Adopting a rescued animal

Fantastic, you’ve decided to adopt one of our rescued animals and give them a second chance. What now? This page guides you, step by step, through our rehoming process.

Putting the rehoming record straight

Watch our rehoming operations manager, Abbi Moon, in the video below as she dispels some of the myths which surround adopting an animal from the RSPCA.
 

Things to consider

There is a small charge for adopting an animal from us. This helps us cover the costs of microchipping, vaccination and, where appropriate, neutering.

Owning a pet is a big responsibility. Be sure that you can meet their needs and provide for them financially. We recommend insuring your pet to help cover the cost of any future unexpected medical costs.

Choosing an animal

There are several ways to view the animals in our care who are looking for new homes.

Online

• Use pet search to search for dogs, cats, rabbits, horses and more. Search by location, breed, age, size and gender to help you find your perfect match.
   
• Our special appeals highlight the animals that are finding it more difficult to find a new home. These animals are often overlooked through no fault of their own, but will make wonderful pets for the right owners.

In person

Not all of the animals looking for new homes can be seen on our website.

• Find the centre in your area and contact them to arrange a visit, they’re looking forward to meeting you!

Visiting an animal centre

When you visit one of our centres you'll be greeted by a friendly member of staff. They'll ask about the type of animal you would like to adopt, and the kind of home you can offer.

You'll also be asked to fill out an application form so you can be matched with your perfect pet. Get a head start - application forms can be found on the right.

Some of our centres don’t allow members of the public to look around the animals and instead provide photos and descriptions of those available for rehoming. This helps us to minimise the anxiety of animals in our care and keep tails wagging.

Don't be put off if we don't find your perfect match during the first visit. We're like a dog with a bone when it comes to rehoming animals. Keep coming back and we'll happily keep trying to find the right pet for you.

Getting to know each other

Once you’ve chosen a pet you will be introduced by a member of staff or volunteer and given some time to get to know each other.
 

If you have other family pets to consider you may be encouraged to bring them to the centre on a separate visit so that they can meet too!
 

The home visit

So that we can be sure we’ve truly found you your perfect match one of our trained volunteers will visit you in your home.

Mrs O’Malley, who’s rehomed a cat and dog from us, said: 

The home visits are really nice; you get somebody who comes round and has a chat with you about animals. They’re very friendly.

Taking an animal home

Congratulations, it’s time to collect your newest family member!

Your new pet may be a little nervous at first, and may have spent some time away from family life, so be sure to give them plenty of time to settle in. Expect a few accidents during the first few days, even from already house trained pets.

If you’re concerned that your pet isn’t settling in, or they develop unwanted behaviours in the future, consider seeking the advice of a clinical animal behaviourist. A few simple changes could make a big difference.

 

Happy endings

We take great care to ensure that each pet is perfectly matched to the right owner.

By adopting an animal from us you're helping abandoned, abused or neglected animals become part of a heart-warming rehoming success story.

Visit our pet search today to find your perfect pet.

Thank you.