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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 you 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 , in order to reduce our onsite visitors, we have changed our rehoming process.

We can no longer accommodate walk-in rehoming viewings or applications. All initial rehoming enquiries must be carried out via our online interest form. We kindly request that you have a look at the animals available on our website and app and read their information carefully before registering your interest.

During the rehoming process we will be following government guidelines and adhering to tier travel restrictions.

Please make sure that you are following current travel guidelines, socially distancing, and wearing facemasks when you visit.

 

Found a Match?

  •  Registering your interest: Have you identified a pet on our website or app that you’re interested in? Fill in the rehoming interest form which can be found below and a member of our team will review the information you provided and let you know if we think you may be a match for your chosen pet. If so, we will arrange for someone from our rehoming team to call you in order to fill in an application over the phone. Your application may need to be reviewed by a senior member of the team.
  •  If we feel there is a strong chance of a match you will be invited to make an interview appointment. Interviews will take place on site with a member of our rehoming team. They will go over your application with you and ask any additional questions they feel necessary. If you both agree that the pet of your choosing is a good match, you will be introduced to the dog or cat.
Interest form for Dog
Interest form for 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 (please note, we cannot rehome to anyone under the age of 18). 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. Before taking your new pet home we will ask you to register with a vet in your area to ensure you can offer your pet the healthcare it needs.

All visits must be scheduled during our limited visiting hours to aid in social distancing and maintain the health and safety of both yourself and our staff. Please arrive on time for these appointments.

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

  • How will the local and global changes of the pandemic affect my ability to look after a pet long term?
  • 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. We may send this to you via email, or have it prepared for your arrival. We kindly request that you consider any questions you may have and get in touch prior to the rehoming to allow for a smooth handover.

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.
  • four weeks of free Petplan pet insurance, allowing you some worry-free time to organise permanent cover.

Rehoming and Other Services

Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home is carrying out our rehoming interest and applications online, we will not be able to process any interest registrations in person. We are open to accept donations, and for using our services such as our pet Foodbank, via pre-arranged appointments between the hours of 10am and 2pm daily.

Contact Us

Rehoming Policy

Our policy remains to rehome animals on a first come, first served basis. We never want an animal to stay any longer with us than it needs to which is why we rehome our dogs and cats to the first successful applicant. This may result in dogs or cats you may have sent in an application for being rehomed before you are offered an interview. We apologise for any disappointment this may cause.

Our staffs understanding of the animals in their care is our greatest asset and informs all our rehoming considerations. Their decision is final.

 

New Rehoming Procedure

Please take a moment to watch the video below where our Rehoming Operations Manager explains a bit more about our new rehoming procedure.

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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