Finding a Rescue or Shelter for Your Pet

Start With the Original Rescue

If you adopted your pet, contact the organisation you adopted from and check your adoption agreement. It may have a return process or require you to contact it before arranging another home. If your pet came from a breeder, ask whether they can offer responsible support or take the animal back.

Prepare a concise account of what has changed, your pet’s needs and the urgency. Being honest gives the organisation a better chance of helping.

Find an Organisation That Fits Your Pet

The ADCH Find a Rescue lets you look for member rescues by postcode or county. Membership is a useful starting point, but still ask how the organisation would care for your individual pet and whether it has capacity.

For dogs, see Dogs Trust: giving up your dog. For cats, contact your local Cats Protection. The RSPCA’s rehoming advice covers owners considering giving up a pet. For rabbits, other small animals, horses or exotic pets, ask for an established rescue with experience of that species.

The Scottish SPCA’s advice page currently says its centres are at capacity. Check its latest position and alternatives before travelling; its keeping-your-pet service also offers guidance.

Questions Worth Asking

• Do you take this species, and can you support their health and behaviour needs?
• What information, records or assessment do you need?
• Is there a waiting list, and what should I do while waiting?
• Will my pet stay in kennels, a foster home or with me during matching?
• What checks are made on a new home, and what aftercare is offered?
• Is there a surrender fee or requested donation, and can we discuss affordability?
• When does responsibility transfer, and what are your policies if rehoming is difficult?

Ask for written information and a copy of anything you sign. Do not assume a surrender can later be reversed or that visits and updates will be available.

Be Cautious About Quick Online Handovers

A reassuring message or an offer to collect immediately is not enough to establish that someone can meet your pet’s needs. Avoid “free to a good home” posts, pressure to act at once, and handing an animal to an unverified stranger.

Even with someone you know, discuss suitability, household agreement, veterinary care and the practical transfer. If there is a bite history, serious behaviour concern, ownership dispute or legal restriction, get specialist advice before agreeing a move. An established rescue can help you understand the next steps.

If You Need Help Urgently

Explain the deadline and what makes it urgent when you contact the organisation. Ask about alternatives if it cannot accept your pet. Do not arrive expecting a guaranteed space, and never leave an animal unattended at a centre.

If your pet needs urgent medical attention, call a vet. A rescue enquiry is not emergency treatment. For the information to gather, use our handover checklist.