Homestay

Care for your dog in your home, until we find their new home.

Tri-colour Harrier, Maisy looks to camera.

The decision to give up a dog is always difficult. If you’re in this heartbreaking situation, we’re here to help however we can.  

Our rehoming service Homestay provides immediate support, without having to wait for a kennel or foster home to become available. Instead, your dog will stay with you in your home, and we get to work straight away to find them a family. As soon as we do, we’ll arrange for them to move directly to their new home.

By choosing Homestay, you will get the support you need as quickly as possible. And, by caring for your dog at home, you will help us support even more dogs who need our help. 

How does Homestay work?

Through Homestay, we ask you to keep caring for your dog until we find them a new home.  

Once we've found them a new home, your dog will go directly from your home to their new one, with no time in kennels. This means that their welfare is protected as much as possible through what can be a very stressful time. And the move to their new home can sometimes be much quicker; dogs on our Homestay service generally find a new home within two weeks.  

We understand this can be a very difficult, emotional decision. When you get in touch with us, we’ll discuss the options for you and your dog. If we mutually agree Homestay is right for you, we’ll we get to work finding a new owner right away. 

Is Homestay the right thing for you and your dog?

Homestay could work for you if:  

  • You can continue caring for your dog at home for at least two weeks  
  • You can take your dog to the vet for any support they need
  • You can bring your dog to the rehoming centre to meet potential adopters.  

Unfortunately, we can't accept dogs who are on the exemption register, or who are in the process of being exempted.

The Homestay process

  1. 1

    Get in touch

    Contact our team by completing our online process or giving us a call. Find out what to expect when you get in touch. 

    Complete our online form
  2. 2

    Assessment

    If we feel Homestay is suitable for your dog, we’ll ask you to bring them to our rehoming centre for an assessment.

  3. 3

    Agreement

    If we mutually agree Homestay is the right option, we’ll begin the Homestay agreement. We’ll start looking for your dog’s new home straight away and keep you informed about our progress.

  4. 4

    Next steps

    If we find them a home, we will arrange for you to bring them back to the rehoming centre. We will then facilitate the handover to their new owner. If we don’t find the right home for your dog in this time, we will discuss next steps with you. 

Frequently asked questions

What happens if you can’t find my dog a home?

If we are unable to find the right home for your dog, we will discuss other options that could be suitable, with you. 

Who is legally and financially responsible for my dog while they are on Homestay?

You will remain legally and financially responsible for your dog during the Homestay agreement. You will only be asked to sign over legal responsibility once they find their forever home, or a suitable kennel becomes available. We ask you to continue to support your dog with anything they need such as food, toys and vet visits, while they are on Homestay.

Can I meet the new adopter?

To respect everyone’s privacy and adhere to data protection regulations, you will not be able to meet the new adopter. We can also not give you any personal details about your dog’s new home.  

What if I change my mind?

We understand that giving up a dog is a very emotional experience. We ask that you let us know as soon as possible if you change your mind. 

Why is Homestay necessary?

We currently receive around 3,000 enquiries a month from people needing to give up their dog.  Homestay allows us to help more dogs more quickly, and it helps protect our limited kennel space for dogs who need urgent or immediate care.

By choosing Homestay, you are helping your dog and helping us support even more dogs in crisis. 

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