Home Direct: A smoother journey to a new home
If you have to make the decision to give up your pet, we can find them a loving, new home while they’re still with you.
Transitioning from a family home to a rehoming centre can be a big change for pets and horses. While some stray, abandoned or neglected animals may need to find safety and care in our centres, others benefit from a home-based approach which can often result in a faster process.
Home Direct helps pets and horses move directly from one loving home to another, reducing stress and giving them the best possible start in their new home.
Why is Home Direct right for my pet or horse?
We understand that each pet and owner’s circumstances will be different. For owners needing to rehome a pet or horse, Home Direct can offer a gentler option. Your pet stays with you while we find them a loving new home. And we’ll still be there to support both you and any new owners throughout the process.
After finding ourselves in the regretful position of needing to rehome our dog, Dudley, Home Direct was an excellent option for us. He would never have coped in kennels - as great as the care is in the rehoming centre. The whole process was dealt with with understanding, empathy and great care to make the transition as easy as it could be.
I can't tell you how happy that makes us and, although we miss him terribly, it brings us both great relief we made the right decision.
How Home Direct works
- One of our expert team will assess your pet or horse, including asking you about your pet’s background.
- We’ll create a dedicated rehoming profile on our website to highlight their personality and start the search for the right match. If someone comes along who we feel would be a good match, we’ll arrange a friendly introduction between your pet and the prospective new owners at one of our centres. And we’ll be there to guide the meeting and ensure it goes smoothly.
- If it is a great fit, your pet will move on to their new home. We’ll check in to see how they’re getting along on and offer support if their new owners need it.
Where is Home Direct available?
All our centres use Home Direct in their areas. If you have a pet or horse that you need help rehoming and you’re interested in using Home Direct, please contact your nearest centre or follow the links below.
What if Home Direct isn’t right for me?
There are many circumstances which mean Home Direct isn’t the right option for some pets. If that’s the case, you can find out more about our process for giving up a pet or rehoming a horse.
We’ll often place animals given up for rehoming in one of our foster homes with our experienced team of volunteers while they wait for their new family. This is often less stressful than staying in our catteries or kennels and means they get the attention they deserve.
Gary's story
"We were introduced to our gorgeous Gary and got to know him during our arranged meetings at the Blue Cross’s rehoming centre in Sheffield. This was a great way for Gary to spend time with us and build up his trust before being rehomed.
"Gary remained in his previous home setting while the checks and arrangements were processed sparing him any upset or time in kennels. He simply went from one home to another!
"Here we are, one year later, Gary has settled well into his new home; he’s been on family holidays, made new doggie friends and has become a very much-loved member of our family."
