Paw 2 Door is Wood Green's scheme to rehome pets without the need for them to come in to one of our centres. It is currently available for cats and dogs only.
How does the scheme work?
Our staff come to your home and assess your pet’s suitability for the scheme; we will then arrange a veterinary check at one of our centres to check your pet is in suitable health for rehoming. If your pet is suitable for the scheme, we start to look for a new home for it, during this whole process your animal will stay in your home.
What is included in the rehoming package?
People who rehome from us get an animal that is health checked by a vet, microchipped, vaccinated, wormed, flea treated, assessed and matched to their needs. Everyone who rehomes an animal from Wood Green, The Animals Charity will have the support and guidance of the Charity for the life of the pet, and all animals are rehomed with four weeks free Petplan insurance.
What are the costs?
The costs to Wood Green are staff time, travelling costs, veterinary costs and administrative costs. We ask the owner of the animal to make a donation towards these costs, please contact us to discuss this further.
Am I in the right area?
We accept pets from a 25 miles (approx.) radius of our Godmanchester Centre.
Any exclusions?
Wood Green has to be confident that they can find new owners for your pet. Animals with severe aggression and some chronic health problems may not be suitable. We try to avoid placing unnecessary restrictions, so please contact us to discuss your animal in more detail if you are unsure.
How long might it take to join the scheme and rehome my pet?
We will take basic information when you first contact us by telephone. If we think your pet is suitable for the Paw 2 Door scheme, we will arrange to come and visit you to assess your pet, this assessment may take up to two hours as it is the only opportunity we have to get to know your animal before we may begin to look for a home for it. We then need to arrange a veterinary check at one of our centres before rehoming can take place, we can normally arrange this within a few days of the assessment visit. Once your animal is on the scheme, it can take time to find the right home, so please be patient.
What happens if it doesn’t work out?
Please keep us updated if your circumstances change, and if you find the need to give up your pet we will do our best to help you find alternatives, or if space permits we will arrange for it to be admitted to one of our centres.
Can I get my animal back if the new home doesn’t work out?
No matter how much we try to match animals to owners there are sometimes circumstances where the rehoming doesn’t work. In this instance ownership transfers back to Wood Green, so any decision about returning it to you would be ours. We would not unreasonably refuse, but would look at the reasons why the animal was given up, and would always make the animal’s welfare our priority.
Do I have a say in where my animal goes?
Yes, the animal belongs to you throughout the rehoming process, so if you wish to be involved you will be. However, if you reject several homes for what we believe are not valid reasons, we may discuss whether it is appropriate for your pet to stay on the scheme as this may be an indicator that you are not really ready to part with it.
Who owns the pet?
You own your pet until the acceptance form (agreeing to hand the animal over for rehoming) is signed, at which point ownership transfers to Wood Green. Once the animal is rehomed legal ownership is then transferred from Wood Green to the new owner.
Can I reclaim my pet?
No, once an animal has been rehomed legal ownership will have transferred from you. It is very important that you understand this before signing the acceptance form.
Can I keep in touch?
We do not recommend this, although it is at the discretion of the person rehoming the animal. However, we are able to pass on initial information about how the animal has settled into its new home.
Is there a trial period?
No, the rehoming is permanent.
Can I pull out of the scheme if I change my mind?
Yes, you can pull out at any time before the rehoming actually takes place. However, if you do pull out we ask that you consider the costs we have already incurred and make a donation to help us to rehome more animals.
What if I find a home for my pet myself?
You are free to rehome your pet yourself, but you may wish to consider referring your choice of home to us. If they adopt your pet through our scheme we can reassure you that they are right for your pet and they will benefit from our full rehoming package.
Will I have to take my pet to one of Wood Green’s centres?
Yes, to see our vet and again when we have found a home for your pet. However, if you have transport issues, we may be able to help.
Will people be visiting my home?
Yes, our staff will have to visit you and your pet at home to assess suitability for the scheme. After that, any possible new owner may come to your home to meet your pet.
How will my pet change hands, how and where will this take place?
An appointment will be made at the centre to suit both parties, where you will sign the pet over to Wood Green and at the same appointment the new owner will sign and take legal ownership of the pet. This ensures that the charity is able to offer all the rehoming benefits to the new owner.
Will it exclude me from getting another pet from Wood Green?
No, we understand that people’s circumstances change, giving a pet up for rehoming is often a responsible choice for people who can no longer keep it, so this would not necessarily prevent you from rehoming from us in future.
Who pays for the animal’s veterinary costs whilst waiting for it to be rehomed e.g. in the event of accident or illness and third party insurance?
As the owner of the animal, you remain liable for all costs associated with the care and upkeep of your pet up to the time you sign the acceptance form. You also remain legally liable for any accident or injury your animal causes to third parties. We strongly advise you keep your pet insured against veterinary and third party risks until we have found it a new home.
If you have any further questions you feel we have not covered please do get in touch. We understand that giving up your pet is a very difficult decision to make, and we are here to support you to make the right choice for your pet.