OUR REHOMING PROCEDURE
Very often we are asked what is the procedure when visiting our rescue centre and how the system for rehoming a dog takes place - so without further ado here is a guide. Of course this should only be seen as a guide, each prospective new owner and their individual circumstances may require a slightly different approach. The answers to some specific questions can be found at the end of this article.
Your first test is to find us. From the B5013 at its junction with Bellamour Way, Colton there are signs leading to Border Collie Trust. Heathway is easy to find but don't be fooled when you get to the end of the road - follow the narrow track which leads to our kennels. An interactive map will give you an idea where we are and how to get to us, but if in doubt about directions please email us or ring the office (0871 560 2282 Monday to Friday 9am to 4.30pm) beforehand to obtain them.
Having parked in the car park visitors are asked to introduce themselves at Reception which is contained within the rehoming block (on the left as you walk down the driveway from the car park) If there is no member of staff present in Reception, please use the bell which is on the wall straight in front of you as you enter the building. Bear in mind staff may be out in the grounds exercising or working with dogs.
Then it's down to business. We need to know a bit about your personal circumstances and experience with our canine companions in order to match the most suitable candidates to you and your family. Most of the information we need comes from the "rehoming application" form you will be asked to complete. Click here to view/print the form. Most visitors complete the form on arrival but if you would like to complete the form prior to your visit - please do so.
You will need Adobe Acrobat reader software to view/print the form. If you don't have Adobe you can download it from here - (it's free and useful for many online forms, manuals, catalogues etc.). There is no need to send the form to us prior to a visit but if you have any queries or wish to discuss your suitability for a collie, please contact us before visiting,
Our staff will be happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have so please don't be afraid to ask about anything that you may be unsure of at any stage in the proceedings. After this period of "information gathering" our staff will have a good idea of your suitability (and of course sometimes incompatibility) for rehoming. If they are satisfied that you can indeed provide the care, attention and patience that our rescued Collies deserve, they will show you photographs and a brief description/history of those dogs considered best suited to you. You are welcome to help yourself to free hot drinks during your visit (any donation towards this is completely optional).
We do not allow visitors to wander around the kennels as this constant disruption in the corridors not only causes some dogs to become over excited but interrupts staff duties and responsibilities. In addition our experienced staff can carefully select the appropriate dog/s. Each of our dogs has received a care plan since its arrival at the centre, this will be discussed with you and any points which you should be aware of, whether they be dietary requirements or behaviour characteristics will be pointed out. Each dog is also assessed during it's time with us to establish how it behaves and reacts to a wide variety of circumstances and everyday happenings from being near cats and other dogs, to it's attitude to humans and even everyday sights and sounds.
You will notice on the Dogs For Rehoming page and also the information at the centre that each dog has a coloured label. This was introduced to help identify dogs who need special care or handling within the centre but also helps visitors to be aware of the general experience level we feel is required. Do bear in mind this is only a general guide and does not always mean that someone of limited collie experience could not be considered for a certain dog.
You are then given the opportunity to spend some time with all or any of the selected dogs. We have extensive grounds which will allow you to spend sometime in the company of the dog (remaining on the lead at all times please). If you already have a dog in the household this is the time to introduce them to the prospective new addition. Therefore it's important to bring your dog with you on the visit. It allows the dogs to meet on neutral ground and if they don't get on straight away at least all involved will be aware. If you have children we would also ask that they be involved and present during your visit it will allow staff to ensure that the dog will not react in any way to the child and of course vice versa. We try to socialise all dogs during their time with us but we don't have children living on site and of course a dog may react differently to different dogs and children.
You are under no pressure to rush through this process as this is a very important step in the procedure, remember you may be taking on a responsibility for many years to come. It may be the case that none of the dogs are suitable or for many reasons you may not find that special dog you were looking for. We will happily keep your details and notify you if a more suitable dog becomes available for rehoming. If you choose one of the dogs shown to you all the necessary paperwork can be completed the same day and all the necessary advice will be offered or we will reserve the dog for you to collect later.
We can only reiterate that you are under no pressure to take on a rescue dog, our staff will offer as much advice as they can. Assuming that our staff are satisfied that the dog you are interested in will fit in with your circumstances then the final decision to rehome a rescue dog of course rests with you. If you have any doubts, no matter how slight, we would rather you take time, if necessary away from the centre, considering all the matters before committing yourself.
SOME SPECIFIC QUESTIONS WE ARE OFTEN ASKED
Q - Do I need to make an appointment?
A - At present we don't make appointments, you are welcome to visit 7 days a week between 9am-11am and 2pm-4pm. The kennels are closed between 12.30pm and 2pm every day. You are welcome to ring our office (Monday to Friday) if you are travelling a long distance and are interested in a particular dog
Q - What charges are involved in homing a dog from BCT?
A - We suggest a donation for any dog we rehome. As a registered charity we are not funded by central or local government and have to raise all our finances ourselves - the donation we suggest is currently between £80 and £150 depending on various points such as the age of the dog, if it has been neutered or not etc. The higher donation is suggested for dogs under 3 months.
Q - Can we take the dog the same day?
A - Because we have visitors from all over the UK we have to accept that for some customers, travelling between 100 and 200 miles 2 or 3 times is difficult. Therefore our procedures have been geared to ensure that although we will rehome a dog on the same day (as long as there are no specific reasons not to - such as the time the dog has been with us, a dog on medication or due to see our Vet) we do our very best to make sure the dog is suitable for you and your circumstances. You are under no pressure to rush the process and we often have people at the centre for 2 hours or more. This is an important decision and not to be rushed by either you or our staff. We will reserve a dog for a few days if you wish to consider further or need to make arrangements or preparations for your new dog.
Q - Do you ever have pups?
A - Yes we do. Unlike older dogs (from 6 months upwards) we never know when we might be asked to help a litter of pups and they will usually arrive within days of a call to our centre. We sometimes have 2 or 3 litters arrive close together then we might have a few months without any.
The Dogs For Rehoming section of the website will always contain details of all the dogs available, including pups, so please check regularly. Older dogs are queuing up to come in for rehoming so please consider carefully whether you really need a pup. Every older dog with us was a pup and yet still needs our help - and yours - to find a new home. This isn't always because the dog has problems but often because a pup is just too demanding - despite previous experience of the breed.
Q - Why don't you have photos for all the dogs you have for homing?.
A - There are 2 main reasons why. The first is the time involved in photographing each dog as it arrives and updating the website only to find the dog is homed shortly afterwards. With all the other jobs needing doing in the kennels and the office we just don't have enough time in the day. Another reason is that we feel that on occasions people may be influenced in a positive, or negative way in respect of a particular dog, simply based on it's looks. Often we find that having discussed with staff a particular dog, a visitor may find it is just the right one for them, despite not initially meeting the looks they would consider. If it is vital that a photo is needed we will try to help by emailing - time permitting.
Q - Why don't you do homechecks like some other rescues?
A - It is surprising how emotive this subject can be and the importance that some place on homechecks. We would simply ask you to consider our view. Because we deal with a specific breed we attract potential new owners from all over the UK. Some will travel hundreds of miles to look for a new companion. Many other rescues deal with all breeds and usually have a "catchment area" for their new owners. It is therefore easier from a practical point of view for them to carry out homechecks. There is another big difference - many rescue centres allow you to walk around viewing the dogs and if you are interested in a particular dog they will reserve it for you until the homecheck has been done, this often includes looking not only at your home but also the suitability of you and your family. Our staff know the dogs, and having spent some time with you, can glean all the relevant information about your circumstances to ensure we are satisfied everything is in order. The only reason to do a homecheck would be to check your garden is secure.
Q - But how do you know if the house/garden is secure?
A - Checking security is similar to a vehicle MOT test. It's only valid on the day it's done. Who is to say the fence won't be damaged in a few days? How can we know if someone will leave the gate open once the dog is home? This is the small area of honesty we expect from responsible people who visit us and we do discuss security during the rehoming. We don't have the luxury of volunteers dotted all over the UK to do these checks and we feel that in any event it would be a waste of valuable financial resources. Everything we need to know about you and your circumstances is gathered by our staff during your visit to our centre
Q - What should we do when we get our new dog home
A - You may have read that it takes about two weeks for a dog to adjust to a new home, this may be true of a very well adjusted dog with no trauma or stress to cope with, it can take many weeks or months. This doesn't mean lots of work but patience and consistency are most important. Do read the red book given with the paperwork.
The most important piece of advice is to have no expectations, think of the dog as if it were a puppy and anything it does know is a bonus.
Please don't put the dog under pressure ie. having lots of visitors, taking for long walks etc. Give the dog plenty of time (at least 7 days) to adjust to its new home and family before introducing new people, things and places and then do so gradually.
Q - What if we have problems with the dog or feel we can't cope?
A - We will always offer advice and support to help you overcome problems during the inital settling in period or at anytime in the future. If necessary we can ask our behaviourist to speak to you and even meet you at the centre to discuss issues or concerns. Ultimately if you are no longer able to care for the dog at any time it can be returned to our care.
Q - I've got another question that isn't answered here.
A - Please phone our office on 0871 560 2282 Monday to Friday 9am to 4.30pm or email us and we'll do our best to help
