Environmental Health

Dog Re-homing Scheme - Make a New Friend for Life!

In the three years since its initial launch South Ayrshire Council's Dog Re-homing scheme is proving a major success. The previous trend of more stray dogs being destroyed than re-homed has been completely reversed with the majority of strays now being reclaimed or re-homed and almost no dogs being destroyed.

The basis of the scheme is a register of persons willing to provide a stray dog with a new and caring home. Anyone interested can telephone the Environmental Health Section at the Town Hall Ayr. Details are taken on the type, size, sex, colour or age preference of the dog required by the applicant. As dogs become available for re-homing the Dog Warden matches each animal considered suitable against the register. If a suitable match is found, and the dog is ultimately re-homed, it is provided with a health check, an electronic tagging chip, and a first set of inoculations by the Council's Veterinary Surgeon. If the new owner so desires, the dog can also be neutered. There is no charge for the service. The Council only require confirmation that the applicant will be a genuine caring and responsible owner.

In the last year 70 dogs have been satisfactorily re-homed. South Ayrshire is the first Council in Great Britain to operate such a scheme and has been congratulated by both the National Canine Defence League and the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals for such an innovative approach.

Although the initial success of the scheme has been very gratifying no one can afford to be complacent. The problem of stray dogs is an ongoing one. and the continued success of the scheme constantly requires more good homes and responsible owners.. Many of the dogs dealt with by the Council's Dog Warden, given a second chance will make loving pets and give years of pleasure to their new owners. If you are thinking of becoming a dog owner then please contact the Environmental Health Section.

Why do the Council have dogs to re-home?

Stray dogs are picked up by the Dog Warden Service and kept in kennels.
If not claimed after 7 days, the dogs are then owned by the Council.
Unfortunely if no new owner is found the dogs may have to be put down.

What is Re-homing?

Taking a strayed dog and giving it a safe, responsible and loving home for the rest of its life.

How can I re-home a dog?

Contact Environmental Health Division by phone, email or in person.
You will get a pre-homing questionaire to complete.
An officer will visit to confirm the details and your name will be added to the list.

What will happen next?

The Dog Warden will check the details of the dog you would like.
When a suitable dog becomes available, they will be in touch.
You will have an opportunity to see the dog before agreeing to re-home it.

How much does it cost?

Nothing. Just a few minutes of your time.

Will the dog be healthy?

The dog will be fully health checked, electronically micro-chipped and vaccinated by the Council's Vet before it is re-homed.
The dog will be speyed or neutered free of charge.

To have your name placed on South Ayrshire's Register please call Environmental Health on 01292 618222.