What is the adoption process?

Apply via our Adoption form, complete a home check, meet the dog and, if successful, complete adoption paperwork. We provide post-adoption support for life.

What do you look for in an adopter?

We look for committed, suitable homes that can meet a Sprocker’s exercise, training and social needs. Every application is considered case-by-case to ensure the best match.

Are there fees to adopt?

Yes — adoption contributions help cover veterinary care, vaccinations and rehabilitation. Exact fees vary by dog; contact us for current details.

Do you provide help after adoption?

Yes — lifetime support including behaviour advice, training resources and access to our owner community and behaviour team.

What does fostering involve?

Fostering provides temporary care for a rescue Sprocker in your home. Fosterers provide day-to-day care, socialisation and assessment while we find a permanent home. Full support provided.

How long does a foster placement usually last?

Placements vary — from a few weeks to several months — depending on the dog’s needs and how quickly we find the right adopter.

Can I foster if I work full-time?

Yes — many fosterers work full-time. We match dogs to homes based on routines and can offer extra support such as day care, training or transport when needed.

What is the 3-3-3 rule for rescue dogs?

The 3-3-3 rule describes common phases after rehoming: 3 days of shock, 3 weeks of settling in, and 3 months to fully decompress and show their true personality. We provide guidance for each stage.

Thinking About Fostering a Dog? What Support Should You Expect from a Rescue

Fostering a dog can be one of the most rewarding things you’ll ever do — but it should never feel like you’re doing it alone.

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Fostering plays a vital role in rescue. It gives dogs a safe place to decompress, learn, and begin their journey towards a permanent home.

But while the focus is often on the dog, it’s just as important to talk about the experience of the fosterer.

Because fostering should feel supported — not overwhelming.

What fostering really involves

Fostering isn’t just having a dog stay with you for a few weeks.

It can involve:

Settling in a dog who may be anxious or unsure
Managing new behaviours
Supporting training and routines
Communicating regularly with the rescue

Some dogs slot in easily. Others need time, patience, and guidance.

That’s why the support around you matters.

Why support matters

Even experienced dog owners can find fostering challenging at times.

Without the right support, fosterers can feel:

Unsure if they’re doing the right thing
Overwhelmed by behaviour they weren’t expecting
Isolated when challenges arise

Good support doesn’t remove challenges — but it makes them manageable.

What support should a rescue provide?

If you’re considering fostering, these are things you should expect as standard:

Clear communication

You should know who to contact, and when.

Honest dog matching

A rescue should be upfront about a dog’s needs, not just their positives.

Behaviour guidance

Access to advice that helps you understand why a dog is behaving a certain way — not just what to do.

Ongoing support

Not just at the start, but throughout the foster.

A sense of being part of a team

You should never feel like you’re doing it alone.

Why fosterers sometimes step away

Fosterers don’t stop because they don’t care.

They stop because:

They feel unsupported
Expectations weren’t clear
The experience became stressful rather than rewarding

That’s something we believe can — and should — be prevented.

Our approach at Sprocker Assist & Rescue

At Sprocker Assist & Rescue, we focus on creating a supportive, transparent fostering environment.

We aim to:

Match dogs carefully to homes
Provide behaviour-led guidance
Stay available when you need us
Treat fosterers as a key part of the team

Because when fosterers feel supported, dogs thrive.