Rehoming a hound
We help greyhounds, lurchers and sighthounds find new homes.
Not looking to rehome a beloved pet?
→ Click here if you are a greyhound trainer looking to rehome one or multiple working dogs [anchor link]
→ Click here if you found a greyhound
Rehoming your pet hound
At Forever Hounds Trust, we recognise that deciding to rehome your dog is never the easy option.
We know that people can be forced into this decision for a host of reasons, and we do not judge anyone who is looking to rehome their dog. It is often the bravest and kindest act you can do for them.
If you are considering giving up your dog, you may be concerned about where they will be placed and what will happen to them. We are committed to supporting you throughout the process and keeping you informed every step of the way, if that is your wish.
Please note: we are a breed-specific rescue and can only help with greyhounds, lurchers and other sighthounds.
If your hound has behavioural issues
Due to the volume of requests we receive, we are unable to take in dogs who are showing aggression.
If your dog has bitten people or other animals, or is showing other behavioural issues, please speak to a qualified behaviourist before contacting us; they may be able to help you keep your dog, or advise on next steps before rehoming.
You can find a qualified behaviourist via the Animal Behaviour & Training Council or the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors.
Surrender terms: please read before submitting your request
By submitting a rehoming request, you are agreeing to the following:
- In signing your dog over for rehoming, you understand that you have no further claim on your dog, and they will not be returned to you under any circumstances.
- You may be asked to provide photos and video footage of your dog as part of the application process. This may be shared with third-party veterinary staff or behaviour specialists.
- Your name and contact details will not be shared with future owners or anyone else.
- We cannot put you in contact with your dog's new owners, due to GDPR regulations. By surrendering your dog to us, you agree that you will not attempt to contact the new owners via any means.
- We will seek a full veterinary history, and have your dog's microchip details transferred to Forever Hounds Trust upon intake.
If you have any queries, please email intake@foreverhoundstrust.org.
The rehoming process
Submit your request
Complete the form below with as much detail as possible about your dog; we aim to get back to you within a week.
Assessment
We discuss your dog's homing needs in more detail, arrange a behavioural assessment, and a health check prior to intake.
Adoption
Your dog can stay in our kennels or with a foster carer while we look for a a new home - or stay with you until we find their forever family.
Frequently asked questions
How and where does the intake assessment take place?
This depends on your location and circumstances.
If you would like us to take in your dog until we find a new home for them, we will ask you to bring them to our Devon centre to be assessed by one of our qualified behaviourists. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to visit your home instead.
If you want your dog to stay with you while we find them a suitable adopter, a behaviourist will visit your home. This option is only available to those living within reasonable reach of our Devon centre (Devon, Dorset, Somerset or Bristol).
In either case, the outcome of the assessment will determine whether we are able to proceed.
Who arranges the health check before intake?
You will need to arrange and cover the cost of a health check with your vet before your dog comes into our care.
We may also ask you to ensure routine treatments are up to date before intake, including flea and worming treatments, vaccinations and neutering.
Will my hound go to a foster home before adoption?
This depends on availability. While we do have a network of foster carers, we cannot guarantee your dog will be placed with one; they may stay in our kennels until a home is found.
If your circumstances allow, you also have the option of keeping your dog with you while we search for the right match.
Can I contact my dog's new owners after rehoming?
No - Forever Hounds Trust is unable to put you in contact with your dog's new owners due to GDPR regulations. By surrendering your dog to us, you agree not to attempt to contact the new owners via any means, including social media.
How long will it take to rehome my hound?
This varies and we are unable to guarantee a timeline. We will keep you fully informed throughout the process if that is your wish.
What happens if you are unable to take my dog?
Following your initial request and behavioural/veterinary assessment, there may be circumstances in which we are unable to proceed.
If that is the case, we will let you know as soon as possible and point you towards other sources of support where we can.
Start the process
If you have questions about rehoming your dog or have a Forever Hounds Trust dog you need to return, please contact intake@foreverhoundstrust.org or call us.
If you're ready to proceed, fill out the form below:
Are you a trainer looking to rehome one or more hounds?
If you are a greyhound trainer looking to rehome one or more dogs, the process is broadly the same as above - please read the surrender terms before you proceed.
If you are rehoming multiple hounds, each one requires its own form. When you submit your first request, you will be presented with a link to complete an abridged form for additional dogs.
Please provide full and accurate details for each dog, and submit one form per dog; any forms listing multiple dogs will be rejected.