Rehome your pet

We know that times are tough and it is a challenging time for people looking after their animals. If you are unable to keep your pet for any reason, please get in touch with us and we will do our best to help. Space in our rehoming centre is limited so we have a waiting list for animals that need to come in to us. We will take your details and information about your pet, and if we are able to offer your pet a space, we will contact you as soon as one becomes available.

If we are unable to offer your pet a space, we will provide details of other charities and rescues that may be able to help.

We can accommodate dogs, cats, rabbits, small furries such as Guinea pigs and hamsters, and birds. We are unable to accommodate very large dogs and dogs with certain behavioural issues - we will discuss this with you prior to adding your pet to our waiting list. We are also unable to take in certain species like ferrets, poultry, reptiles, fish and amphibians.

If you need our help, please call us on 01332 344620. Our lines are open 6 days a week (closed Wednesday) between 11amm and 3.30pm) or email animals@rspcaderby.org.uk.

Frequently asked questions

What animals can you take?

We can accommodate dogs, cats, rabbits, small furries such as Guinea pigs and hamsters, and birds. We are unable to accommodate very large dogs and dogs with certain behavioural issues - we will discuss this with you prior to adding your pet to our waiting list. We are also unable to take in certain species like ferrets, poultry, reptiles, fish and amphibians.

We can only take animals from their registered owner, or with written permission from their registered owner. If your pets microchip is not registered to you, we require their registered owners written permission for you to sign them over to us. 

If we are unable to take your pet, we will provide details of other charities and rescues that may be able to help.

What questions will you ask for the waiting list?

We will ask you some basic questions about your pets personality, health and behaviour, and the reason you need to rehome them. We will also ask for your contact details so we can get in touch once we have a space available.

How long will I have to wait?

We cannot give you an exact time scale but you are welcome to call us to see how far up the waiting list you are. If your situation changes and you need to rehome your pet sooner, please contact us.

If you no longer need to be on our waiting list, please call us and let us know.

What will happen when I come to the centre to sign over my pet?

We will talk to you about your pet so we can understand their likes and dislikes, health, and behaviour.

Dogs will have a basic touch test to ensure they are safe to handle, and a dog meet test to ensure they will be happy in a kennel environment.

We will scan your pet to check for a microchip, and check the registered details. If your pets microchip is not registered to you, we require their registered owners written permission for you to sign them over to us.

We will help you to complete the sign over paperwork, and you will then have as much time as you need to say goodbye before we take them into our care.

If you would like to bring your pets favourite blanket or pet bed, we will put it in with them to help them settle in. Please note we are unable to return these to you.

Will my pet be put to sleep if you can’t find them a home?

We never put a healthy animal to sleep. We also never put an animal to sleep because of their age or length of stay with us. We will continue to search for their forever home for as long as it takes.  

Can I visit my pet once I have signed them over?

You are very welcome to call us to see how your pet is settling in, but we don't allow visiting as this can cause distress and upset to both you and your pet. Some animals are reserved before being advertised on our website, so please do not worry if your pet is not featured.