Our Adoption Procedure

Before completing our Application Form, please ensure that you have read and understood our application procedure.

• The Large Breed Dog Rescue asks all prospective adopters to complete an adoption application form.

• If the completed form is approved we will then arrange a home check for the applicant. This is an informal visit by a member of our team or a volunteer in your area, to check the suitability of the property and garden for a large breed dog. This also gives us an opportunity to meet you and your family, and helps us to match your family with appropriate dogs. Not all of our rescue dogs will be suitable to live with other pets, or children for example. Our priority is always the happiness and welfare of the dog, therefore selection of dogs is not on a “first come; first served” basis. We will always strive to find the best home for each dog, and the most suitable dog for your family.

• All prospective adopters must be prepared to travel to meet the dog. All family members & dogs residing in the home are also required to come & meet the dog. Please note that more than one meeting is sometimes required before a decision can be finalised. The LBDR is run by volunteers and our dogs are kennelled on private property or in foster homes, so visits are by appointment only after all checks have been carried out.

• We will not rehome a dog to a situation where it is intended that the dog be considered a guard dog, a hunting dog or a fighting dog. 

• If a dog is suitable, we will place dogs in homes with young children or where young children visit regularly.

• We expect our dogs to live indoors as a member of the family.

• We expect that you will allow the dog a reasonable time to settle into his / her new home and routines. Please bear in mind that this can be a stressful time for the dog, and your patience will pay dividends. The LBDR team will always be available for advice & support for the term of the adopted dog’s life.

• All dogs must wear a collar and identification at all times when out of the home. This is a legal requirement for all dogs.

• Please give serious consideration to Pet Insurance. You need to be aware that veterinary treatment can be very costly for large breed dogs, all of our dogs are rehomed with six weeks free insurance.

• We make no guarantees that any particular dog will be still available at the time of application or home check. We will however keep any applicant updated about the status of any dog they have shown a particular interest in.

• We ask for a minimum donation of £350 for each adult dog and from between £300 and £400 for pups. This may occasionally be negotiable dependent upon the dogs age &/or health. This donation is to help cover veterinary fees and the day to day care of the dogs. We are a non-profit rescue and all donations are returned to rescue funds.

• If your application, home check and meeting with the dog is successful, we will ask you to sign a Contract of Adoption. This must be completed before the dog is released into your care.

• If at any time in the future you find that you can no longer keep and care for the dog, the dog MUST be returned to the Large Breed Dog Rescue without exception.

• The adopted dog must NEVER BE EUTHANISED without first contacting the Large Breed Dog Rescue.The ONLY EXCEPTION to this rule is under veterinary advice in a medical emergency. We would require to be notified in this circumstance.