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 A trial of a new rehoming scheme is being extended after a successful introduction at The Blue Cross animal adoption centre in Tiverton. Dogs adopted under The Blue Cross Home Direct scheme go directly from their old home to a new family without being admitted to the centre’s kennels. All dogs on the scheme undergo assessment by Blue Cross staff and the same careful matching procedures as the animals that come into the centre.

Damian Harrison, centre manager for The Blue Cross at Tiverton, said: “Blue Cross Home Direct is perfect for people who can no longer keep their dog, but don’t have to give them up straight away. As the centre is almost always full, this new modern approach to rehoming is a fantastic way for us to find new families for even more pets.”

As well as freeing up vital space at the adoption centre, the scheme is also an advantage for dogs that are likely to become stressed in a kennel environment and gives peace of mind to owners who can sadly no longer keep their pet but are upset at the thought of leaving them at the centre.

Alastair McGregor adopted his golden retriever Heidi via The Blue Cross Home Direct scheme. He explained why it worked so well: “Because we were able to meet Heidi’s previous owner we could find out what she likes, such as the kind of food and walks she was used to. And because she came straight from her previous home, we had her favourite toys and her bed, which helped her to settle in with us really quickly. If at all feasible, Home Direct is a great way of rehoming dogs.”

Mr McGregor continued: “The Blue Cross staff were really supportive throughout the process and I think meeting with Heidi’s owner was also helpful to reassure her that her dog was going to a good home with nice people. We even sent her some pictures of Heidi playing with our other dog Phoebe over Christmas.”

During the first three months of the trial, 26 people enrolled onto The Blue Cross Home Direct scheme and so far it has resulted in happy new homes for 16 animals. The trial has been extended for another three months, until the end of March. The Home Direct scheme will be rolled out to other Blue Cross adoption centres during 2011. The scheme allows the charity, which relies entirely on public donations, to rehome even more animals at a lower cost.

For more information about The Blue Cross Home Direct scheme or to find out more about the animals available for adoption, call 01884 855291 or visit www.bluecross.org.uk. Or follow The Blue Cross Tiverton on Facebook for all the latest news: www.bluecross.org.uk/tivertonbluecross