lead, collar, harness and food. You will need to be able to provide basic equipment, bed, bowls, toys etc., and have a suitable way of transporting the dog securely (car crate/seatbelt etc.) You may also need to drive in your own vehicle to collect your foster dog (this will usually be either from Aldershot (Hampshire) or Bromley (Kent)
- We strongly advise that you check that your home insurance is suitable to cover all eventualities of having a dog in your home.
- Whilst living with you, you will be responsible for all aspects of the dog’s day to day care, essentially treating them as you would any other much loved family pet. We will be on hand to offer help and advice as necessary. There will be a small number of ‘rules’ to follow around keeping your dog safe (e.g., they must be kept on a lead and harness at all times when in public).
- If you have other pets in the home, you will need to ensure that you have carefully considered how you will manage introductions appropriately and what steps you can take to ensure the safety of all if your foster dog shows any adverse reaction to a resident pet (in particular any resident cats).
- Around three weeks after being placed with you, the dog will be advertised on our website and social media pages unless you have requested to keep him or her ahead of them being put up for adoption. If you do wish to permanently adopt the dog, we will finalise the adoption with you – please note that all dogs are subject to a set donation which must be paid before the adoption is finalised. All dogs remain in our ownership until fully adopted.
- If after two weeks, you decide not to go ahead with a permanent adoption, you will be expected to continue to foster the dog until he or she is adopted. Please note that we can only move a dog in exceptional circumstances, and then only when a suitable alternative foster place becomes available so please consider this carefully before applying. If the dog is to be rehomed, we will require you to complete an assessment form to give us the information we need to compile the dog’s rehoming post on our website and social media.
Please think carefully about applying. Having fully considered whether it is right for you and your family, if you are happy to accept the above terms and conditions, and would like to join our “Foster2Adopt” programme, please complete an application here
If you’d like to ask any questions before applying, please get in touch via the contact page and we’ll do the best to answer them