Rowan is looking for patient adopters who can help him build on the lovely progress he has already made. A calm home with few visitors initially will give him time to settle, and he could live with sensible older teenagers. He could potentially live with a suitable dog, following successful introductions. His family will need to help with housetraining, gradually introduce car travel and build up time alone. Rowan is becoming more comfortable having his lead attached, but walking on lead is still something he needs to learn. A secure garden would be ideal for exploring and building confidence, and he will need to stay on lead outside secure areas. Adopters will need to visit several times, with support from our behaviour team throughout the rehoming process.

Is Rowan right for you?

Rowan's affectionate, playful side is becoming clearer every day! He now greets familiar carers with excitement and zoomies, comes over for fuss and has begun approaching new people for a sniff. Once he knows you, he actively seeks out affection and enjoys a cuddle. He is particularly fond of the sofa, where he has happily settled for a gentle brush. Cheese, chicken and ham are firm favourites too, and he enjoys relaxing with a chew. From a cheerful greeting to curling up together, he is already showing how much he enjoys sharing time with people he trusts.

The Cocker Spaniel

Everything you need to know about the Cocker Spaniel

How our rehoming process works

1
Create an account and fill out our application form
If you’re ready to adopt, please complete our form to tell us all about your home, lifestyle and the kind of dogs you’re interested in. You won’t be applying for a specific dog, but we’ll use this information to find a great match for you.
2
Choose a rehoming centre
We’ll also ask you to select a rehoming centre. The team at this centre will look after your application and assess you against all suitable dogs in their care. This doesn’t have to be your nearest centre, but you will need to travel there within a few days once we’ve found...
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We’ll also ask you to select a rehoming centre. The team at this centre will look after your application and assess you against all suitable dogs in their care. This doesn’t have to be your nearest centre, but you will need to travel there within a few days once we’ve found you a match.
3
We’ll review your application
We’ll review your application against the dogs in our care at your chosen centre. If we think we have the right dog for you, we’ll be in touch as soon as possible. If we don’t hear back from you, we will close your application for now, and you can reapply when you’re ready.
4
We’ll keep your application open for three months and keep looking for a match
If we don’t have a dog for you right now, we’ll keep your application open for three months and keep you in mind for any new dogs that arrive. If within this time you see another dog you are interested in, you won't need to apply again but you can amend your application by...
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If we don’t have a dog for you right now, we’ll keep your application open for three months and keep you in mind for any new dogs that arrive. If within this time you see another dog you are interested in, you won't need to apply again but you can amend your application by calling us on 0303 003 0000 or visiting your local rehoming centre.
5
When we find a match, we’ll invite you to meet them
If we’ve found a dog who seems right for you, we’ll invite you to come and meet them at the rehoming centre.
Some of the dogs in our care will need to meet potential owners several times to get to know one another. This lets us see you’re compatible and gives you...
Show details
If we’ve found a dog who seems right for you, we’ll invite you to come and meet them at the rehoming centre.
Some of the dogs in our care will need to meet potential owners several times to get to know one another. This lets us see you’re compatible and gives you the chance to build a bond before making a commitment to give them a new home. By taking some time at the beginning to make sure everyone’s comfortable, an adoption is more likely to be successful.
We may also arrange a home visit with you, to see how your house will be set up and check that the garden (if you have one) is secure. This may not be necessary, though, especially if you’ve adopted from us before. Where you already have dogs, we may accept a reference from your vet as an alternative.
6
If we haven’t found the right match, we’ll continue the search together
If we haven’t found the right dog for you within three months, we’ll let you know your application is closed. We’ll invite you to apply again so we have up-to-date information about you, and we’ll keep looking.
7
We’ll support you to embark on a new life with your dog
When we’ve matched you with a dog, we’ll help you welcome them to your home. After adoption we’ll keep in touch to see how you and the dog are doing. If you need any advice or support, we’re just a phone call away.
With our free behaviour support, our Canine Care...
Show details
When we’ve matched you with a dog, we’ll help you welcome them to your home. After adoption we’ll keep in touch to see how you and the dog are doing. If you need any advice or support, we’re just a phone call away.
With our free behaviour support, our Canine Care Card and more, we’re here to support you and your dog for as long as you need us.

Key information

Location

DarlingtonHill House FarmSadbergeCo DurhamDL2 1SL

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Opening hours

We’re open for general browsing on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 12–4pm. Wednesday and Friday mornings are by pre-arranged appointment only.