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How to Rehome a Pet

Thinking of rehoming? You’ve come to the right place. The decision to rehome a pet is a life-changing one for your and your family, and Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home’s animal experts are on hand to answer any questions you may have and help you meet your perfect match. Read through the sections below to find out more about our rehoming process. Please note that a visit in person to the Home is essential, and more than one visit may be required.

On Your Visit

When you visit us at the Home:

  • You will fill in an interest form to help our staff understand what you are looking for.
  • A member of our team will then show you our dogs or cats, indicating which ones may suit you. You will be asked more questions about the attributes you are looking for in a pet, as well as information about your lifestyle. We ask these questions so the kennel team can show you the dogs or cats they think would be best suited to your situation and abilities as a pet owner.
  • Someone from our rehoming team will go through a more in-depth questionnaire with you. This may include questions about your history as a pet owner, the types of animals you have had in the past, the environment you will be bringing a pet into, as well as who will be living with the animal.
  • If you both agree that the pet of your choosing is a good match, you will be introduced to the dog or cat.

Information We May Need

You will be asked for proof of your ability to have a pet in your property (either a letter from your landlord, council, or proof of mortgage) to retain the animal for rehoming. You will also be asked to provide a photo ID and proof of address. In addition to you meeting the dog or cat in person, we will request any members of your household who would come into regular contact with the animal also come to visit. You may even be asked to make multiple visits to ensure you and your new pet have a strong bond before heading home.

If, on this occasion, your application is deemed unsuitable for the particular dog or cat you were interested in, our rehoming team will be happy to suggest other suitable pets, depending on availability. If we do not have an animal that meets your needs on the day of your visit, we will retain your application form for future visits to the Home.

Things to Consider

  • What effect will the new pet have on our lives?
  • What changes will we need to make to our current lifestyle in order to welcome a pet into our family?
  • A new pet needs company — do we have the time to spend with them and look after them?
  • Can we afford the food, training, vet fees and pet insurance?
  • Who will look after the pet while we are on holiday?
  • If we decide to rehome a dog, what size or type of dog would suit our circumstances best?
  • Dogs need to be walked at least twice a day, whatever the weather. Are we happy to do this?
  • Do we have the time and the patience to train our new pet and help them settle into their new home?

Taking Your New Pet Home

If your chosen pet is ready to leave, we may be able to hold it overnight for you, giving you time to think over your decision and prepare your home. If your chosen pet is not quite ready to leave, we will hold the dog or cat for you until it is ready.

There is some paperwork to be done so we can transfer ownership of the animal to you. Allow time for this to take place and bring along any questions you may have, as the team will be happy to help.

We will microchip your pet and register it with your details.

You must keep this up-to-date with your current contact details, by law in the case of dogs. You will receive a rehoming pack, which includes:

  • an information slip for your vet with information on worming, flea treatment and temporary vaccinations your dog or cat received in our care. Please pass this on to your vet.
  • five weeks of free Agria pet insurance, allowing you some worry-free time to organise permanent cover.
  • a Royal Canin recommendation card so you can register to receive a free welcome pack and a free bag of food.

Rehoming Visits

Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home is open for rehoming visits between 10am and 3:30pm (Closed Wednesdays). No appointment is necessary, and more than one visit may be required to secure a pet. You must be 18 years old or over to rehome a dog or cat.

Advice for Pet Owners

Rehoming fees

Puppy £150
Dog £120
Dog Over Nine Years £80
Pair of Dogs £150
Kitten £90
Cat £75
Cat Over Nine Years £55
Pair of Kittens £160
Pair of Cats £120

Rehome a Dog

Giving a dog a second chance at life can be one of the most rewarding things you will ever do. Meet some of our dogs looking for a home.

Meet Our Dogs

Rehome a Cat

A cat can bring so much joy to a home. Take a look at some of our feline residents looking for their special someone.

Meet Our Cats

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