Merlin

From meeting your perfect match and reservation, the adoption process normally takes around a week and a half to two weeks to complete.

This is dependant on the route the animal comes through, eg: whether we know if they have lived within a home before or not. Many animals do not intend to be dirty and, if not already trained, are quick to learn. Be prepared, many may need some gentle encouragement or a reminder of the routine!

Unfortunately to be able to rehome an animal from us it is essential that we have written permission from your landlord/letting agent. This is mainly for your own security, to prevent you being told at a later date that you are not allowed animals within the property.

A first refusal is a temporary hold on an animal before the next stage of adoption can be completed (eg: before the reservation). It means that, although others are entitled to view the animal, nobody is able to reserve he/she until the first refusal has a decision made. First refusals are for a short period of time only and normally occur when a dog introduction needs to take place first or an applicant has been picked for that animal that is a suitable match.

As long as you can meet the requirements of the animal then it’s OK if you don’t have a garden. Be prepared that you will be required to take a dog out on regular lead walks for toilet breaks and this may make any toilet training needs take a little longer. Not all dogs will be suited to living within a home without a garden so it may take a little longer to find that perfect match but be positive – the right dog always finds you!

Yes.  Sadly, often due to the limited history or sad past of many of the dogs, it means that they are often not suitable to live with children or at least younger children, however we do rehome many dogs to families with children but it is so important to us that we ensure that the
dog is going to be well suited within the family environment. If we feel a dog is suitable to live with children we will pop this in their bio on our website with the age of children he/she is compatible with. We will always  ensure that all family members meet the dog at the centre to make sure that everyone
is comfortable and we can introduce the dog in a safe and controlled manner.

Occasionally we have cats that come into the centre looking for indoor-only home. Sadly, due to the welfare and behaviour tendencies of cats, it is not suitable to place a cat who is suitable to be indoors and outdoors in an indoor-only home. We have had indoor-only cats handed into us before, or cats with medical conditions that mean they are unable to go out. In the event that any cats are indoor-only this will be stated within their bio on our website.

Sadly we always advise to wait until after your holiday or move has been completed to follow the adoption route. Unfortunately we are unable to hold animals back for people until after their holiday or move as this can mean they are at the centre longer than they need to be, however, once you are back and settled in and the animal you are interested in is still available by all means  apply! 

To keep up-to-date with regular parasite preventative measures it is recommended by the vet to use a flea treatment every 4 weeks and a worming tablet every 3 months. Different prescriptions  vary so please always check with your vet on the treatments you are purchasing. We always advise purchasing your flea and worm treatment from a veterinary clinic rather than over the counter to ensure that you have the best preventative care for your pet that is up to veterinary standards. Don’t forget to register your pet with your chosen veterinary clinic straight after adoption and, remember, we have our own veterinary clinic on-site and you are welcome to register with!

At this current time, due to the business of the centre, we are unable to get back to everyone no matter how hard we try! Therefore, we are unable to hold people’s details in the form of a waiting list and get in touch when something suitable comes in! We do, however, recommend keeping an eye on our website and if anything else does come up which you feel may be suitable please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are strong believers that the right companion always finds you! In the event that you have previously sent in an application for another animal but someone else was just in front, we do keep these electronic copies so you don’t need to fill out another one unless your circumstances have changed. Just email us stating that you previously sent an application and have now seen ‘……….’ and would like your application to be revised for that animal. Again, if that animal is still available and a suitable match, we will be in touch!