Rehoming Policy

The USPCA will shelter and rehome companion animals in cases of social need and relief of suffering.

USPCA prides itself in being a responsible rehoming organisation.

The initial enquiry will be taken at the reception regarding the rehoming of an animal.

For the USPCA to admit an animal under the social rehoming process the following criteria needs to be met: 

  • The owner has died or is terminally ill.
  • The owner has moved to sheltered / residential care accommodation.
  • The owner is no longer physically / mentally able to care for the animal.
  • The owner has experienced life changing personal circumstances i.e.: relationship breakdown.
  • The owner has to move to a new house due to unforeseen circumstances and pets are not allowed in the new accommodation.
  • The owner has experienced domestic violence and needs the animal rehomed.
  • The owner is sick and in need of hospital treatment.

Proof of circumstances will be needed.

The USPCA will take in animals from Northern Ireland Only.

If you are Rehoming your Animal to the USPCA

Assessment Appointment

An assessment appointment will be scheduled. Whether the animal is admitted to the USPCA will be subject to the animal care officers approval.

Animal Admission Process

Once the animal is approved for admission. The animal care staff will go through the relevant paperwork. The owner will be asked for supporting documents i.e. veterinary records, pet’s documents, microchip details or any toys / blankets that the animal would be used to.

Care and Treatment while at the USPCA

A full health check will be arranged for the animal once admitted. The USPCA has a tailored animal care plan for each admission.

If you are Adopting an Animal from the USPCA

Once you are content you have gone through the Rehoming FAQ and are ready to rehome. After meeting our animals online and registering your interest.

Viewing Appointment

A viewing appointment will be set up with our animal care officer who bring you through the donation fee and range of USPCA services.

No animal may be rehomed to anyone without identification and proof they are over 18 years old.

No animal may be rehomed without reasonable steps to make sure they will have a good quality of life.

Potential owners need to choose an animal in person. No animal should be rehomed over the internet, email or telephone.

For those potential adopters who live in rented or tied accommodation, they will need permission from the landlord to keep an animal.

USPCA don’t rehome animals to adopters who are likely to use them to hunt live animals or for use as guard dogs.

Homecheck Process:

Animal Care Officer will schedule a home check with the potential adopter to assess suitability of the accommodation of where the animal will be living.

When the animal care officer is satisfied that the adopter has passed the process  an appointment will be made for collection of the animal.

Before an Animal Leaves the USPCA:

The adopter will:

  • Complete and sign the Animal Exit form
  • Receive the animal veterinary history (vaccination card)
  • Information on flea and worming protocol going forward
  • Dates of any future appointments scheduled for the animal (i.e stitches out, 2nd vaccination)
  • The diet of the animal.
  • Ideas of what pet supplies you may need
  • Complete the Petplan insurance form
  • Dog Licence needs to be completed and received
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