How to adopt a dog
Find Your Perfect Companion with a Single Application
At Paw Support, we believe every match should be a perfect one. That’s why we’ve simplified our adoption process to make it easier for you. Just apply once, and let us take care of finding your ideal canine companion. We understand that finding the right dog is about the connection you share, the lifestyle you lead, and the love you’re ready to give.
How our rehoming process works
Step 1
Complete Our Lifestyle Match Form
Dive into our adoption process with a heartfelt form that captures your daily rhythm and the love you’re ready to share. Forget about choosing a specific pup right away; this step is about painting the picture of your ideal four-legged companion. Whether you’re all about high-energy hikes or peaceful evenings, your insights help us find a tail-wagging partner who fits right into your life.
Step 2
Await Our Enthusiastic Call
Expect a warm, getting-to-know-you call or email from us within a week. We’ll talk heart-to-heart about your canine companion preferences, discuss any queries, and then we’ll embark on the quest for your match. Remember, this is a collaborative journey to find the paw-fect buddy for you.
Step 3
Stay Active, Stay Hopeful
Your application remains actively open for a full season of paw prints and snuggles—three months of continuous searching on our part. Not all our cuddly candidates make it to the website stage, but they all deserve a forever home, and we consider every single one when looking for your match.
Step 4
Meet Your Match
When the stars align, and we find a friend who’s just right, we’ll invite you for a memorable first meeting. It’s a chance for both of you to feel the potential of a bond that can last a lifetime. Some friendships might require more than one meet-and-greet, ensuring a fit that feels just right.
Step 5
Journey On If It’s Not ‘The One’
If the paw prints don’t align within those three months, we’ll reach out. Your journey isn’t over; it’s just a pause to refresh your details and desires. Then, we continue the search anew with an updated understanding of your perfect companion.
Step 6
Support Every Step of the Way
Once you’ve found your furry family member, our support doesn’t stop at adoption. We’re here to guide you through the exciting transition of welcoming a new pet into your home. With resources like our behavior support, Dog School, and a caring community, we ensure you’re never walking the path alone.
With this thoughtful approach, we make sure that each wagging tail finds the right home and that every home is blessed with the joy of a faithful companion.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to adopt?
Adoption Fees
Adult dog: £250
Puppy adoption: £310
What if there’s a problem after I adopt?
Please get back in touch with us if you start to struggle with your dog. We offer behaviour advice and support for the whole of your dog’s life, and you can contact us on 0300 999 888
Can I get help with my application?
If you have any questions, you can call our Customer Support Centre on 0300 999 888 (open seven days a week 8.30am-5pm), or visit our rehoming centre to speak to the team in person. Find out the opening times for our local rehoming centre. .
Can I apply to adopt a particular dog?
No. We’ve changed our rehoming process to give all dogs an equal chance to find a family and more dog lovers the opportunity to welcome to a Dogs Trust dog into their home.
Taking your dog home
If we mutually decide you and the dog are well suited, then we’ll arrange for you to take them home. There’ll be some paperwork to sign and you’ll need to pay our adoption fee. Our fee for adopting an adult dog is £250 and for adopting a puppy is £310, this includes the £250 rehoming fee and a £60 Dog School fee.
We’ll also give you lots of advice to help make your adoption a success.
Your dog will go home with:
-Their collar and lead
-four weeks of free pet insurance thanks to our partners Petplan and information about continuing your insurance cover
-a dog care handbook
-microchipping information
-several days’ worth of the dog’s current food.
Before you pick up your new dog, they will be:
-fully health checked
-up-to-date with their vaccinations and treatments, like worming
-neutered (or if we haven’t neutered them for some reason we’ll give you a neutering voucher)
-microchipped.