We get asked many questions about our charity and animal welfare on a daily basis. We wanted to pop some of those questions down here and answer them as simply and thoroughly as possible, so you can find your answers quickly.
If you do have any other questions, please contact us.
If you do have any other questions, please contact us.
I would like to adopt an animal. What is the process?
Please check out our Before You Adopt information page as everything you'll need to know is there.
- most of the time, we prioritise rehoming animals within the general area of our South London based rescue. This includes Sutton, Wallington and Carshalton.
- We request that once an adoption is agreed, the pet(s) is homed within 48 hours of the date the animals have been deemed ready to go by WAR, so that we can make the space free for another animal needing rescuing.
- We request an adoption donation for each animal which will be discussed at the home check stage -
please note the donation is payable before or on day of collection of the animal.
What can I expect at a home check ?
Home checks are 100% mandatory. We carry out a physical home check prior to EVERY rehoming. Whilst it's an important part of the process, home checks are informal visits from one or two members of the WAR Team. Unfortunately we do not do video home checks.
We will mainly be explaining the adoption process, checking the safety of the location/how busy local roads are, and discussing what kind of cat you're looking for, as well as the animals that we have available, or that you've shown an interest in. It's also an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have.
We will mainly be explaining the adoption process, checking the safety of the location/how busy local roads are, and discussing what kind of cat you're looking for, as well as the animals that we have available, or that you've shown an interest in. It's also an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have.
- Adoptions will only be agreed after a successful home check has been carried out. During the home check, we can discuss the pet(s) needs and it gives you a chance to ask us questions to ensure the pet is suitable for you and your circumstances.
- Please note; all animals are vet checked and any emergency treatment is carried out before rehoming. The cats will also be vaccinated and, depending on age, neutered and chipped before they are rehomed.
I've already been home checked by another rescue, does that count?
Unfortunately not.
As a rescue, we need to be fully confident that all of our checks have been completed to our standards. Different rescues may have different standards and processes.
And the home check is an important part of the process for both us and potential adopters.
As a rescue, we need to be fully confident that all of our checks have been completed to our standards. Different rescues may have different standards and processes.
And the home check is an important part of the process for both us and potential adopters.
I live in a flat. Can I still adopt?
In general, we believe that every cat has the right to an outdoor life.
However, if a cat has only ever lived indoors when it comes to us, or needs to be indoors for medical/ health reasons, then we may consider it appropriate that they remain indoor cats and we will rehome them as such.
These cats may be suitable for people who live in flats and are unable to provide direct access to outdoor space. We will indicate in a cat's write-up whether it is an indoor or outdoor cat.
However, if a cat has only ever lived indoors when it comes to us, or needs to be indoors for medical/ health reasons, then we may consider it appropriate that they remain indoor cats and we will rehome them as such.
These cats may be suitable for people who live in flats and are unable to provide direct access to outdoor space. We will indicate in a cat's write-up whether it is an indoor or outdoor cat.
I'd like a very young kitten. why do you only rehome them at 12 weeks?
Socialisation is very important for the development of young kittens, as well as being weaned appropriately to ensure they have all the nutrients they need.
We believe that it is important to wait until 12 weeks, when kittens will be suitably weaned and socialised with their littermates. We do not therefore rehome before 12 weeks.
We believe that it is important to wait until 12 weeks, when kittens will be suitably weaned and socialised with their littermates. We do not therefore rehome before 12 weeks.
Why do you only rehome kittens in pairs? / can I just adopt 1 kitten?
Anyone who has seen kittens from a young age will know how bonded kittens often are with their mum and brothers/sisters.
We believe that it is better for their health and well-being for kittens to be rehomed in pairs, either with a sibling or parent. This can also be easier too, as the kittens will expend much of their energy and aggression on each other, and the companionship makes for more well-adjusted animals.
However, if we have a single kitten come into the rescue, then we may rehome it as a single kitten. We may judge that the kitten would be better rehomed in a home with an existing pet for company and would indicate that in their write up.
We believe that it is better for their health and well-being for kittens to be rehomed in pairs, either with a sibling or parent. This can also be easier too, as the kittens will expend much of their energy and aggression on each other, and the companionship makes for more well-adjusted animals.
However, if we have a single kitten come into the rescue, then we may rehome it as a single kitten. We may judge that the kitten would be better rehomed in a home with an existing pet for company and would indicate that in their write up.
HOW CAN I BE ADDED TO YOUR KITTEN WAITING LIST?
We don't operate a kitten waiting list as such. However if you are flexible in the cat/kittens you would be happy to adopt then you can register your details with us by completing the form on our website so that you can be considered alongside other applications. Applications are considered on their merit and not on a first come first served basis.
By keeping an eye on our website and Facebook, you will see what kittens we have coming in.
By keeping an eye on our website and Facebook, you will see what kittens we have coming in.
My circumstances have changed. I'm no longer able to provide a suitable home for my pet.
Can you rehome them?
Can you rehome them?
Unfortunately not.
As a small rescue with limited funds and spaces, our priority has to be to rescue and rehome those animals who are homeless, abused, neglected or injured. We, like many rescues, are receiving unprecedented numbers of requests to rehome animals and unfortunately we don't have the spaces to offer a rehoming service. Please visit our help page to find more rescues that may be able to help you.
As a small rescue with limited funds and spaces, our priority has to be to rescue and rehome those animals who are homeless, abused, neglected or injured. We, like many rescues, are receiving unprecedented numbers of requests to rehome animals and unfortunately we don't have the spaces to offer a rehoming service. Please visit our help page to find more rescues that may be able to help you.
I've submitted an application form. when can I expect a reply?
We aim to respond as soon as we practically can. First of all we need to give people a few days to apply, and then assess the applications received. It may then take a week or so to set up a homecheck. Following that, if successful, we may be asked to set up an opportunity to meet the cat and their fosterer. Only at this point will the cat be 'reserved', and therefore unsuccessful applications can be notified, which can take 2-3 weeks. All the staff at the rescue are volunteers and have full-time jobs/other commitments, so please be patient with the team.
What happens after I've submitted my application?
A member of the rescue team will look at your application for suitability initially. Some applications can fail at this point for quite a few reasons. These can be varied such as your location, distance from the rescue, living on a busy road, plus not matching the home environment set out in the animal's write up. We look at all applications on their own merit and proceed with setting up a homecheck with the most suitable looking home. Once a successful homecheck has been carried out, we give the potential adopter the opportunity to meet the animal and their fosterer. After this the animal will be 'reserved', and we will write out to unsuccessful applicants. We don't generally give feedback on applications - only one applicant can be successful and therefore we have to turn down lots of strong applications. This doesn't mean that you can't apply successfully for another cat, and if you have indicated that you are 'flexible' in your choice then we might be able to match you with another cat.
Can I visit the animals first?
We're sorry but not until after we've carried out a home check. It wouldn't be fair on you, us or the animals to have hopes built up, only to be dashed if you were subsequently to fail the home check. Also, our animals are mainly homed with separate fosterers, so there is no one place to 'see' our rescue animals.
OK so I've passed the home check and have fallen in love with a cat, what happens next?
We will arrange for you to visit the rescue or the fosterer the cat is currently with, if you want to meet the animal first (this is always at the fosterer's convenience). We can help advise on practical things such as food, litter, carriers etc if helpful.
How soon will it be before I take my new fur baby home, so it totally owns me and rules my life?
It's in the rescue's interest to try and make the whole process as smooth as possible for all concerned, especially the animals. We aim to complete the process within a few days if the animal is ready to rehome.
How are you funded?
DO YOU ACCEPT DONATIONS? Can I DONATE ITEMS (e.g duvets/ sheets)?
We at Wallington Animal Rescue are funded entirely on self-funding and donations, so please do visit our Support Us page if you would like to help.
We accept donations of the following items: new items that we can use for our raffles, unopened, in date cat and dog food, like new toys, beds and scratch posts and items from our Amazon wishlist.
If you are unsure, please drop us an email or message and we will let you know if it's something that we can accept. Unfortunately, we do not have the space to accept donations of sheets, pillows and duvets.
If you are unsure, please drop us an email or message and we will let you know if it's something that we can accept. Unfortunately, we do not have the space to accept donations of sheets, pillows and duvets.
Which areas do you cover?
We cover surrounding areas local to Wallington, Sutton and Carshalton. As a small, local rescue, we have limited resources.
Unfortunately, we are unable to rehome out of area due to the time it would take us to carry out a home check and transport an animal to its new home.
Unfortunately, we are unable to rehome out of area due to the time it would take us to carry out a home check and transport an animal to its new home.
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR NEW FOSTERERS?
We welcome new local fosterers from the Wallington and Carshalton areas with open arms.
The more fosterers we have, the more animals in need we can help. If you think you might be interested, please read our 'get involved' page and complete an application form. contact us for more information.
The more fosterers we have, the more animals in need we can help. If you think you might be interested, please read our 'get involved' page and complete an application form. contact us for more information.
Unfortunately we are only able to consider people living locally, due to the amount of time it takes to transport animals, take them for vet visits, deliver food/ litter supplies etc.
We also ask for patience during the process of becoming a fosterer as we have to ensure our team members will be able to support our animal friends in a healthy environment.
We also ask for patience during the process of becoming a fosterer as we have to ensure our team members will be able to support our animal friends in a healthy environment.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I THINK A CAT IS A STRAY?
Please read our section on finding stray animals for info.
If you see an animal that you think is stray... if possible, take it to a vet or contact WAR to get it scanned to see if it has been microchipped. If it isn't chipped, you can download one of our paper collars and attach it to cats; so that the owner can get in touch with you if the cat is owned.
If you are concerned that a cat is stray or injured and you cannot identify an owner, please contact us at WAR with details/ photos as soon as possible.
If you are concerned that a cat is stray or injured and you cannot identify an owner, please contact us at WAR with details/ photos as soon as possible.
WHO DO I CONTACT REGARDING AN INJURED BIRD / FOX / WILDLIFE?
We have compiled a list of emergency contacts on our website which can be accessed via the button below.
For injured small animals that are not domesticated, we advise you contact Wildlife Aid in Leatherhead or your nearest local rescue.
For help and advice regarding foxes, please contact The Fox Project on 01892731565.
For help and advice regarding swans and waterfowl, please contact The Swan Sanctuary on 01932240790.
For help and advice regarding sick or injured birds, including pigeons, please contact Pigeon Recovery on 07789334486. Injured birds can be taken to Pigeon Recovery at 8 Vermont Road, Sutton SM1 3EQ, and left in the hutch outside if no-one is available. Please send a text to let them know that you've left a bird.
For help and advice regarding sick or injured wild animals, please contact Wildlife Aid in Leatherhead - or call the 24 hour emergency helpline on 09061800132 (nb calls are charged, to help contribute to rescue costs)
A CAT HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN A RTA. WHAT SHALL I DO?
Please check our Road Traffic Accident (RTA) page for more information on what to do if you have come across this.
If possible, please take the cat to a vet as soon as possible. Alternatively give WAR a call and if available we can come and scan for a microchip.
If possible, please take the cat to a vet as soon as possible. Alternatively give WAR a call and if available we can come and scan for a microchip.
Do you take on volunteers/ work experience placements?
who are you registered with?
Our official registered charity number is 1185357, proudly gaining this status in September 2019.
We are also proudly registered with The International Alliance of Holistic Therapists.
As of 2020, we are registered with CAF: Charities Aid Foundation.
We are also proudly registered with The International Alliance of Holistic Therapists.
As of 2020, we are registered with CAF: Charities Aid Foundation.
qualifications and experience?
We have been rescuing injured, neglected, stray and abandoned animals since 2014 and since then our rescue has grown immensely. With an average of over 100 animals per year, we've dedicated years of our lives towards to welfare and care of the animals we take into our rescue; all whilst working at our personal jobs.
Neil is currently completing a diploma in animal assisted therapy.
Amanda has a B-TEC Diploma in Animal Care which she completed over two years, and was rescuing back since 1999. She, along with Lisa and Kelly, took courses in 2019 and gained feline psychology and behaviour diplomas.
Find out more in About Us pages.
Neil is currently completing a diploma in animal assisted therapy.
Amanda has a B-TEC Diploma in Animal Care which she completed over two years, and was rescuing back since 1999. She, along with Lisa and Kelly, took courses in 2019 and gained feline psychology and behaviour diplomas.
Find out more in About Us pages.
Follow our tails on social media
We like to keep everyone up to date so please follow us on our social media channels to get weekly updates from the team!
|
|
Call us
0746 724 3212 |
Email us
[email protected] |
|
Wallington Animal Rescue is a registered charity owned by Neil and Amanda Blackwell. Charity no. 1185357. Website created by Shelley Hunter Design.
