If you are interested in adopting a dog a member of the staff will have a brief interview with you. Any dogs that may be suitable for you needs will then be brought to the reception area for you to meet.

Cats and other small animals can be viewed in the Cattery or small animal building and both of these are clearly sign posted.

OTHER AREAS ARE STRICTLY FOR STAFF ONLY.

Each pen will have a card with the animal's name and number. Please feel free to talk to the staff on duty - all our animals are continually being assessed and the staff working with the animals will let you have as much information as possible. However we would ask you to be a little patient if there seems to be a queue as we have a great many animals but not many staff members.

Reserving an Animal

If you wish to adopt one of our animals, a member of staff will be on hand to assist you with the completion of the Pre-Homevisit form that is necessary for all adoptions.

The Home Visit

Details are faxed the same day to the Home Visiting Co-ordinator in Exeter, who will then instruct a member of the Home Visiting team from your area to contact you and make arrangements for a visit.

The Home Visitor will contact us with a result and you will then be telephoned by the West Hatch Centre to arrange collection. The whole procedure should take about a week.

If you are in the armed forces or in private accommodation the we will require a letter of permission from your Commanding Officer or landlord as appropriate.

Collecting your new companion animal

Collection of animals is by appointment ONLY. Please do not attend to collect without first making arrangements with the West Hatch Centre beforehand.

Adoption Charges (from 1st April, 2007)

If you are adopting an older animal or animal that has a long term medical problem we do reduce the adoption fees accordingly. Some animals needing ongoing medical treatment may be subject to our "Pet Pension" scheme - the Friends of West Hatch help pay for future veterinary care for your companion.

Adoption charges include neutering, identi-chipping, temporary vaccination, de-fleaing, worming. Dog & Cats adoption includes a year's membership to "The Friends of West Hatch" formed to raise funds for vital equipment needed to carry out work here.

For those not adopting a dog or cat we hope you may be interested in joining for £10.00 per year that gives you three newsletters per year and special inside information.

If you do not wish to have this membership please speak to the member of staff dealing with your adoption documentation.

WE REGRET WE ARE UNABLE TO GIVE REFUNDS FOR ANY RETURNED ANIMALS

The West Hatch Shop

The shop stocks all the food and equipment that we use at the Centre for the animals in our care.

For the dogs: Training harnesses, leads, brushes, etc.

For the cats: We have litter trays, toys and cat litter.

For the small animals: Hay, sawdust and drinking bottles.

We also stock a wide range of books on how to care for animals and information on dog and cat behaviour.

Methods of Payments

Payments may be made by cash, cheque with a guarantee card or any major credit or debit card.

After Adoption

If you encounter any health problems, please contact the Centre as it may have a bearing on the animals in our care.

If you encounter any behavioural problems, please call us as we have a wealth of experience and may be able to advise you on the best way forward. What seems an enormous problem for you can sometimes be very easily corrected.

PLEASE NOTE THAT UPON ADOPTION, YOU AS THE ADOPTER ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL FUTURE VETERINARY FEES.

West Hatch Rescue Dogs

West Hatch Rescue Cats

West Hatch Rescue Small Animals