We all see lovely photos of the dogs looking for homes, please remember it is only a photo, some dogs are particuarly photogenic, others do not sit still long enough. Ultimately you do not know the dog, you have no way of knowing how that dog is going to be with you in your home. He or she may not even take to you, like your cats or get on with your children. Your own dog may not actually want to share it's home with this new rescue. So you may be interested in a certain dog but it may not be suitable for you. Please don't be upset by this at NESSR we all do our utmost to match our charges with the right home.

 

Taking on a rescue dog is a big step you need it to be right for you and right for the dog you are adopting. At NESSR we don't like mistakes and its very unfair on the dog to be with you 2 or 3 days to find out you were not a match or a rescue dog was not for you.

 

Step 1: Application

Decide you want a dog & submit a form, Before completing this form please ensure that you have no doubts about your ability and desire to commit the necessary time, love and energy to care for one of our rescue dogs. Our suitability checks are thorough, as you would expect when we are providing a new start to a dog whose current experience of life is sometimes less than ideal.

 

Please be aware that due to a large amount of applicaitions we receive we will not contact you unless we feel that we have a suitable dog for your circumstances.

 

Step 2: Homecheck & References

Homecheck and other references Our team are all unpaid volunteers who are very experienced dog people and also very busy. If there is a suitable dog within our current charges then one of our volunteers in your area will be in touch to discuss further and to arrange an interview in your own home. We ask that all memers of the family living at the house are present at the homecheck so that we can meet everyone who will be involved with the dogs day to day life . We will also ask for a vet reference and/ or personal reference. 

 

On occasions we do turn people down, your lifestyle might not suit a rescue springer spaniel, or your garden may not be secure enough, your own dogs may not want to live with a new dog or your vet reference may turn up an issue that makes you unsuitable for a NESSR dog. When this happens we will be honest with you and explain our reasons, please try not to be upset we have to put the needs of our rescue dogs first.

 

 Step 3: Waiting for a match

Taking on a rescue requires alot of patience so if you are wanting a dog right now as quickly as possible then do think seriously about whether a rescue dog really is right for you. After your homecheck it may be that the dog you were home checked for is no longer available or even right for you, if this happens we will try and match you up with another of our charges, again please do not be upset.

 

When we have a dog that is is a suitable match, we will provide you with all available information, including veterinary information etc, prior to placement. 

 

Step 4: Adopting a dog

When we have a dog for you we will ask you to come an visit the dog with their foster carers. We do not transport dogs to new homes, hand them over in car parks or give them to third parties. If you have a dog you will need to bring them as well.  We do not have a rescue centre, therefore you will need to arrange a day and time to come and meet the dog. If for any reason you are unable to make your appointment please let NESSR know ASAP as volunteers will have given up their time to meet with you. 

The dog must be handed over to new owners by a NESSR volunteer as there is paperwork that must be signed before the dog becomes part of your family. 

 

Step 5: Donation 

You will be asked to make a donation towards our work. We receive no outside funding and an appropriate donation to Northern English Springer Spaniel Rescue will be required when you receive your dog. This will help with veterinary, telephone, kennelling and travelling expenses. We try to ensure that every dog is neutered, vaccinated, wormed, flea'd and microchipped before it is rehomed. This is not always possible if there are medical reasons why a dog can not be neutered or vaccinated but this will be discussed with new owners prior to rehoming. Neutering, Vaccinating, worming, flea treatment and microchipping costs us on average £300 to £400 per dog due to the rising cost of veterinary care. Of course some dogs come in requiring extra veterinary care and there are food bills etc.

 

We ask people to please consider the cost to NESSR of rescuing a dog and to make sure that their donation reflects this. The donation must be given at the time of adoption, it can not be forwarded or paid in installments. If you can not afford a donation then please consider whether or not you can realistically afford the upkeep and vet bills for a dog.

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If you feel you are ready to apply for a dog please fill in our application form.