Her new home, ready before she is.
A few simple things make the first day calmer for both of you. Here is what to buy, what happens at the door, and what to expect in the weeks after.
A short shopping list.
Nothing fancy. The most important things on it are the second lead and the ID tag: a new dog in a new country can bolt at the first loud noise.
- A harness that fits snugly, and a collar with an ID tag (your name and address, as UK law asks)
- Two leads: one on the harness, one on the collar, for the first weeks
- A bed in a quiet corner, away from the front door
- A water bowl, and a bag of the food she already eats (her rescue will tell you which)
- A few chews and soft toys, nothing that squeaks too loudly
- The number of a vet near you, and an appointment in her first week
What happens at your door.
A frightened dog can slip a lead in a second, and the handover is a big moment. That is why ours happens behind a closed door, every time.
- About thirty minutes before
We call you.
Close the gates and doors, put other pets in another room, and keep the children calm and close.
- At your door
Inside, not on the street.
We bring her straight into your hall or garden, with the door shut behind us. A frightened dog can slip any lead; a closed door is the only safe place.
- Five quiet minutes
Chip, papers, lead.
We scan her microchip in front of you, hand you her folder of papers, clip your lead next to ours, and only then let go of ours.
- After we leave
Let her come to you.
Sit on the floor, talk softly, let her sniff. She has had a long trip; a drink, a short walk in the garden and a nap are the best welcome.
Three days, three weeks, three months.
A simple way to remember how long it takes a rescue dog to settle.
- The first three daysShe may hide, not eat much, or sleep all day. That is normal. Keep things quiet, keep visitors away, and let her decide when to come closer.
- The first three weeksShe starts learning your routine: walks, meals, bedtime. Keep it the same every day. Short walks on two leads, always.
- The first three monthsThis is when she feels at home. Most families tell us this is when they meet the dog she really is.
Three small jobs.
We remind you of these in the message we send the day after she arrives.
- Register her microchip with a UK database, in your name and at your address
- Take her and her papers to your vet for a first check
- Send her rescue a photo: they have been waiting for it too
Still wondering about something?
We have answered the questions families ask us most, including the difficult ones.