Adoption Process
We want to find all of our animals a loving forever home. If you’re interested in adopting from us, please complete our application form to tell us a little about yourself, your lifestyle, and your home. This helps us find the best possible match for both you and the dog.
As a kennel-free rescue, we are not open to the public. Please don't arrive at the rescue without a confirmed appointment.
If there isn’t currently a dog on our website that feels like the right fit, please keep an eye on our website and social media for new arrivals.
Step 1
Check you meet the crtieria
Each dog in our care has individual needs, and the criteria listed in their profile is there to help us find the most suitable and lasting home for them. This may include requirements such as having a companion dog in the home, experience with certain behaviours or breeds, or living with older children only.
When we ask for a companion dog, this means the dog has shown that they are more confident, comfortable, or settled when living with another friendly dog. In these cases, an existing canine companion can help them adjust more successfully. This means an exisiting dog must be in the home, not just socialisation on a walk.
Some of our dogs may also be frightened or overwhelmed by young children due to their past experiences or limited socialisation. For this reason, we may specify age limits for children in the home to ensure both the dog and the family are safe and comfortable.
We kindly ask that applicants carefully read each dog’s requirements before applying, as these criteria are based on the individual dog’s welfare and needs.
Step 2
Application Form
As a kennel-free rescue, it is not possible to meet a dog before completing an application form.
Helpful details include your lifestyle, working hours, home environment, the type and length of walks you enjoy, preferred diet, and what you are looking for in a dog. The more information you share, the better we can match you with a suitable companion.
As a small charity with limited resources, we are only able to call applicants who have been shortlisted for a dog - so make sure you provide as much information as possible in the application.
Step 3
Review Process
Holbrook’s rehoming team is made up of a small group of dedicated volunteers, so please allow at least 7 days for your application to be fully reviewed.
If your application is approved at this stage, it will then be passed to the centre owner for secondary approval before moving forward in the process.
If your application is not successful, please don’t be disheartened. The right rescue dog is out there for you, but on this occasion we did not feel it was the best match. Our decisions are always made with the individual dog’s needs and welfare as the top priority.
Step 4
Meeting Your Potential Match
When we believe we have found a suitable match, you will be invited to the rescue centre to meet the dog and discuss a potential adoption with Laura, the owner of the rescue.
To help maintain a calm and consistent daily routine for the dogs in our care, appointments are arranged at either 10:40am or 3:40pm each day.
If you already have a dog, they will need to come along too so the dogs can be introduced and assessed together.
Some dogs in our care can be particularly nervous or shy, so in certain cases you may be asked to visit more than once to help build trust and confidence before an adoption decision is made.
Please also be aware that, where there is significant interest in a dog, more than one shortlisted applicant may be invited to meet them before a final decision is made.
Step 5
Home Check
If the meeting goes well, we will arrange a home check. This is an opportunity for us to learn more about you, your home environment, and the potential new lifestyle for the dog.
Please note that a home check does not mean the adoption process is complete, as other shortlisted applicants may also be undergoing home checks at the same time.
Your home checker will carry out the visit impartially and provide feedback to the rescue. The final adoption decision will always be made by Laura, the owner of the rescue.
Step 6
Home Time
If your home check is approved by Laura, you will be invited to collect your dog and begin their new life with you.
Our support doesn’t stop once your dog goes home. Our rehoming team will still be on hand to help with any questions, advice, or training concerns as your new companion settles in.
Ready to adopt? View our available dogs here.
