Routine

Diet - keep to the same diet your dog has eaten at <<Organisation>>. Changing your dog’s food too soon could cause a stomach upset

Feeding - Feed separately and away from other pets. Your dog needs privacy when eating. Keep to the feeding routine and quantity advised by <<Organisation>>, as dogs can become quickly overweight which can cause health issues.

Exercise - Regular exercise is the key, dogs need exercise every day. The breed, size and age of a dog will often dictate how long the walks need to be.

Training - Do not let your dog off lead until you are certain they will return immediately when called.

Observations - Please be aware of any <<Organisation>> Observations regarding behaviour.

Home Alone

Leave gradually for short periods. Try to keep to your normal routine. Do not take a week off work with the intention of helping your dog to settle, otherwise he/she will not be accustomed to being on their own and maybe more distressed when you return to work.

If your dog is bored or distressed he or she may become destructive, could house-soil or bark excessively.

Before you do leave your dog home alone, remove any food and tidy away items that you do not wish them to destroy. Make sure your dog is relaxed (so take out and ensure he/she has toileted) leave quietly and without fuss.

Leave something safe for them to chew, such as a stuffed Kong.

How to create a bond with your new dog

Training is an excellent way to develop a strong bond with your dog and to have a well behaved dog. We have training classes available for all ages and abilities at <<<Organisation>>, details are listed in your adoption pack.

Play is also a great way to build a relationship. Play can include a variety of toys for tugging, chasing, retrieving, shredding, hide and seek. Play should be interactive between you and the dog and should always include a toy.

Staff at <<Organisation>> will be able to advise you about what your dog has preferred to play with during their stay.

Grooming is a vital part of your dog’s health and helps to create a strong bond between you. This should be done on a regular basis, irrespective of length of coat. Our shop staff will advise you on appropriate grooming equipment.

Further Advice

We are here to help and support you with your new dog. Please be patient as both you and your dog are adjusting to a new life together. The first three months can be tiring, challenging and frustrating but the effort you put in will be rewarded by having a loyal, loving companion.

Please do not hesitate to call for further help and advice if you need it.

Further advice can be found at:

• National RSPCA Website – www.rspca.org.uk
• APBC Behaviourists - www.apbc.org.uk

Thank you again for adopting your dog from <<Organisation>>.

<<Organisation>>
<<OrganisationAddress>>
Tel: <<OrganisationTelephone>>
Email: your@email.co.uk

Name: <<AnimalName>>

Age: <<Age>>

Sex: <<Sex>>

History

<<AnimalComments>>

Medical

<<HealthProblems>>

<<DocumentImgLink>>

Decision made! What do I do next?

We need everyone who lives in your home, or regularly visits you, to be introduced to your chosen dog. We also need dog meets to take place if they are to share your home with an existing dog. Once these introductions have been made, your details will be passed onto a home visitor. They will contact you directly (normally their number is withheld when calling) to arrange a mutually convenient time for the home visit to be carried out.

The Front of House Team will advise how much the dog will be to adopt, the cost for <<AnimalName>> is <<Fee>>

Once the home visit has been completed, a report will be passed onto the centre or you will be given a form.

If your chosen dog is not able to go home immediately, to help it to familiarise itself with you, bring in an old, worn item of clothing, towel or blanket that smells of your home. This will be placed in the dog’s bed for them to sniff and to become accustomed to your scent.

We encourage you to visit the Centre and walk your chosen dog as often as possible, but please call first as they may be at the vets for neutering.

Preparing for your new dog

You will need a suitable bed, feeding and water bowls, toys, poo bags, food, grooming equipment, training aids, chews, boredom breakers such as Kongs and possibly specialist equipment such as crates, stair gates, safe travel equipment (e.g. seat belt harness, car guard or travel crate). We can advise you of your dog’s individual needs and these items can be purchased through our shop.

Ensure your dog is registered with a veterinary surgeon.

To comply with legislation your new dog will also need a collar/harness, visible identification (which must include your name and address) and a lead. These are available to buy in our shop and we will assist you with the most suitable equipment, its correct size and fitting.

Do ask us what your dog is currently being fed as it is important that you have at least one month’s supply of its regular food. A sudden change in diet can cause an upset tummy for some dogs.

Considering Insurance?

As a responsible rehoming centre, we want you to be happy with your new addition and recommend that you consider Pet Insurance. When your dog goes home it will have 28 days free pet insurance with Pet Plan. Pet Plan will contact you to discuss taking out a new policy.

If you take up this offer, 10% of your policy comes back to the centre to help us to continue to look after the remaining animals in our care.

Collection of your new dog

Remember to bring the adoption fee and any necessary equipment. We are more than happy to answer any questions you have so do make a list of your queries.

Our Front of House Team will go through the adoption pack with you - this will include your adoption forms, microchip details, insurance documents and a neutering voucher, if the dog could not be neutered whilst at the Centre. You will also be asked to sign the observation paperwork to agree that you have received a copy.

The journey home

Ensure your dog is securely restrained and, if possible, bring along a friend or family member to supervise your dog during the journey. If you have a long journey or it is a hot day ensure your dog has access to fresh drinking water. If you already have a dog at home, it is advisable that you do not bring it along for the pick up.

Arriving home

Your dog may be excited and stressed by the journey and new surroundings so before going into the house take him/her for a short walk with any existing dogs in the house and allow him/her access to the garden on return. Wait until your dog has been to the toilet before you let him or her into the home.

When you enter the house keep your dog on the lead and reward calm behaviour with treats and praise. Keep doors closed to rooms you don’t want him/her to have access to and walk your new dog around the home showing him/her sleeping, eating, drinking areas and allow him or her to sniff and investigate the surroundings. If you provided an item for familiarisation, this can travel with your new dog and be placed into their new bed.

Getting to know your dog

Your new pet will need help adjusting to you and to your lifestyle, so we recommend you take things slowly and go at their pace. Some dogs adjust to this quicker than others but it is very important not to overwhelm them. Please use this guide to help your dog settle into their forever home.

Settling in

Your dog may be quite tired from all the changes of moving from a kennel to the new home so ensure he or she can quietly sleep. When your dog awakes please take the dog straight out, either into your garden or outside on the lead. Once the dog has been to the toilet you can go for a short walk together. Although all your friends and family will be keen to meet your new dog, try to keep to your normal routine for the first week and then gradually introduce friends.