Adoption Process
The dogs at our rescue centre are with us because they have been found on the streets or their previous homes have not worked out. Most of the dogs are well balanced, well adjusted dogs that are with us through no fault of their own and will make excellent pets for first time dog owners. A small number of dogs have issues, which with training and patience can be completely cured or managed by owners who have previous experience with dogs.
We make every effort to ensure that all our dogs go to caring homes that are suited to their individual needs and temperaments. We home dogs as family pets and never home dogs to guard premises or for breeding.
We get many calls from people who like the idea of giving a home to a rescue dog but may not have given much thought about the practicalities of keeping a dog. Below is a checklist of some of the things that we are looking for when we rehome a dog. Please make sure you fulfill the following requirements before you contact us.
- The dog will be allowed in the house. We do NOT re-home dogs that will be outside all the time. We prefer the dog to sleep in the house at night.
- You have a secure fenced or walled garden so the dog cannot get out onto the road.
- You have permission from your landlord if you live in rented accommodation.
- You have sufficient time to give the dog a daily walk.
- We do not home puppies to families that are away from the home for more than 4-5 hours a day. Puppies need owners with time to play with them and train them in order to grow into well socialized obedient dogs.
If you fulfill the above requirements, have a look on our web site at the dogs and puppies needing homes. Viewing the dogs at our rescue centre is by appointment only Monday to Saturday 10am – 5pm. You can make an appointment either by phoning 086 8500131 or 086 3862714 or by email. If you email, please give some information in relation to how you satisfy the above requirements, also state a day and preferred time you would like to visit.
If you already have a dog we suggest that you bring your dog when you visit to give you the opportunity to walk your dog with any new dog you may choose and see how they get on together.
If you are going on holiday or moving home in the near future please contact us after the event not before as we are unable to reserve a dog for more than a few days.
If you decide to take one of our rescue dogs we will do a home check to ensure your home is suitable for the dog you have chosen.
When you take a dog home you will be required to read our terms and conditions of adopting a dog and sign a contract agreeing to them. A copy of the contract will be given to you.
All our adult dogs are wormed, vaccinated and neutered before leaving the rescue centre and puppies are wormed and vaccinated. If you take a puppy, the contract you sign states that you agree to have the puppy neutered when he/she is 6 months old.
We ask for a minimum donation of €100 for a neutered adult dog and €40 for a puppy. The donation goes towards the cost of vaccinating and neutering the dog. The actual cost of neutering a female dog is €120 and a male dog €100. Vaccinating costs are €35 per vaccine. Re-homing donations are very important for us to be able to prepare dogs to be homed.
By law once you have a dog it is required to be licensed. The license can be obtained for €12.70 from any post office.
Dogs can take a little while to settle into their new surroundings, some will settle in within a couple of days, others may take a few weeks to adjust. We are always available by phone or email for any help or advice you may need.