How adoption works

Adopting a rescue dog is exciting, but it is also a big decision. We want every adoption to have the best chance of working out for both the dog and their new family.

Because our dogs live in foster homes, we get to know them before they are adopted. Their foster carers see what they are like day to day, including their personality, energy levels, habits and the type of home they are likely to be happiest in.

That information is a big part of how we choose adopters and why our process can be a little different from simply choosing a dog and taking them home.

Finding the right dog

You can see the dogs currently looking for homes on our Adopt page. Each profile is written with the help of the dog's foster carer and includes information about their personality, needs and the sort of home we think will suit them.

Have a good read before applying.

It is easy to fall in love with a photo, but things like energy level, size, training needs, other pets, children and how much time a dog will spend alone can all affect whether they are right for your household.

You do not need to find a dog who sounds perfect. Most dogs aren't. Look for one whose needs and personality sound compatible with the life you can offer them.

Step 1: Submit an application

Found a dog who sounds right for you? Submit an application through the link in their adoption profile.

The application tells us a little about you, your household and the home you can offer. Take your time answering the questions and be open about your circumstances. Working full time, having children or already owning another pet does not automatically rule you out.

Once submitted, your application goes to the dog's foster carer for review.

This will usually take a few days. Some dogs receive a lot of interest, so it can take a little longer when there are many applications to work through.

Step 2: Chat with the foster carer

If your application is shortlisted as a potential match, the dog's foster carer will contact you for a phone chat.

This is a chance to talk properly about the dog and ask questions that might not be covered in their profile.

Our foster carers live with the dogs, so they know the details that are hard to capture in an adoption listing. They can tell you what the dog is like around the house, how much exercise they enjoy, their routines, any training they are working on and the funny little habits they have picked up along the way.

The foster carer will also want to learn a little more about you and what life would look like for the dog in your home.

Finding a good match matters more than being the first person to apply.

Step 3: Meet the dog

If the foster carer thinks you could be a good match, the next step is usually arranging a meet and greet.

You'll meet the dog and their foster carer and have some time to get to know each other.

Depending on the dog and your circumstances, this may also involve introductions with other members of your household or your existing dog.

Try not to put too much pressure on the first meeting. Some dogs are immediately affectionate with new people, while others take a little while to warm up. Your foster carer can help you understand the dog's behaviour and what is normal for them.

It is also another opportunity to ask questions before making a decision.

Step 4: Make it official

If everyone is comfortable moving ahead, we'll organise the adoption paperwork and arrange for your new dog to come home.

Every Starting Over Dog Rescue dog is desexed, microchipped and up to date with their vaccinations before adoption.

There is an adoption fee, which varies between dogs and is listed on each dog's adoption profile. These fees contribute towards the veterinary care our dogs receive and help us continue caring for other dogs waiting for homes.

Then comes the good part: taking your new dog home.

Choosing the best home

Sometimes we receive several great applications for the same dog.

Our foster carers review applications based on what they have learned about the dog while caring for them. The household that looks like the best fit on paper may be shortlisted for a conversation and, from there, a meet and greet.

This does mean that a good application won't always result in an adoption.

Please don't be discouraged if that happens. Rescue dogs have very different needs, and another dog may be a much better fit for your home.

New dogs come into our care regularly, so keep an eye on our available dogs and apply again when someone catches your eye.

What if I'm looking for a puppy?

We regularly have puppies come into care, including litters, but you may not always see them listed on our website.

Puppies are not advertised for adoption until they are at least eight weeks old and ready to find homes. This means we can sometimes have puppies in care that aren't visible on the Adopt page yet.

We receive a large number of adoption enquiries and aren't able to maintain waiting lists for puppies or particular breeds.

The best option is to check our available dogs regularly and submit an application when you see one who could suit your household and lifestyle.

How much does adoption cost?

Adoption fees vary and you'll find the fee for each dog on their individual adoption profile.

Caring for rescue dogs comes with significant costs. Before adoption, our dogs receive veterinary care and are desexed, microchipped and brought up to date with their vaccinations.

Adoption fees help cover some of those costs and allow Starting Over Dog Rescue to keep helping dogs that need somewhere to go.

Preparing to bring your dog home

Once an adoption is confirmed, it is worth getting your home ready before your new dog arrives.

Your foster carer can tell you what food the dog has been eating, what their current routine looks like and whether there are particular things that help them settle. Keeping some familiar routines during the first few days can make the move easier.

Give your new dog time to explore their surroundings and get used to the people in their new home. Moving from foster care into an adoptive home is another big change, even when it is a very happy one.

Some dogs seem at home almost immediately. Others need more time before they completely relax.

There will be plenty of time for adventures, visitors and new experiences. The first few days are a good opportunity to keep things fairly calm and let your dog find their feet.

Ready to adopt?

Take a look through the dogs currently available for adoption and read their profiles carefully.

If you find someone who sounds like they could be a good fit, send through an application and tell us about the home you can offer them.

Hopefully, it will be the start of a very good match.