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Your Application
Firstly, all information remains private.
Your initial contact with us is via the Adoption Application. It's your chance to tell us as much relevant information as possible. The more the better really. Questions may be followed up later by a call from us. This may take patience, on average we have 2 spare hours left after a full day and need to schedule calls into the diary. If a time suits you better please let us know.
Not all applicants are successful, please remember we are only human. We try our best, and the aim of applying before meeting the dog is so we can try to matchmake with what is on paper. If that can't be done, we apologise in a response email and encourage you to keep seeking a little friend to adopt.
Sometimes, depending on available dogs we may be able to suggest a more appropriate match. Please read the dog's profile thoroughly.
If you're wondering why a phone number isn't listed on the website just imagine the number of calls we would get and how much time we put into rescuing. Not to mention employers, family and partners (and dogs) who need our time as well. Email is always available [email protected]
Your initial contact with us is via the Adoption Application. It's your chance to tell us as much relevant information as possible. The more the better really. Questions may be followed up later by a call from us. This may take patience, on average we have 2 spare hours left after a full day and need to schedule calls into the diary. If a time suits you better please let us know.
Not all applicants are successful, please remember we are only human. We try our best, and the aim of applying before meeting the dog is so we can try to matchmake with what is on paper. If that can't be done, we apologise in a response email and encourage you to keep seeking a little friend to adopt.
Sometimes, depending on available dogs we may be able to suggest a more appropriate match. Please read the dog's profile thoroughly.
If you're wondering why a phone number isn't listed on the website just imagine the number of calls we would get and how much time we put into rescuing. Not to mention employers, family and partners (and dogs) who need our time as well. Email is always available [email protected]
Your Chat With A Carer
Upon the Team's decision, the next step for a successful application is to have a one-one-one chat with the carer or their representative.
Anything you need to ask us, this is your chance. Make a list if you like.
We will go over your form with you and discuss exactly what you need, want and expect from a dog. If our matchmaking has been successful we usually come to an agreement about the next step.
Anything you need to ask us, this is your chance. Make a list if you like.
We will go over your form with you and discuss exactly what you need, want and expect from a dog. If our matchmaking has been successful we usually come to an agreement about the next step.
Your Yard Check
At a time convenient to you and the checker we move to the next step.
But please prepare and repair your yard, to make it dog-proof before arranging a visit. This avoids the checker having to return.
A yard check is not like a landlord visit. We aren't there to poke around your home, we're ONLY there to see the secure fencing and doggy door.
The specifics of checking are as follows but please note, if a dog can get it's face through a gap, they can get their body through.
a) Secure yard: no rural fencing, chicken wire or rotten wood. Colourbond must reach to the ground, and be careful it cannot be dug under. Check for gaps in and under gates. Under fences. Wobbly areas, climbable spots like tree stumps, lattice, horizontal palings or cyclone wire. Average 6ft height is appropriate. Lockable side or rear gate. a) No access to the car parking area. b) No access under the house. c) Pet door installed if requested. Installation if post-approval needs to be followed up with a photo. d) If no dog door, a prepared area/pen or crate where you expect the dog to drink, eat, sleep and rest (when not in your room or if you are out).
In the event of a pool on the premises, the surrounds must be completely secure with a child proof gate. We reserve the right to refuse a dog should it not be a water savvy.
Balconies must be dog proofed, furniture and pots must be removed. Dogs can and do slip, climb or jump from heights.
But please prepare and repair your yard, to make it dog-proof before arranging a visit. This avoids the checker having to return.
A yard check is not like a landlord visit. We aren't there to poke around your home, we're ONLY there to see the secure fencing and doggy door.
The specifics of checking are as follows but please note, if a dog can get it's face through a gap, they can get their body through.
a) Secure yard: no rural fencing, chicken wire or rotten wood. Colourbond must reach to the ground, and be careful it cannot be dug under. Check for gaps in and under gates. Under fences. Wobbly areas, climbable spots like tree stumps, lattice, horizontal palings or cyclone wire. Average 6ft height is appropriate. Lockable side or rear gate. a) No access to the car parking area. b) No access under the house. c) Pet door installed if requested. Installation if post-approval needs to be followed up with a photo. d) If no dog door, a prepared area/pen or crate where you expect the dog to drink, eat, sleep and rest (when not in your room or if you are out).
In the event of a pool on the premises, the surrounds must be completely secure with a child proof gate. We reserve the right to refuse a dog should it not be a water savvy.
Balconies must be dog proofed, furniture and pots must be removed. Dogs can and do slip, climb or jump from heights.
Your Meet & Greet Day
OK, so now all of that is done and we hopefully have a green light. The big day has arrived and you finally get to meet.
A 'Meet & Greet' is your chance to make a yes or no decision.
You've tee'd up a time for the carer to visit or for you to go see them. If it's a visit at your home, the carer can leave for an hour or so if you'd prefer alone time. Or it's cup of tea time while little doggie explores like mad and darts back to say hello in between. Again, the carer does not 'snoop'. We conduct ourselves as a guest in your home at all times.
If you are meeting the carer, spend time meeting the dog. This is also a chance to do the paperwork.
From experience, 99% of Meet & Greet proceed into a trial adoption provided the yard is still dog proof and everyone has decided it's going ahead.
A 'Meet & Greet' is your chance to make a yes or no decision.
You've tee'd up a time for the carer to visit or for you to go see them. If it's a visit at your home, the carer can leave for an hour or so if you'd prefer alone time. Or it's cup of tea time while little doggie explores like mad and darts back to say hello in between. Again, the carer does not 'snoop'. We conduct ourselves as a guest in your home at all times.
If you are meeting the carer, spend time meeting the dog. This is also a chance to do the paperwork.
From experience, 99% of Meet & Greet proceed into a trial adoption provided the yard is still dog proof and everyone has decided it's going ahead.
Your First 3 Days
You have a very surprised little dog. One who may even wait at the door ready to go back 'home'.
It's the beginning of your trial period and I can't stress enough...call your carer anytime. That's what we're here for.
Settling in can be slow or surprisingly fast depending on the dog. As a general rule, 3 days is enough for the shock to wear off. Don't go on walkies, or allow your dog the chance to go out the front door. If you are concerned about a dart out the door, invest in baby gate. These are particularly useful in city homes where the door leads straight onto the street.
Spend this time reinforcing basic training, as if you have a puppy.
And begin how you intend to continue. For example, unless you want a doggy sleeping on your pillow forever, then don't start off that way.
It's the beginning of your trial period and I can't stress enough...call your carer anytime. That's what we're here for.
Settling in can be slow or surprisingly fast depending on the dog. As a general rule, 3 days is enough for the shock to wear off. Don't go on walkies, or allow your dog the chance to go out the front door. If you are concerned about a dart out the door, invest in baby gate. These are particularly useful in city homes where the door leads straight onto the street.
Spend this time reinforcing basic training, as if you have a puppy.
And begin how you intend to continue. For example, unless you want a doggy sleeping on your pillow forever, then don't start off that way.
Your First 3 Weeks
The trial period. Continue with your basic training, follow your carer's guidance. The average time for a dog to settle into a routine and learn what is expected of them is 3 weeks. During this time never allow your pet off leash, keep them safe and secure. Try not to overwhelm your newbie with lots of visitors and children. A nice quiet lunch or a play date with a friend's doggy is a nice idea.
Give your doggy some space to explore and find their safe place. Do not use things like water squirters, newspapers, shout or smack your new doggy because they will make mistakes. Your carer will explain 'positive reinforcement' or have a google of the term. It works.
Give your doggy some space to explore and find their safe place. Do not use things like water squirters, newspapers, shout or smack your new doggy because they will make mistakes. Your carer will explain 'positive reinforcement' or have a google of the term. It works.
Your First 3 Months
Your little dog has blossomed. All that love you both have for each other will be cemented and you have begun to see changes from a happy dog, to a dog who shows you their playful and sweet side.
A confident jump on your lap for cuddles. Tummy rubs, grooming fun, toys, help in the garden, friends in the park and lots lots more. Strangers won't be strangers anymore, they will be part of the family.
Make sure you send us lots of photos! By the 3 month mark it will boggle your mind that such a divine soul was homeless before you adopted them. We thank you for your patience and care and wish you many happy years together.
A confident jump on your lap for cuddles. Tummy rubs, grooming fun, toys, help in the garden, friends in the park and lots lots more. Strangers won't be strangers anymore, they will be part of the family.
Make sure you send us lots of photos! By the 3 month mark it will boggle your mind that such a divine soul was homeless before you adopted them. We thank you for your patience and care and wish you many happy years together.
Your Lifetime Support
Lifetime means lifetime, including a return policy should you be unable to keep your dog for any reason.
Call your carer at any time, have us on speed dial if you're struggling with settling in. Or give us a bell even if it's just for an update. We looove updates.
We're not a substitute for a vet or behaviourist but will be able to offer hints, tips and experience.
Call your carer at any time, have us on speed dial if you're struggling with settling in. Or give us a bell even if it's just for an update. We looove updates.
We're not a substitute for a vet or behaviourist but will be able to offer hints, tips and experience.
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