Police dog rehoming
Dogs available for rehoming
Dogs who haven’t completed their training
Most of our dogs pass their 8-week training course with flying colours. However, some dogs, many of whom are under 18 months old, have health conditions or behaviour needs that mean they couldn’t complete all the stages of their training. Some may simply be better suited to life as a family pet with people who can provide the time, care and commitment they need.
Retired police dogs
Occasionally, we also need new homes for our police dogs who have reached retirement age. Many of them remain with their handler as a pet after retirement, but this isn’t always possible.
What breeds of dog are available?
On our rehoming application form, you can choose the breed of dog you’re most interested in. We use a range of breeds to support our police operations, including:
- German Shepherd
- Cocker Spaniel
- Labrador
- Malinois
- Springer Spaniel
- Dutch Herder
How the application process works
Step 1Check the eligibility criteria
Applicants should have a secure rear garden/yard Our dogs can’t be left alone for extended periods. This means if you work full-time outside of the home, we won’t be able to match you with a dog. We only re-house our dogs as pets and not for them to be used as guard dogs or for breeding purpose.
Step 2Step 2: Application process
Complete the online application. To make sure that our dogs get the best forever home possible, you’ll be asked a series of detailed questions about you, your home, your family and your experience of dogs.
Step 3We’ll be in touch once a match is found
You will be contacted by our Dog Unit only once a suitable dog becomes available. Unfortunately, because of the number of applications we receive, we are unable to contact every applicant. We’re committed to matching each dog to the most appropriate home and as such your application does not guarantee you a rehomed dog. By applying, you aren’t joining a waiting list where your details will be held on file until the best match becomes available for you.
Step 4Home check
Once a potential match has been found, a police officer from the dog section will contact you to arrange a home check and a chance for you to meet the dog. The home check is an in-person visit to assess your home environment. The officer may want to check your garden is secure or understand more about any other pets in your home. As part of the matching process, we will also carry out a check of any police records in your name. At this stage we’ll also advise you of any behaviour needs or safety considerations as a result of the police training the dog has received.
Step 5Meet your new family member!
Once a home check has been successfully completed and the fee paid, you’ll then sign to take over responsibility for the dog. At this point it’s vital that you update the dog’s microchip details to your own.
FAQs
How much does rehoming cost?
The cost of rehoming one of our dogs can range from £100-£700, depending on the breed, behaviour and age. You can select the price range that’s suitable for you in the application form.
All of our dogs have:
- Microchipping
- Health checks
- Vaccinations
- Regular preventative treatment against worms and fleas
When will I hear back after my application?
To make sure we get the best homes for our dogs, our process involves carefully matching potential owners with dogs as and when they become available. This means that there is no set timescale for rehoming, and your details will be retained on file should a suitable match come up. You will only hear back following an application if a match becomes available.
What happens if there’s an issue after rehoming?
The vast majority of our dogs settle well into their new homes. However, if within 28 days of rehoming, there is an issue which makes it unsuitable for them to remain in your home, we will accept return of the dog and the rehoming fee will be reimbursed.
Is there any support for covering future vet fees that are incurred?
There are charities available for support with veterinary bills for retired police dogs. The National Foundation for Retired Service Animals and the Thin Blue Paw Foundation may be able to offer financial support to cover rehabilitation or vet fees. However, it’s important that any prospective adopter should be prepared to cover any unforeseen costs that may occur.