Adoption FAQs

While we do not offer trials, we have a 2-week adoption ‘cool down’ for all adoptions in case it’s not the right match. If the dog needs to return within this period, you are entitled to a refund of the adoption fee, less an administration fee.

Some dogs get adopted really quickly (the lucky ones?); not all dogs fit any home or environment – many of our dogs have had a rough start to life and may have some challenging behaviours or idiosyncrasies that are better suited to a specific environment and household. This DOES NOT mean that you are not a good home. It just means you and the dog you are interested in are not well suited. We want you and our dogs to be happy together furever. If you trust us to match you with a dog we think is the most suited to your home and lifestyle, we will try our best to ensure you are the perfect match for one another. We also encourage you to look beyond the ‘looks’ of the dog and explore a breed or mix you may not have previously. Allow our team to play matchmaker!

If you have applied online, you agree with our adoption philosophies, you’re ready to adopt and everyone in the home can come along to meet the new family- please don’t wait! Come on down to the Refuge any day of the week between 11am and 3pm. We are unfortunately not able to respond to every application we receive. To put it simply, we are a small team that rehomed more than 1,500 dogs last year. We receive hundred of applications per month, with certain ‘desirable’ dogs receiving lots of applications. We are a not-for-profit organisation that does not have the staffing capacity to answer all of the enquiries and requests we receive.

Anything within your home environment or lifestyle may have changed after 6 months. You may change your mind about the type of dog you want; the behaviours you are willing to work with; how much time you want to spend exercising them. We do store applications in our system for longer, but we will request a new application if more than 6 months has elapsed.