Thank you so much for enquiring about and considering adopting a Pointer from us.
You are about to embark on a fulfilling and rewarding journey, that culminates in the saving of a life. That fact should not be understated, and your total commitment to this is truly welcomed and applauded.
Before we embark on that journey together, we would like to outline our terms of engagement. Please take time to read, as the information contained on this page is important for the whole adoption process.
Pointers In Need (the Charity) – solely exists for the purpose of rescuing and finding forever homes for abandoned Pointers. We cannot operate without charging you a minimum donation for this service. The minimum donation requested is the only financial commitment we will ask from you in the respect the adoption process. Anything you would like to donate over and above the requested minimum donation would be greatly appreciated, and in doing so, you take comfort in the knowledge that you are helping even more needy Pointers and this stunning breed in general.
We would like to stress from the outset that the adoption process will ultimately complete with you signing our Adoption Agreement (a copy of which can be found on the website, or we can send you one now). This will mean that the adopted dog(s) remain in the Charity’s name for the rest of the dog’s life. This point is important to note, as it is not negotiable.
UK bred Pointers requiring rehoming from within the UK are rare, but they do come up every now and again. (A good Pointer breeder will generally take their dog back in times of difficulty). Therefore, our Pointers will generally be sourced and rescued from mainland Europe. Many of these dogs will be ex hunting dogs that have been abandoned and/or abused for whatever reason. The lucky ones that are not hung, shot, or thrown over a cliff or down a well, are simply abandoned and left to their own devices – many sadly do not make it. The lucky ones that do manage to survive are generally picked up by rescue organisations, many dogs in a terrible state of health.
On average, it currently costs the Charity around £750-£1000 (depending on where the dog is actually located) to bring a dog into the UK. All dogs are imported under DEFRA rules and will fit to travel.
We cannot stress more to you that taking on a dog that has gone through the above, will undoubtedly be physically and/or mentally scarred, and possibly even carrying some sort of injury. Furthermore, many of the dogs will have only ever lived outside; many will have been nothing more than a “tool of the trade” and thus treated like it by their “master”. Time and TLC is the key to adopting a Pointer, some take to the transition easier/quicker than others. No two dogs are the same.
For those adopters who would be new to the breed, and specifically those who are very inexperienced with dogs generally, we strongly recommend that you do your homework on the breed first. Find out as much as you can about the breed. Then add into the equation some form of trauma, and you willthen have an idea of what you would possibly be taking on. All of the Rescue Team are experienced Pointer people and have personal experience of taking on rescues themselves. They will be more than happy to talk to you about Pointers in general and of their own experience of what to expect from rescuing, please just ask.
It is very important to give time to these Pointers. Your ability to put aside busy schedules/chaotic living, committing to taking on a rescue is a pre-requisite to the adoption agreement. If you cannot commit to this, then it probably is not the right time for you to adopt. It could take a week, a month, or even a year for these Pointers to fit happily into family life. Please therefore be very honest with yourself and ask how much time can you really give to a possibly needy Pointer.
The following is a list of what we are looking for and expecting from an adopter:
- You will have to complete and return this pre-adoption questionnaire in full and agree to a home check. The home check will need to be passed. An adoption will not happen without these two steps.
- Once you can give us a commitment to take on a specific dog, the minimum donation must be paid in full. We will not transport a dog until we have the minimum donation. Please note that should the adoption not proceed for any reason; this minimum donation will be refunded to you in full.
- You will have to be totally committed to the adoption.
- You will have to work at helping the dog transition from his past life to his new life – the Charity will be on hand with advice – note this applies not just to the adoption process, but for the rest of the dog’s life.
- You will have to abide by any requirements, where necessary, that the Charity advise you must be implemented to accommodate the dog – this could be anything from making sure the dog is crated to changes necessary to your garden to make it secure. Each dog will be different, requiring different needs. It is imperative that you adhere to all of the advice given; the Team will go through this in detail with you at the appropriate time.
You also need to be aware that it is not always possible for you to meet the dog you have chosen beforehand. Most of the dogs will be in foster outside of the UK and will only be transported to the UK when we have a definite home for them to go to. This is where this form and the Home Check is crucial in determining the suitability for both dog and adopter. If we do happen to have an available dog in foster here in the UK, then we can certainly arrange a meeting for you, but you will need to go to wherever that dog may currently be residing to visit (we have Fosters around the UK). The Team will let you know if a dog is available to meet.
We pride ourselves in finding the right dog/family combination and have almost a 100% success rate (successful adoptions v failed adoptions) so far.
Rest assured, the Team will be there every step of the way through this adoption process, and even after adoption, and are always available for help and advice at any time.
If you cannot accept any of the above, then sadly, we will not be able to arrange an adoption for you. Some of these points may seem harsh or maybe a bit picky, but from experience they are required and necessary.
If you are happy to proceed having read the above, let’s start the journey together, and start by having this preadoption questionnaire completed. If you have any queries about what we have said above, or need clarity during completion of this form, or any general queries, please just ask.
Form completion guidance notes:
- Please complete the form. Please provide fullest answers. It is important we have the complete picture of the family and where the dog is likely to be going to.
- By completing this form, you confirm that you will accept the ownership rules and all the conditions mentioned above. You also further confirm:
- That any member of your household does not have a conviction (prior or pending), or is being investigated by any authority, regarding matters relating to neglect and/or abuse of any animal.
- You and everyone in your household are willing to accept the responsibilities of adoption with the Charity, in accordance with the full terms and conditions set out in the Adoption Agreement.
- You will have read and agreed to our “Data Protection & Privacy” policy.