How to Apply & What You Need to Know

We know that finding the right pet is a big decision, and we’re here to help make the process as smooth as possible. Before we can match you with a dog or cat, we ask that you complete a short application form. This helps us understand your home, experience, and what you’re looking for in a pet. Our team carefully matches each pet with the right family, so we encourage you to keep an open mind rather than applying for a specific animal—you may find the perfect match where you least expect it! 

 For Dogs:
✔️ We do not rehome to flats above ground level.
✔️ Children in the home must be over 8 years old.
✔️ A secure fence or wall (minimum 5ft) is required.
✔️ We do not rehome dogs to households where existing dogs are not neutered or spayed. 

For Cats:
✔️ Homes must not be on a main road or near railway lines.
✔️ Children in the home must be over 5 years old.

By following these guidelines, we ensure that every pet finds a safe and loving environment. If you have any questions about the process, feel free to reach out - we’re here to help!

📝 Our application form takes around 15 minutes to complete.
📧 Need the form in a different format? Email enquiries@helpingdogsandcatsuk.org.
📞 Once we receive your application, we’ll be in touch about the next steps.

After submitting your application, you’ll receive an automated response. Matching pets with people is our priority, but this can take time. When we find a good match, a volunteer from our rehoming team will contact you for a chat to go through a few more details. If all goes well, we’ll organise an in-person home check to ensure a safe and suitable environment for your potential new pet.

At this stage, we ask for a home check fee of £10 for cats and £15 for dogs (non-refundable).

If you pass the home check, we’ll arrange for you to meet your potential pet in their foster home.

• Dogs – We ask for a minimum of three visits, including one where your own dogs and any family members meet your potential new companion.
  Cats – We ask for one visit before making a decision.
   

The final step is to pay the adoption fee, sign our terms of agreement, and prepare for your pet’s arrival. The fourth visit will either be collection day or, in some cases, we will bring your new pet to your home.

This is where your new journey begins! We understand that rehoming a pet is exciting and emotional, and we’ll be here to provide expert advice and ongoing support as your new pet settles in.

Our rehoming fee helps cover essential veterinary care and ensures we can continue rescuing and supporting animals.

Dogs up to £550

Includes a £100 voucher towards neutering if needed.

Cats

• Up to 7 years – £245
• 7-12 years – £160
• Over 12 years – £100
  Includes a £30 voucher towards neutering if needed.
   

To secure your adoption, we require a £50 deposit for cats and a £100 deposit for dogs.

 ✔ Microchipping
✔ Initial vaccinations, flea & worm treatment
✔ Neutering/spaying (or a voucher if not done yet)
✔ Five weeks’ free Agria pet insurance
✔ Lifetime support & full rescue backup 

Rehoming fees are just the start of pet ownership costs. Before adopting, we encourage you to research:

🐾 Food & nutrition
🐾 Pet insurance
🐾 Grooming & vet costs
🐾 Training & pet supplies

Taking on a pet is a lifelong commitment, and we want to make sure you feel fully prepared. If you have any questions, please reach out - we’re happy to help! 💛

Our team is dedicated to ensuring that every dog and cat in our care is placed in a loving, suitable home. We also want to make sure that you feel confident and happy with your adoption experience. We understand that sometimes, circumstances change, or you may find that things aren’t working out with your puppy, dog, cat, or kitten. In those rare cases, we are here to offer support and guidance to help resolve any issues you may be facing.

Please remember your obligations as outlined in our adoption contract.

Our team is deeply passionate about animal rescue and welfare, with many of us having first-hand experience in adopting and caring for rescue dogs and cats. Whether you are fostering or adopting a dog or cat from us, we’ll assign you a dedicated mentor and add you to a supportive chat group.

Your mentor will be available to:

• Provide support and advice before and after your new pet’s arrival 
• Ask for and assist in gathering any important information as needed 
• Share essential messages and updates 
• Direct you to the behaviour team if needed 
• Introduce you to other foster carers and adopters for support, sharing stories, and swapping photos.
   

We are here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring a smooth and positive experience as you welcome your new furry family member into your home!