IN recent months we have been made aware of a number of concerns which have been expressed by adopters of rescue dogs around the country whose experience has been very distressing.

As Dorset’s oldest and largest animal rescue charity Margaret Green Animal Rescue (MGAR) is committed to the successful rescue and rehoming of all animals in our care, which particularly applies to dogs.

In our experience we believe that all organisations involved in the rescue and rehoming of dogs set out to help dogs in need. However it is clear that there are many different approaches and standards of care applied.

I would like to offer advice to all potential dog adopters to ensure that they should have a successful experience Firstly, check what you are getting – all dogs being placed into new homes by reputable rescue organisations should be fully vaccinated, free of parasites, neutered (unless a veterinary surgeon confirms that age or medical condition makes this inadvisable), and microchipped.

A reputable rescue organisation will typically be a registered charity, and would offer a full medical history, and more importantly a behavioural assessment which would confirm that the dog is safe to be rehomed. Dogs being placed into a new home would also be carefully matched to the adopters capabilities, lifestyle, and environment. A home check would normally be conducted prior to any adoption agreement.

MGAR operates our own kennels but some rescue organisations use foster homes; where foster homes are used they should however be fully vetted and provide excellent standards of animal welfare. Dogs adopted from a foster home should be contractually signed over by an employee or officer of the rescue organisation.

Finally, if an adopter experiences any difficulties with their new pet, the rescue organisation should have trained staff or volunteers available to offer post adoption advice and assistance; check that this is available Margaret Green Animal Rescue is a member of the Association of Dogs & Cats Homes (ADCH); the Association promotes standards of animal welfare and operational procedures which all members are expected to meet, or are working towards.

MATT DEVEREUX – trustee, Margaret Green Animal Rescue