Adoption Process - R.E.A.C.H. Sled Dog Rescue

Registered Charity
No: 1176301

Registered Charity
No: 1176301

Find Your Forever Friend
Join us in giving a sled dog a loving home!
🐾 The R.E.A.C.H. Adoption Journey
Helping you find your perfect sled dog companion, one thoughtful step at a time.
Adopting a rescue sled dog is an incredibly rewarding experience—but it’s also a big responsibility. That’s why we take care to ensure each match is a great fit for both the dog and the adopter. Here’s how the process works:

Initial Application
The first step on your adoption journey is to complete our detailed application form.
This helps us get to know you—your lifestyle, experience, daily routine, and what kind of companion you’re looking for. Whether you live in a busy family home, a quiet countryside retreat, or something in between, we want to understand what will suit both you and the dog best.
The more information you can give us, the better chance we have of finding a sled dog whose personality and needs are the perfect match for your home. There are no right or wrong answers—just honesty and openness.
Let's Have a Chat
Once we’ve reviewed your application, a member of our team will be in touch to arrange a friendly chat—either over the phone or in person, depending on what works best for you.
This isn’t a test or formal interview—it’s just a chance for us to get to know you better, answer any questions you might have, and talk through what life with a sled dog might look like in your home.
We’ll chat about your routine, your experience with dogs (if any), your living arrangements, and what kind of personality you’re hoping for in a new furry friend. It’s also a great time to ask us anything you’d like to know about the adoption process or specific dogs.
Home Visit
Once we’ve reviewed your application, we’ll arrange a relaxed home visit to make sure everything’s safe, secure, and suitable for one of our sled dogs.
This isn’t an inspection—it’s a friendly check and a chance to get to know you better, answer questions, and help set you (and your future dog!) up for success.
What we’re looking for:
✅ A secure, escape-proof garden or outdoor space
✅ Safe, dog-friendly areas inside your home
✅ Any hazards (like toxic plants, loose wires, or gaps in fencing)
✅ Where your new dog might sleep, eat, and relax
✅ Calm introductions if you have other pets or children
If there’s anything that needs adjusting, don’t worry—we’ll work with you to find solutions. Our goal is to make sure your home is a safe and happy space for your future furry friend.
Meet and Greet
After a successful home check, we’ll arrange a meet and greet with the dog you're interested in adopting.
If you already have a dog—or children—they’ll be invited too. This is an important step to make sure everyone gets along and that the match is right for both the dog and your family.
Sleepover
Next comes a “sleepover” — a short overnight stay with your chosen dog.
This gives you a chance to see how they settle in your home and interact with your family in a relaxed setting.
Foster Period
If all goes well, you’ll begin a two-week foster period.
This trial run allows both you and the dog to get used to each other, with ongoing support from our team throughout. It’s a vital step in making sure the match is right—for everyone.
Adoption Finalisation
Only after the foster period is successful do we move to formal adoption.
At that point, we’ll guide you through the final steps and welcome you officially into the R.E.A.C.H. family of adopters!
Adoption Fees
The adoption fee helps us cover essential costs such as vaccinations, microchipping, neutering, vet checks, food, and kenneling—everything we need to make sure our sled dogs are happy, healthy, and ready for their forever homes.
This fee is a vital part of the rescue process. It ensures we can continue our work and offer each dog the best possible care while they wait for their new family.
The adoption fee is only payable once your adoption is confirmed and everything is in place for your dog to come home. As a small thank-you, you’ll receive an official adoption certificate from your new best friend—a little keepsake to celebrate the beginning of your journey together.
If you have any questions about adoption or what's included in the process, we’re always happy to chat. Just get in touch!
Home Check Form
Adoption Process : Common Questions
Welcoming a sled dog into your life is a big decision—and a beautiful one. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Here are some answers to help you understand our adoption process better.
Who Can Adopt?
We want every adoption to be successful—for both our dogs and their new families. While each sled dog is unique, here are some general things we look for in a potential home:
🏡 Secure, escape-proof garden – Many sled dog breeds are natural explorers (and expert escape artists!).
🕒 Time and commitment – Sled dogs need regular exercise, attention, and ongoing companionship.
🐶 No small furries (sometimes) – Some of our dogs have a high prey drive and may not be suitable for homes with cats, rabbits, or small pets.
💬 Willingness to learn – These breeds can be strong-willed but thrive with consistent guidance and positive reinforcement.
❤️ A loving, stable environment – Patience, understanding, and lots of affection go a long way.
Experience with sled dogs or large breeds is a bonus, but not essential. We’re happy to support first-time adopters who are committed to learning and giving one of our dogs a fantastic home.
If you’re unsure whether your home or lifestyle is a match, please still get in touch—we’re always happy to chat.
What is the first step?
The first step is to fill out our adoption application form. This helps us get to know you—your lifestyle, experience, and what kind of dog you’re looking for. Understanding your needs helps us find the perfect match between you and one of our rescue sled dogs.
What happens after I apply?
Once we receive your application, a member of our team will review it and get in touch for a friendly chat. If everything looks like a good fit, we’ll arrange a home check—just to make sure your space is safe and suitable for one of our dogs.
After that, we’ll look at which dogs might be a match for you, and you may be invited to foster-to-adopt—a short trial period that gives both you and the dog a chance to bond before finalising the adoption.
Can I meet the dogs before adopting?
Absolutely. We encourage potential adopters to meet their dog — either during the foster period or at a pre-arranged visit — so you can spend time together and ask any questions. Some of our dogs are in foster homes, others in kennels, and we’ll always do our best to facilitate a meet-up.
How long does the process take?
The adoption process can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on how quickly we can schedule interviews and home visits.
What support do you offer?
Our support doesn’t stop when you take your new dog home. You’ll have access to guidance and advice from our experienced team—before, during, and after the adoption. We’re all sled dog owners ourselves and are always here to help with settling in, training, and any challenges that may arise.
What does the adoption fee cover?
The adoption fee helps us cover the cost of veterinary care, neutering, vaccinations, microchipping, food, and kennel fees. It ensures that your dog is healthy, well cared for, and ready for their new life with you.
The fee is only payable once your adoption is confirmed. As a thank-you, you’ll receive a personalised adoption certificate and a custom mug featuring your new companion—a keepsake to mark the beginning of your journey together.
I’m not sure I’m ready to adopt — can I help in other ways?
Yes! If you're not quite ready to adopt, you can consider fostering, volunteering, or sponsoring a dog. Every role helps us continue rescuing and rehoming sled dogs in need.
Still have questions?
We’d love to hear from you. Whether you're ready to adopt or just exploring the idea, feel free to reach out and chat with us.

Find Your Forever Friend

Join us in giving a sled dog a loving home!

🐾 The R.E.A.C.H. Adoption Journey

Initial Application

Let's Have a Chat

Home Visit

Meet and Greet

Sleepover

Foster Period

Adoption Finalisation

Adoption Fees

Adoption Process : Common Questions

Welcoming a sled dog into your life is a big decision—and a beautiful one. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.Here are some answers to help you understand our adoption process better.

Welcoming a sled dog into your life is a big decision—and a beautiful one. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Here are some answers to help you understand our adoption process better.