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At Thistle Paws Rescue, we understand that surrendering a dog is never an easy decision. Life circumstances can change unexpectedly, and sometimes families find themselves unable to provide the care their dog needs. Our role is not to judge - it’s to help. This page explains our surrender process with clarity, compassion, and transparency, so you know exactly what to expect.
Before beginning the surrender process, there are two important things to be aware of: legal ownership and foster availability.
To surrender a dog to Thistle Paws Rescue, you must either:
Be the legal owner, or
Have clear, written permission from the legal owner confirming you are authorised to surrender the dog.
If ownership is shared, all owners must provide consent. We cannot proceed without written confirmation of ownership or permission.
To ensure the safety of our foster homes and other dogs in our care, dogs must:
Be neutered (if old enough), unless there is a medical exemption supported by a vet
Have vaccinations up to date
If your dog is not neutered or vaccinated, we may still be able to help, but this will depend on foster availability and the dog’s circumstances. Additional arrangements may be discussed on a case‑by‑case basis.
We can only take in a dog when we have a suitable foster home available. This allows us to provide the right level of care, safety, and stability from the moment the dog arrives.
We understand circumstances change, and we aim to help wherever we reasonably can - but we must operate safely and within our foster capacity.
When you contact us about surrendering a dog, we will first check whether we have an appropriate foster placement. If not, we will:
Offer advice or temporary alternatives where possible
Place your dog on our waiting list
Keep you updated on expected availability
There is no judgement and no pressure - only honesty and transparency about what we can safely manage.
We know this choice can be emotional, and we treat every family with kindness and respect. Our priority is the dog’s wellbeing and ensuring they move safely into the right environment.
When you contact us, we will:
Listen to your dog’s story
Ask questions to fully understand their needs
Provide honest advice and support
Work with you to explore the best plan for your dog
There is no blame, no shame, just support.
When you reach out about surrendering your dog, our team will guide you through the process:
We'll gather basic details such as:
Age, size, breed (if known)
Personality and behaviour
Training history
Health, vaccinations, and vet history
How they are with other dogs, cats, and people
Honesty is crucial for finding the most suitable placement. We won’t turn a dog away because of behavioural quirks - we just need accurate information.
If we can help, we will:
Discuss timelines and your availability
Begin matching your dog with an appropriate foster home
Sometimes there may be a short waiting period while we find a safe placement. We will always keep you updated.
Once a foster placement is secured, you will be asked to sign a formal surrender contract stating that:
You voluntarily relinquish ownership of the dog to Thistle Paws Rescue.
All known medical or behavioural information has been disclosed.
This protects both you and the rescue.
On the day your dog comes into our care, we ask you to provide:
Their current food (to avoid stomach upset)
Any medication
Vet documents
Bedding, toys, or items with familiar scents (if possible)
We know it can be emotional, and our team handles handovers gently and respectfully.
Once your dog is in foster care, we will:
Carry out a full health check
Begin or continue training
Observe their behaviour in a home environment
Prepare them for adoption
Our priority is always to place dogs in homes that match their needs - whether that means an active family, a quiet adult-only home, or an experienced adopter.
While we cannot offer updates after surrender due to data protection and adoption privacy, you can trust that your dog will receive excellent care and that we place them only in homes capable of meeting their needs.
For safety reasons, we are unable to take dogs that:
Have a confirmed history of severe aggression toward humans
Have caused serious injury through an unprovoked attack
Are banned breeds under UK law (due to legal restrictions)
If we cannot take your dog, we can still provide alternative guidance.
If you feel surrendering your dog is the right step, please contact us:
Email: info@thistlepawsrescue.org
Facebook: Thistle Paws Dog Rescue
We aim to respond within 48 hours.
