Adoption Procedure
We are always trying to find the right home for the right animals.
In order to do this, we put checks in place to make sure that we are making the right match between animal and family. This includes things such as a home visit, family visits to the centre and dog-to-dog meetups (if applicable).
Potential adopters may have to meet additional criteria if we have any special cases where animals need extra care or attention.
DOG ADOPTION PROCEDURE
We are continuing our rehoming using the virtual process and all viewings are by appointment only. Below are the steps to follow:
- View the available dogs for adoption on our website.
Some of our dogs may have a note saying "Potential match found. However, we are still taking applications" This means that
we have a potential suitable match for the dog but the process is ongoing and if the adoption doesn't work out we can move on to the next suitable application.
If a dog is shown as reserved the adoption is far more advanced and likely to result in a successful adoption. We will still accept expressions of interest in case the adoption falls through however, this tends to be a rare.
- If you see a dog that you feel is right for your family (having read all the information on their profile) then please download an
application form, complete it in full and return via email to reception@rspca-lancseast.org.uk
If you are having trouble completing the application form please call the centre on 01254 231118 and one of the team will be
happy to help (please note we have a small team and at busy times may not always be able to respond as quickly as we would like, thank you for your patience).
- The team will review all the applications received and will contact the person that appears to best match the needs of the dog
to have an initial conversation and to check any queries we may have from the application form.
Please put as much information as you can about your experiences with dog ownership even if you need to add an extra page as
this will help us to choose the best match possible when we are looking through the applications.
- After the initial phone call from the reception team, if all is well they will arrange for the dog's main carer to speak with you at the earliest opportunity to tell you all about the dog and ensure that they are a good match for your family.
- If the dog is the right match for your family we will need to see videos and photos of your home and garden as part of the virtual
home visit.
We have moved away from visiting people's homes following the covid pandemic - If you are struggling to send
videos or photos by email then please ring us on 01254 231118.
- If the home visit is successful an appointment will be made for you and all of your family (including any existing dogs) to visit the centre to meet the dog.
Sometimes we may identify an issue that needs resolving before we can move forward but you will be given the opportunity to address this (normally within a week), the reason we have a tight timetable is so that the dog isn't in kennels any longer than necessary.
- If all goes will with the first meet we will mark the dog as reserved and this will remain in place assuming subsequent meets go well.
You will have to meet your chosen dog on at least two separate occasions. However if the chosen dog has more specific needs
this will entail multiple meets to ensure all are comfortable and to allow the team to provide advice and training to provide continuity for the dog when you take them home.
- Once the meets have been completed successfully an appointment will be made for you to collect your dog.
We understand this is a very exciting time and you will be keen to take your new family member home as soon as possible but
we have to complete a final health check and all the paperwork before they leave. In some instances we may also be waiting for vet clearance before we can release a dog.
- On adoption you will be given a rehoming booklet that will have a lot of information about your new arrival including a
personalized training plan. Please read the booklet carefully and contact us if you need any further help or advice, we are more than happy to assist.
- Payment will be taken on completion of all the adoption paperwork but please note that there are different payment methods if
the dog is one we are caring for on behalf of the Keighley, Craven and Upper Wharfdale Branch.
RSPCA Lancashire East Branch dogs - cash or card payments.
RSPCA Keighley, Craven and Upper Wharfdale dogs - cash or bank transfer. (Cards are not accepted for these dogs)
- When collecting your dog you will need to bring with you a collar (buckle style), lead and if needed appropriate harness. Dogs
must also go with a tag with your contact details clearly engraved (this is a legal requirement and we can not release a dog
without an id tag). You will also need to secure your dog safely in the car with one of the following: dog guard or crate or seat
belt attached to an appropriate harness not a collar.
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CAT ADOPTION PROCEDURE
We are continuing our rehoming using the virtual process and all viewings are by appointment only. Below are the steps to follow:
- View the available cats for adoption on our website.
All of our cats are in foster homes as we no longer have facilities to house them at the centre so our adoption procedure for cats
has changed.
- If you see a cat that you feel is right for your family (having read all the information on their profile) then please download an
application form, complete it in full and return via email to reception@rspca-lancseast.org.uk
If you are having trouble completing the application form please call the centre on 01254 231118 and one of the team will be
happy to help (please note we have a small team and at busy times may not always be able to respond as quickly as we would like, thank you for your patience).
- The team will review all the applications received and will contact the person that appears best match the needs of the cat
to have an initial conversation and to check any queries we may have from the application form.
Please put as much information as you can about your experiences with cat ownership even if you need to add an extra page as
this will help us to chose the best match possible when we are looking through the applications.
- On agreement that the match is right for the cat we will request videos and photos of your home and garden for the virtual
home visit. We will also carry out a search on google maps to ensure there are no busy main roads in the vicinity.
We have moved away from visiting people's homes following the covid pandemic - If you are struggling to send
videos or photos by email then please ring us on 01254 231118.
- If the home visit is successful an appointment will be made for you and all of your family to visit the centre to meet the cat.
Sometimes we may identify an issue that needs resolving before we can move forward but you will be given the opportunity to address this (normally within a week), as this would need addressing be prior to meeting the chosen cat.
- Please be prepared that if all goes well with the meet to save the cat being transported backwards and forwards (cats generally
do not like car travel) the adoption paperwork will be ready for signing and payment taken so that you can take your new family member home with you straight away.
- Payment will be taken on completion of all the adoption paperwork and can be by cash or card payments.
- All cats must be transported home in a suitable, secure cat carrier
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RABBIT AND GUINEA PIG ADOPTION PROCEDURE
We are continuing our rehoming using the virtual process and all viewings are by appointment only. Below are the steps to follow:
- View the available rabbits or guinea pigs for adoption on our website.
Some of our rabbits or guinea pigs may have a note saying "Potential match found. However, we are still taking applications"
This means that we have a potential suitable match for the rabbit or guinea pig but the process is ongoing and if the adoption
doesn't work out we can move on to the next suitable application.
If a rabbit or guinea pig is shown as reserved the adoption is far more advanced and likely to result in a successful adoption. We
will still accept expressions of interest in case the adoption falls through however, this tends to be rare.
- If you see a rabbit or guinea pig that you feel is right for your family (having read all the information on their profile) then please
download an application form, complete it in full and return via email to reception@rspca-lancseast.org.uk
If you are having trouble completing the application form please call the centre on 01254 231118 and one of the team will be
happy to help (please note we have a small team and at busy times may not always be able to respond as quickly as we would like, thank you for your patience).
- The team will review all the applications received and will contact the person that appears to best match the needs of the rabbit
to have an initial conversation and to check any queries we may have from the application form.
Please put as much information as you can about your experiences with rabbit or guinea pig ownership even if you need to add
an extra page as this will help us to chose the best match possible when we are looking through the applications.
Please visit the National RSPCA website via this link for advice on housing rabbits as they have complex needs to meet - https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/rabbits/environment
- On agreement that the match is right for the rabbit or guinea pig we will request videos and photos of your home (if the rabbit or
guinea pig is to be an indoor pet), your rabbit or guinea pig accommodation and garden for the virtual home visit.
We have moved away from visiting people's homes following the covid pandemic - If you are struggling to send
videos or photos by email then please ring us on 01254 231118.
- If the home visit is successful an appointment will be made for you and all of your family to visit the centre to meet the rabbit.
Sometimes we may identify an issue that needs resolving before we can move forward but you will be given the opportunity to address this (normally within a week), as this would need addressing before the rabbit or guinea pig could be adopted.
- If all goes will with the meet we will mark the rabbit as reserved and assuming everything is in place we will make an appointment for you to collect your rabbit or guinea pig.
- Payment will be taken on completion of all the adoption paperwork and can be by cash or card payments.
- All rabbits and guinea pigs must be transported home in a suitable, secure pet carrier.
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Adoption fee prices
DOGS - FROM - £185.00
CATS - FROM - £100.00
RABBITS - FROM - £55.00 GUINEA PIGS - FROM - £25.00
Revised fees starting from the 1st February 2024.
In order to keep up with day to day costs of the animals at the centre, adoption fees are subject to change.