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  Dog Adoption Australia
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    • Frequently Asked Questions

How It Works
Dog Rehoming Program

For those wishing to find a new permanent, safe and loving home for their pet.
Rehoming Questionnaire.

Rehoming your pet should be easy and stress free both for you and your pet. DOG ADOPTION offers a simple, reliable and safe program to help you place your pet from your loving home directly to another.
You maintain full control of where your dog is finally placed.
​You can withdraw your dog at any time if you choose to keep it.
1
Create a Pet Profile
Complete the Rehoming Questionnaire. DOG ADOPTION writes the profile and sends it to you for feedback. It will be seen by over 400 000 pet lovers per month throughout Australia. 
Adopt a Dog
2
Review Applications
Soon we will receive applications from interested adoptees that have agreed to an adoption contract. DOG ADOPTION selects the best potential adoptees after robust screening. 
3
Meet Adoptees
DOG ADOPTION will guide you through the process of setting safe and pressure-free meetings with potential adoptees.
4
Finalise the Adoption
You make the final decision once we complete screening on your behalf. DOG ADOPTION finalises the paper work and your pet will have a new loving forever home. 
Re home a Dog
5
Updates and Closure
Receive updates on how your pet is settling in. 

Frequently asked questions.

Dogs Available for Adoption
what are the common reasons why people rehome their dogs? 
  • ​Relocating (e.g. moving)
  • Busy schedule - dog receiving little attention
  • Does not get along with another pet
  • Rental restrictions (e.g. Landlord permission issues)
  • Strata Title restrictions
  • Human health issues (e.g. allergies, sickness)
  • Behavioural issues (e.g. dominance, aggression, urination, separation anxiety, handling, no time to train)
  • Relationship break down
  • Fly In Fly Out pressures
  • Infant, young children or pregnancy (e.g. safety - lost confidence around children, kids roughhousing the dog)
  • Fostered, abandoned, found
  • Medical and ongoing costs (e.g. lost job, vet bills)

Don’t feel guilty.  We understand the decision to rehome your dog is usually regrettable and done in the best interest of the dog. YOU DO NOT NEED TO COMPROMISE ON YOUR DOG'S NEW HOME.

​It is a very emotional and difficult decision.  But your dog deserves to be a central focus and involved in family activities.  They are here for a short time - but a good time.

Dog Adoption is a third party with no direct emotional attachment (but a lot of empathy). We have a clear head and can manage the process objectively for you
. Our advertising reaches over 400 000 genuine dog lovers per month Australia wide and is specifically designed to rehome pets. 

Why is it hard to rehome my own dog without help?
  • Scammers are smooth, persuasive and well rehearsed. Risks include:
    • dog fighting rings,
    • on-selling,
    • separating bonded pairs,
    • inside dogs banished to sleeping outside etc
  • Objectivity is compromised with emotions or time pressures 
  • Time consuming and daunting sifting through potential adoptees for popular dogs
  • Few quality applicants for older, less poplar dogs leading you to compromise

Dog Adoption will try to filter out the time wasters, encourage applicants who are mindful of your feelings and guide you through the process - so you don’t make a rash decision.

You can always withdraw your dog from the program if your circumstances change however, please don't delay getting the process started. The more time you give us the better.
Will I be judged for rehoming my dog?
Not by us. It may be easier to do nothing because we understand you cherish your dog. But don't let your dog languish in a back yard with little or no stimulation or exercise, sleeping its life away. We understand there are many pressures and while others may judge you, we won't. We will also protect you from those in the community who are thoughtless and may make hurtful or inappropriate comments.
How will my dog be advertised?
Your dog will be seen by over 400 000 per month Australia wide by using some or all of the following:

​dogadoption.org.au
Popular and growing. The Dog Adoption website is unique in that it offers unlimited space and can accommodate much more detail. It also allows us to advertise dogs that would otherwise be precluded from being re-homed. e.g. aggressive.


PetRescue.com.au
This is a very powerful Australia wide advertising hub specifically designed to attract potential adoptees looking to adopt a new pet as opposed to going to a pet shop, the classifies (e.g. Gumtree) or a breeder. If a dog falls outside their guidelines (e.g. serious aggression) we use other options. 

Social Media
Social media can be very powerful. But, as opinion can be corralled into silos of LOVE or VENOM, we use social media carefully.  

Our own YouTube channel


Internal Classified Networks
Dog Adoption has access to several internal networks e.g. universities, and police services. Use of these networks will depend on the dog's breed, location and how urgent the situation is.
​

Advertising to avoid
It is well known by those in the 'industry' newspapers and classifieds (e.g. Gumtree) are dangerous and problematic when re-homing pets. They can attract the wrong 'type' of applicant. This type of advertising is commonly used by dog fighting rings looking for dogs to use as bait or combatants. We have also found applicants tend not to be as reliable, mindful of your feelings or honest. These advertising platforms also tend to attract time wasters who have either not thought an adoption through or are not really serious - raising your hopes only to disappear without a trace. They also tend to have limited financial means or willingness to spend money on vet care, bedding and quality food into the future.
How do we screen applicants?
  • Contracts with robust Terms and Conditions 
  • Initial screening for essential criteria as outlined in the dog's detailed profile
  • Online property checks
  • At least one referee, preferably two, including one from a vet if possible - one degree of separation (i.e. strictly no family or friends)
  • Both parties chat with a view of meeting - we recommend how to make it safe and productive
  • Photo ID cross checking address and Date of Birth of potential adoptees
  • A house assessment
  • ​A few other 'tips and tricks' learned over many years.

We make suggestions and offer guidance however, the final decision is yours (unless the dog enters foster care).
Can my dog's new owner have a trial period before deciding to adopt?
Cooling periods (safer) and trials (risky) are different.
COOLING OFF PERIODS
TRIALS
Taken more seriously after more thought​​
Not taken as seriously or thought through - pressure selling​
The old owner is not liable for the actions of the dog while it is not in the new owner's care
Old owner and the new owner are both liable for the actions of the dog
Ownership is clearly defined in writing to all parties ​
The new owner is not covered by the rescue's public liability insurance hence, the new owner needs to take out their own insurance if they want cover
Almost always successful as greater due diligence is done prior to the new owner adopting a dog 
People can be less tolerant and give up quickly. Important information may be withheld from the new owner
Joint emphasis is on both the new owner being happy and the dog settling in. ​​​
The emphasis is on seeing if the dog fits in  - not if the new owner fits with the dog
The old owner can't change their mind and reclaim the dog
The dog can be removed by the old owner or rescue at any time without reason
Clear plan if the placement fails
New owner may be stuck with a dog if no accommodation can be found if the placement fails
Unlikely to fail for easily foreseeable reasons
Very upsetting for all parties if the dog is returned especially for easily foreseeable reasons
Very disruptive for the dog if it fails - making it harder to find a new home in the future
New owners may renege on paying the adoption fee which can lead to legal action and a waste of resources
Once adopted new owners have a 2 week cooling off period to make sure everyone is happy and the dog has settled. 

The old owner maintains ownership until the dog physically leaves their property. The new owner has a two (2) week cooling off period in which time the dog can be returned to the old owner. This is not a trial but a 'fail safe' in case something unforeseen happens.  Most placements work.

The detail and integrity of the dog's profile combined with our screening process plus meeting opportunities means most placements work. However, we accept there may be unforeseen circumstances that make a placement impossible. 


​For legal, insurance and practical reasons, we do not offer trials. ​​
will i receive feedback from my dog's new owner? 
Yes. It is part of the written agreement. we understand old owners need closure and reassurance the right decision has been made.  
How long will it take to rehome my dog?
The time it takes depends on:
  • Quality of photographs and movies
  • Amount of accurate information you provide about your dog
  • Breed, size, age, health and behaviour of your dog
  • Number of dogs you are trying to re-home together
  • How easy you are to liaise with.

We have never given up or failed to re-home a dog. However, please understand we cannot predict how long it will take for a suitable owner to present themselves. A popular breed who is young, healthy with no major behavioural problems may take as little as a week. More common breeds and dogs who are older or have health/behavioural problems may take months. 

We have re-homed dogs who are deaf, elderly, in unlikely pairs, with only 3 legs, rather grumpy and even chicken killers. We have also found homes for dogs knowing they are going into palliative care. The perfect home is out there - we just need time to find them.
I need to find my pet a new home immediately. Can you help?
Sadly,  we cannot help if you need your dog removed now.  The process of rehoming a pet through the program is one that takes several days. You need to allow time for us to collect your paper work, write a detailed profile, edit media, upload data and have it edited. It also takes time for the right potential adoptee to find your pet.

Depending on the type, size and age of the pet, it can take from a couple of days to several weeks or, rarely, even months to find a new home.

Unfortunately, Dog Adoption does not have the resources to provide free emergency accommodation for dogs who need re-homing unless it is a proven welfare case, and even then, not under 1 week.

If you absolutely cannot keep your pet while we help you find a new home for him or her, here are some options to consider:

  1. Ask your friends and family if any of them are able to provide a temporary home for your pet while we work together to find a permanent home.
  2. If you can afford it, keep your pet at a boarding facility during this time.
  3. Call your veterinarian’s office and let them know about your situation. See if they have anything to suggest. Sometimes a vet can provide boarding; other times they may know of a family looking to adopt another pet.
  4. Contact rescue or shelter organisations in your area to see if any have room for your pet.  A few things to keep in mind: Many rescue organisations don’t take pets from owners, only from public animal shelters. Also, most rescues do not have a facility; they rely on a network of foster homes, most of which are usually full. Most rescuers also have “day jobs” and may not be able to respond to a call or an email immediately. It’s very expensive for rescuers to care for pets, so it may help if you can offer a donation to a rescue, or offer to pay for your pet’s care until a home is found. Tip: if your pet is a specific breed, look for rescues that specialise in that breed. Google can also be helpful with this.
  5. As a last resort, relinquish your pet to a no kill shelter. e.g. RSPCA, local 'dogshome'. Your absolute last choice should be a public pound, where an overabundance of people relinquishing pets means overcrowded conditions and pets only having a short time to find a home before being euthanised to make room for others coming in.​
is there support while i am waiting to rehome my dog?
Simply talking through the issue can provide a lot of comfort - especially when there is a new, clear way forward. We can also try and recommend professionals for tricky situations. 
  • alyson@dogadoption.org.au
are there fees for rehoming and adoption?
Yes. There is likely to be a charge whether you use our program or seek another solution. 

​Dog Adoption is a privately run service that does not receive any funding or seek donations. Dog Adoption covers our substantial overheads by charging admin and adoption fees. These are usually not negotiable. 
​

Administration Fee - Paid by the current owner.
​$360


Adoption Fee - Paid by the adoptee.
​Varies

The admin fee is a modest charge that covers advertising costs, writing profiles, editing photos, uploading media, collating vet work and/or behavioural assessments plus liaising with owners. In most cases this is enough to result in a successful placement. 


Subsequent work is conducted at the discretion of Dog Adoption and may incur additional fees e.g. owners with deadlines, significant profile amendments or media uploads, making movies and uploads to our YouTube Channel, liaising with animal behaviouralists (detailed cases), arranging foster care, owners who make reasonable communication difficult, arranging multiple volunteer photographers, organising vet work etc.

In order to assist owners outstanding vet work may be heavily subsidised and completed after adoption by a vet approved by Dog Adoption. Conditions Apply - contact Dog Adoption. 

Fees and charges will be payable prior to commencing any work to re-home or foster your dog.  Vet costs are usually refunded if you withdraw the dog from the program (conditions apply):-


ADMIN FEE
$360 admin fee  (if 2 dogs need to stay together, the fee is $360 in total)

SUBSIDISED VET WORK
Conditions Apply - Contact Dog Adoption

$45 vaccination (if expires within 3 months of ADOPTION)

Adoption fees serve several purposes. They help ensure that the person who adopts your pet understands, and is able to meet, the financial obligations of owning a pet.

They also prevent scammer (people who acquire pets from “Free to Good Home” ads and on sell them) from getting their hands on your pet. Charging an adoption fee also aims to weed out people who might be looking for a free animal to use as a fighting dog, or as bait for fighting dogs.

Adoption fees cover the costs of re-homing the dog too. Please, rest assured that the fees collected from your pet’s adopter will be extremely appreciated and the funds used to help other animals in need and allow the program to continue. 

 Before an approved applicant can adopt a dog they will need to pay Dog Adoption an adoption fee. 

Owners and applicants must not make private arrangements regarding the adoption fee. See rehoming terms and conditions and adoption terms and conditions. 
​

Adoption Fees include the vet work listed on the dog's profile. 





what is an acceptable time frame between paying the adoption fee and going to the new home?
Usually the first weekend but in any case, within 10 days. 
  • keeps the momentum going - important for both parties
  • any longer usually results in things going wrong

Payment of the adoption fee finalises the adoption and allows DOG ADOPTION to remove the dog from advertising and notify any unsuccessful applicants the dog has been adopted. Due to the large number of dogs desperate for new homes it is important not to waste resources by continuing to advertise a dog when it is no longer available or frustrate worthy applicants that may give up and not adopt at all. 

While a new owner may be very excited and anxious to collect their new dog we encourage them to consider the feelings of the current owners. 

Current owners would not be going through the rehoming process if they did not need to rehome their beloved pet but it is almost always a regrettable decision. Sometimes there are factors that the new owners may not be aware of like a terminal illness in the family. 

It is reasonable to allow old owners time to say goodbye or arrange for others in the family to say goodbye. But new owners have rights too.

In our experience the transfer is usually done on the next available weekend but rarely on the same day payment of the adoption fee is made. While some folks make special arrangements a month in advance, it usually happens within a week.  

When new owners are making a mutually suitable time to transfer the dog it is best to collect it early in the day at a time when they have at least a few days off. This will not only help your dog settle in but also allow time to monitor the dog during the transition into its' new environment. 

If you find the old owner is being unreasonable about the transfer time DOG ADOPTION will first try and find a solution however, the new owner can reverse their decision and we will make a full refund. See Adoption Terms and Conditions
​
What are the rehoming terms and conditions?
One of the keys to success is asking both parties to agree to robust T&Cs. 
  • Rehoming Terms and Conditions
  • Adoption Terms and Conditions
does it matter where I live in australia? 
Dog Adoption is an Australia wide dog re-homing, adoption and rescue service. 

We re-home dogs relatively locally to where ever they are currently located anywhere within Australia. This is because we have greater success when applicants can meet dogs prior to adoption and also because of our fall back measurers in the unlikely event an adoption fails.
What do I need to do to get started?
  • Complete the Rehoming Questionnaire
  • Provide relevant vet paper work as prompted on the re-homing form
  • Provide photos or make arrangements for us to help you
  • Pay the $145 administration fee

Dog Adoption may subsidise outstanding vet work but conditions apply (contact Dog Adoption). Unfortunately, we cannot re-home your dog if you refuse to allow it to be sterilised.
Can I submit the rehoming questionnaire using a paper format?
Yes.
Email alyson@dogadoption.org.au and we will send one to you. ​
Adopt a pet
Get started rehoming your dog
Dog filling out Dog Adoption Rehoming form
Dog Adoption Rehoming Terms and Conditions
Dog Adoption Rehoming Terms and Conditions
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