Adoption Process - Policy One

Understanding our adoption process is key to ensuring the lifelong well-being of our dogs. At Hope 4 Paws UK & Spain, we are committed to supporting both our adopters and our rehomed dogs. This policy outlines our rescue back-up, your responsibilities, and the procedures to follow in various situations.

Hope4paws uk & spain – dog re-homing policy

At Hope4Paws UK & Spain, we are committed to the lifelong well-being of every dog we rehome. We understand that circumstances may arise which prevent an adopter from continuing to care for their dog. This policy explains the support we provide, your responsibilities as the dog’s owner, and the correct procedures to follow in both emergency and non-emergency situations.

1. Full Rescue Back-Up Support

Hope4Paws UK & Spain provides full lifetime Rescue Back Up (RBU) for every dog adopted through our rescue.

If you can no longer keep your dog, we will:

a. Rehome the Dog

We will work promptly and responsibly to secure a new, appropriate home.

b. Arrange Removal if Necessary

Where required, and once the surrender process has been agreed, we will take all reasonable steps to remove the dog from your possession and arrange rehoming as soon as possible.

Please see additional requirements below.

Emergency situations

An emergency situation includes any instance where the dog poses an immediate danger to people, other animals, or the public.

2.1 When a Dog Attack or Bite Occurs

If a dog injures a person or animal, this is legally a police matter. You must:

  • Call 101 (or 999 in immediate danger situations).
  • Follow all instructions given by the police or local authorities.
  • Inform Hope4Paws UK & Spain as soon as possible.

2.2 Lawful Destruction

If the dog poses a serious and immediate public safety risk, the police, a vet, or a local authority may legally order the dog to be destroyed.

This must not happen without informing us, unless the situation is so urgent that legal authorities act immediately.

We must be notified without delay in any such circumstance.

2.3 When a Dog Is Considered “Dangerously Out of Control” (Legal Definition)

Under the law in England and Wales, a dog may be deemed dangerously out of control if:

  • It injures a person or an assistance dog; or
  • It causes a person to reasonably fear injury, and the dog is not under proper control.

A dog may also be considered dangerously out of control if:

  • It attacks another person’s animal; or
  • The animal’s owner fears injury while trying to stop the attack.

If the dog does not pose an immediate threat, the police may order preventative measures such as training classes, fencing repairs, or muzzle requirements.

You must comply with any measures imposed.

If a dog bite occurs

In the event of a bite incident, you must:

  • Stay calm and confine the dog safely.
  • Assist the bite victim by cleaning the wound (warm, soapy water).
  • Seek medical attention for the victim — bites can become serious quickly.
  • Be courteous to the victim. Avoid admitting fault or assigning blame.
  • Exchange contact and insurance information.
  • Collect information from witnesses if present.
  • Contact your vet for the dog’s medical records.
  • Inform the police by calling 101 (or 999 for emergencies).
  • Photograph the wound and record the incident details.
  • Notify your local dog warden.
  • Inform Hope4Paws UK & Spain immediately.

These steps help protect public safety and ensure the situation is handled legally and appropriately.

4. Non-Emergency Situations (Behavioural Issues)

Where behaviour concerns arise that do not pose immediate danger, the following applies:

4.1 Training Requirement

Before Hope4Paws UK & Spain will collect or rehome the dog due to behavioural issues, you must:

  • Contact a qualified dog trainer or behaviourist.
  • Begin and comply with an appropriate training or behaviour modification programme.
  • Provide evidence that you have undertaken professional support.

This includes issues such as:

  • Separation anxiety
  • Reactivity
  • Resource guarding
  • Lead frustration
  • Barking
  • Anxiety-based behaviours
  • Mild to moderate aggression

4.2 Types of Training

Obedience Training

Focuses on teaching commands and establishing boundaries (“sit,” “come,” “stay”). Helps strengthen the relationship between dog and owner.

Behavioural Training

Used to address ingrained habits such as separation anxiety, reactivity, destructive behaviour, and other emotional or fear-based responses.

Behavioural training aims to rewire responses to triggers and reinforce new behaviours.

Both types of training may be required depending on the dog’s needs.

4.3 Grace Period for Rehoming

If, after completing training, you still wish to return the dog, a minimum 28-day grace period is required for us to find an appropriate home.

Rehoming must be done through Hope4Paws UK & Spain only.

4.4 Owner Responsibilities During Rehoming

You may be required to transport the dog to its new location.

The dog remains your responsibility until surrender forms are signed and the handover is complete.

5. Communication Requirements

To begin the rehoming process, contact us as soon as possible.

Please provide:

  • A clear description of the issue
  • Recent behaviour notes or incidents
  • Training steps already taken
  • Photos or videos (if applicable)
  • Any safety concerns

Hope4Paws UK & Spain will maintain open, supportive communication throughout the process and work with you to ensure a smooth transition.

6. Our Commitment

We are dedicated to:

  • Protecting the welfare of every dog in our care
  • Ensuring the safety of adopters, families, and the public
  • Acting responsibly and promptly to rehome dogs
  • Supporting adopters with guidance and rescue backup for the dog’s lifetime

If you have questions or require help, please contact us at any time. We are here to support you.