Penny’s Ark Adoption Journey
Are you ready to open your heart and home to a rescue dog?
8 Steps to Finding Your Perfect Rescue Match
At Penny’s Ark, we have loving dogs eagerly waiting for their forever homes.
Here's how you can embark on this life-changing adventure.
Step 1: Applying to Adopt
Fill out our application form to let us know about your home, lifestyle and what you’re looking for. You can either choose to adopt a specific animal using our Meet the Dogs page or we can use our experience to match you with one of our rescues.
This step ensures we find the perfect rescue dog that matches your home environment.
Initial Application
Step 2: Let's Connect
Communication
After submitting the form, our team will reach out to you through Email to discuss your application.
We will then set up a chat between you and our team via Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp or Text for further communication. Choose what works best for you!
Step 3: Virtual Home Check
Members of our Adoptions Team will conduct a virtual home check through a video call via your preferred communication method. This will be where you take us on a tour of your house and garden to see where the rescue dog will be living. This is also a great opportunity to discuss the specific dog you're interested in and let us know of any questions you may have.
Meet Virtually
Step 4: Finding Your Perfect Match
Dog Selection
If the home check is successful, we'll talk about the best dog match for you. This may be the one you have applied for or we may offer other suitable matches. We aim to get back to you within 3 working days of the home check.
You'll get to learn more about them and decide if it’s the one you’ve been dreaming of.
If the dog is in UK foster, then we will invite you to meet with them over a period of arranged dates.
Step 5: Confirming Your New Companion
If you confirm to us you wish to proceed with adoption, we will start the rehoming process. This includes preparing your dog for travel by making sure they are fully vaccinated to DEFRA standards and arranging transportation.
Confirmation
The full adoption contribution includes costs such as prep, vaccinations and transportation. This is required a minimum of one week before your dog is set to travel.
For dogs abroad, this is £440
For dogs in UK foster, this is £250
Adoption Donation
Step 6: Preparing for Travel
We will arrange a travel date that fits with your schedule. At this point we will also send you our Adoption Guides and let you know how the transport process works.
Travel Date
Health Checks and Vaccinations
Rest assured, all our dogs undergo thorough health checks, including tests for various diseases, and receive essential vaccinations. They are also microchipped for identification.
Our dogs stay in TRACES kennels for a brief period where they are vet-checked and their paperwork is finalized.
Step 7: The Journey to You
Transport is undertaken by a third-party company - we use the Romanian Rescue Bus. Your dog will be collected from the shelter or foster home in Romania on the Monday. They will travel aboard the bus across Europe and arrive in Calais on the Thursday.
On the Wednesday, you will be added to a RRB Facebook Messenger chat where you will be kept updated on the journey and arrival time. Our transport volunteer will also be on hand for guidance and help throughout this whole process.
Travel From Overseas
Step 8: New Beginnings
They will arrive in the UK on Friday morning. At this point, a list of the drop-off order will have been posted on the chat and the ETA for the next dog will be posted after every drop. As the drops are usually spread out all across the UK, depending on your location, your dog may not arrive with you until the Saturday. However, this will be made clear on the chat by the drop-off number of your dog.
Arrival in the UK
On arrival, please ensure you have a harness and slip lead ready with you. The driver will hand over your dog in to your arms. We would also recommend a minimum of two adults be present on collection. Keep the dog on its lead and carefully carry your dog into the house with the second adult holding onto the lead. If your dog is extremely nervous, it would instead be recommended that the dog is secured in a crate. The driver will place your crate in the van and your dog will be placed inside. This is then to be carried inside your home. If in a crate, please place a blanket over it to help calm the dog.
Arrival to their New Home
We will always be here to contact should you have any questions we can assist with or just as a friendly ear.
We will also have given you a number of helpful guides to help guide you through this journey.
