Last Litter Program
Unexpected litter or pregnancy and not sure what to do?
At Starting Over Dog Rescue, we're striving to make a difference one dog at a time. Our Last Litter Program was established to help reduce the population of unwanted dogs and pups in our overcrowded pound system.
Breaking the cycle
A safe haven for mum, a fresh start for every pup.
This program helps members of the community break the cycle of unwanted or unplanned pregnancies and accidental litters. By surrendering the litter to Starting Over Dog Rescue, we can help make sure this litter really is their last.
We can care for pregnant or nursing mother dogs while their puppies are whelped and raised in loving foster homes under veterinary supervision.
We can also accept litters of puppies without the mother dog and cover the cost of desexing the adult dogs remaining in the home.
Mother dogs and puppies in our care will be vet checked, vaccinated, wormed and microchipped. At the appropriate age, the puppies will be desexed before being adopted into loving homes.
How it works
From surrender to fresh start
- 1
Get in touch
Contact us as early as you can, either before or after the litter arrives. We'll talk through your situation and the available options, with no judgement.
- 2
The litter comes into care
We provide a safe haven, quality food and veterinary care for the puppies. Depending on the circumstances, the pregnant or nursing mother dog may also come into a loving foster home while her puppies are whelped and raised.
- 3
Veterinary care and desexing
Mum and every puppy in our care are vet checked, vaccinated, wormed and microchipped. At the appropriate age, they're desexed too. If the adult dogs remain with their family, we'll arrange and cover the cost of their desexing.
- 4
Forever homes for the puppies
Once old enough, the puppies are adopted into loving homes through Starting Over Dog Rescue.
- 5
Mum returns home desexed
If mum has come into care, she is generally returned to her family once she has weaned her puppies and been desexed. If her family chooses to surrender her too, we'll find her a fresh start as well.
Making sure their last litter really is their last
Whether mum comes into foster care with her puppies or remains with her family, the puppies are surrendered to SODR and the adult dogs in the home are desexed.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly is the Last Litter Program?
It's a solution for members of the community facing an unwanted or unplanned pregnancy or accidental litter. By surrendering the litter to us, you're making sure this really is her last litter: mum and pups get full vet care, and mum comes home desexed.
Do I have to give up my dog permanently?
No. In most cases mum is returned to her family once she's weaned her pups and been desexed. If your circumstances mean you'd like to surrender her too, we'll help her find a loving home.
What happens to the puppies?
The puppies are whelped and raised in a loving foster home under veterinary supervision, then vet checked, vaccinated, wormed, microchipped, desexed at the appropriate age, and adopted into their own forever homes.
Is there a cost to me?
No. There's no cost to you: the Last Litter Program covers the safe haven, diet, healthcare and desexing for mum and her pups.
My dog isn't pregnant yet, can you help prevent this happening again?
Yes, get in touch and we'll talk about desexing options so you don't find yourself in this position again.
Need help with an unplanned litter?
If your dog has an unplanned pregnancy or litter and you'd like help desexing mum and rehoming the babies, fill in the Last Litter Application to be put in contact with a member of our team.