Re-homing Guidelines

  If you would like to rehome an animal, please read the following guidelines before contacting us:

  •One of the aims of the RSPCA is that all healthy, unwanted animals which come into its care should be
  found new homes, where a healthy and happy lifestyle, appropriate to their species, can reasonably be
  asssured.

  •In order to establish the suitability of potential homes, the RSPCA has a policy of operating a home visiting
  procedure. Details of this are given in later paragraphs.
 
  •The Society will rehome only those domestic animals which have been signed over into the Society's care,
  either by the owner or the owner's representative, or in the case of stray dogs, by the authority concerned.
  Animals of unknown origin are kept for seven days to ensure that owners have an opportunity to reclaim them.

  •Although home visiting procedures are designed to guard against the return of mismatched animals, the
  Society nevertheless requires the return of animals where there is an incompatibility.

  •The Society will rehome to certain authorities and organisations, which either have a requirement, to employ
  animals or can rehome them, subject to stringent initial checking of standards of animal care and intended
  use of animals.

•It is the Society's policy that all dogs, cats and equines, both male and female, should be neutered as part of the rehoming procedure.

•It is the Society's policy that all cats and dogs rehomed by the Society should be identified by an implanted microchip as well as by an identity disc where appropriate.

•The Society requires potential owners to choose an animal personally, and not through a third person.

•The Society will not rehome to potential owners who are likely to leave an animal alone for more time than is commensurate with the animal's welfare, taking into account in particular the animal's type, age or temperament.

•The Society will not rehome to potential owners who are likely to move to countries abroad which are not covered by the Pet Travel Scheme. Potential owners should not be considering moving abroad for at least six months after adoption.

•Notwithstanding any provisions as described in 5 above, the Society will not rehome dogs for use as guard dogs.

•In the case of persons living in rented or tied accommodation, the landlord's written permission to keep an animal of the species sought should be produced prior to rehoming.

•Rehoming a cat to an outdoor environment should never be considered as an alternative to euthanasia if the cat is not suited to living in an outdoor environment or the home in which it will be placed is unsuitable under the rehoming rules.

•The rehoming of animals by the RSPCA should be for the benefit of the animal, and never where it will knowingly be rehomed for the purpose of hunting live animals.