Cottage Farm Dog Rescue
Cottage Farm, New Road, Billingshurst, West Sussex RH14 9DS
01403 780441 07535 040602
Policy
Background
There is an efficient system in the UK of stray dogs being collected and taken to pound
kennels. Additionally, dogs are given up to pound kennels or rescue centres by owners who
are no longer willing, for various reasons, to take responsibility for the dog. The large
welfare organisations either do not accept stray dogs or owner relinquishments (the RSPCA
stopped taking in dogs in 2009) or they do not have room to take dogs. The end result is that
every year thousands of perfectly healthy, loving dogs are killed in the UK. It is estimated
that one dog is killed every hour and that doesn’t include those dogs that die due to
mistreatment of some kind or another.
Mission
Our mission is to help unwanted or needy dogs by giving them a safe and peaceful place to
stay until they are ready to move to loving homes. We accept dogs either from pound
kennels or owner relinquishments subject to having space available.
Our paramount aim is to secure the highest possible standard of welfare for the dogs in our
care. A permanent home is in the dogs’ best interests and, while this is being sought, we
provide care for the dogs.
Training
We train and work with our dogs and get to know them well which enables us to match each
dog to a suitable adoptive owner. We are qualified to evaluate and recommend suitable
positive behavioural programmes for dogs that exhibit undesirable behaviour or social
difficulties.
Often a dog is relinquished by its owners as they have not been able to achieve acceptable
behaviour in the home. We work with owners to develop the required level of obedience in
order that the dog can remain in its home.
We do not use aversive training techniques, for example physical punishment apparatus or
methods.
Neutering Policy
It is our policy that rescue dogs are not bred from. All male dogs are neutered before leaving
the Rescue. Female dogs must be neutered at the appropriate time unless, in rare cases, there
are medical reasons not to. If a female dog leaves the Rescue before neutering it is on the
understanding that the dog will be neutered at the next opportunity.
The dogs have up to date vaccinations, worming and flea treatment and are micro-chipped
before leaving the Rescue and this must be kept up to date by the adoptive owners. CFDR
should remain the secondary contact on the micro-chip register.
Euthanasia
We do not believe that any healthy animal should be euthanized. We believe that all dogs
should enjoy their lives without the threat of unnecessary destruction.
No decision to euthanise an animal would ever be taken without serious consideration and
then only if it is absolutely necessary.
Cottage Farm Dog Rescue is a non-profit organisation www.cottagefarmdogrescue.co.uk
Cottage Farm Dog Rescue
It is important to realise that health is not just the absence of disease or infirmity but is a state
of complete physical, mental and social well-being. The key factors in deciding if euthanasia
should be considered are:
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To prevent pain or suffering (including mental and emotional);
If an animal poses an unacceptable risk to people or to other animals;
If the quality of life for the animal is compromised to an unacceptable degree, with no
realistic prospect of improvement.
Such a procedure would only be carried out by our vets using pre-euthanasia sedation.
Adoption
We provide lifetime back-up for each dog and offer support to the new owner and will take
the animal back if the re-homing is not successful.
Home Check
A successful home check is required prior to adoption along with identity verification. For
this the following are required:
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Driver’s license or passport,
Recent utility bill,
Vaccination cards for dogs you already own.
We may complete an electronic check to verify the home address.
Meeting the dogs
In order to adopt a dog, it is a requirement that a visit is made in person to meet the dog.
Visitors are welcome by appointment. Potential adopters are encouraged to visit with other
members of the family, children and dogs. Plenty of time should be made available to spend
with the dogs.
Dogs can only go to the most suitable home. This may lead to initial disappointment but it is
important to match dogs with suitable homes.
Adoption requirements:
In order to adopt a dog it is necessary to:
 Sign an adoption contract and agree to the terms and conditions;
 Pay the adoption donation fee; and,
 Collect the dog at own expense.
Cottage Farm Dog Rescue is a non-profit organisation www.cottagefarmdogrescue.co.uk