Our adoption process
Every year we find new, caring homes for thousands of homeless pets. Each pet is different, so when you apply to adopt a pet, our team will consider their requirements, as well as yours, to find the home best suited to each pet’s needs.
How to adopt a pet from Blue Cross
1. Start your search
Have a look at our pets currently looking for their new home. Take a look at the pet profiles to learn more about their needs and whether they are a good match for you.
If you are unable to complete your application online you can contact your local centre.
2. Express your interest using our online form
When you find a pet you think is a good match, you can immediately start an adoption application online.
3. We'll let you know we've received your application
You will get an email from us to let you know your application form has been received.
4. We’ll contact you within 10 days
Within the 10 days after we receive your application form, we will either call you for a chat about the pet or we will email you to let you know you’ve been unsuccessful.
We’re a small team and we do everything from vet visits, feeding and assessing the pets in our care, to going through the application forms and contacting potential new owners, so we will contact you as soon as we can within the 10 day period.
Some of our more popular pets receive multiple application forms from people who would give them a wonderful home, so please don't take it personally if you're unsuccessful.
5. You'll be invited to meet the pet
Arrangements will be made for you to come and meet the pet.
6. Taking your pet home
We'll invite you to the centre to collect them and take them to their happy new home. We'll discuss with you beforehand what you'll need to bring with you to take them home safely.
How much does adopting a pet cost?
The amount for each pet depends on the species and the age of the pet as listed below.
Each pet that comes in to us receives support and loving care from our trained team members and volunteers. This comes in the form of physical support with appropriate food, cosy bedding and vet care, as well as emotional support to ensure their welfare is provided for and training plans to help them on the road to a loving new family.
Our adoption fees go some way towards paying for this support, which enables us to keep helping pets and people when they need us most.
As our costs are not completely covered by these fees, any additional donation you are able to make when adopting a pet from us is gratefully received. When you are able to make a donation on top of an adoption fee, what you give to us we give back to the pets.
Your donations help us to continue to help more pets.
Dog
- Less than six months old – £500
- Six to 12 months old – £400
- One to seven years old – £300
- Eight years old and older – £200
Cat
- Kitten up to 16 weeks old – £175
- Pair of kittens – £300
- Four months to seven years old – £150
- Eight years old and older – £100
Guinea pig
- £40 (pair £75)
Rabbit
- £60 (pair £90)
Rat
- £25 (pair £40)
- Groups of three or more in the same cage – from £60
Mouse
- £12 (pair – £20)
- Groups of three or more in the same cage – from £30
Gerbil
- £12 (pair – £20)
- Groups of three or more in the same cage – from £30
Degu
- £22 (pair – £40)
- Groups of three or more in the same cage – from £55
Chinchilla
- £50 (pair £80)
Hamster
- £12 (pair – £20*)
*Hamsters should generally be kept as single pets. This would only not apply with a pair of already bonded roborovski hamsters.
After you've adopted your pet
When you take your new pet home, that’s not the end of the journey for us. Our behaviour services team offer practical help and support for dogs, cats and rabbits, and our free pet advice webpages cover a range of topics for all species to help you and your pet enjoy a happy life together. We love to hear about how pets are getting on in their new homes, so please do get in touch.
Rehoming a horse from Blue Cross
Our horses are rehomed on a loan agreement, which is a little bit different to adopting another pet. Read more about rehoming a horse.
What if I need to give up my pet?
We understand how difficult it can be to make the decision to find a new home for your pet. If you need to discuss the option of giving up your pet or horse please call your nearest Blue Cross rehoming centre and follow the options or email [email protected].
Our Rehoming Admissions team will ask a few simple questions and listen without judgement.
