Everything you need to know about Fetcher Dog Rescue, Kent
Fetcher Dog Rescue is a UK-based organisation in Kent focused on rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming dogs that have been abandoned, neglected, or are at risk of euthanasia. The charity's mission began in Bosnia, where at least half of its rescue efforts continue. In Bosnia, thousands of dogs are born on the streets each year, facing cruelty, starvation, disease, and inhumane deaths. Many are captured by dog catchers and placed in kill shelters that lack basic care, leading to death by starvation or exposure. The charity collaborates with local rescuers to save stray dogs and remove them from kill shelters. These dogs are then brought to safe facilities where they receive food, care, and medical attention, giving them a fresh start and a chance at a healthy life. Thus, Fetcher has dogs up for adoption in both the UK and Bosnia (that can travel to the UK).
Fetcher Dog also rescues dogs from U.K. pounds, which are currently overwhelmed with dogs seeking safe spaces. If a rescue space isn't found within seven days, these dogs are put to sleep. The charity takes in as many of these dogs as possible, providing them with a chance at a happy and fulfilling life. The organisation also works closely with local dog wardens, Kent Police, and the local council to assist with dogs they regularly find.
The primary aim of Fetcher Dog Rescue is to save dogs from uncertain fates and place them in suitable homes. Each dog in their care receives a full health check, vaccinations, spaying or neutering, and microchipping. Additionally, dogs undergo behavioral assessments and training to increase the likelihood of a successful adoption. This process ensures that dogs are ready to integrate into their new homes.
Fetcher Dog Rescue At a Glance
Cost: The cost of rescuing a dog from Fetcher is set at 450. This covers the costs associated with preparing the dog for adoption, but it does not cover the entire amount the rescue pay out to rehome the dog. Additional donations are appreciated.
Size: Fetcher is a small organisation from the perspective of its staff, but that doesn’t stop them from having a large impact, with a wide variety of dogs available in both Bosnia and the UK, which can be found here.
Location: Fetcher Dog is in Kent, in the UK, and its address is Coldharbour Lane, Hastingleigh, Ashford, TN25 5HE. Note that visits are by appointment only.
Rescue Back Up: Fetcher Dog offers lifetime rescue backup, so if at any point you have a change of circumstance, the dog can go back to them. This offers their adopters and dogs the security they need if there is ever a change of circumstance.
Acceptance and no-kill policies: Fetcher Dog adheres to a non-selective acceptance policy in which animals will be admitted to and cared for by Fetcher Dog regardless of breed or age, as well as a no-kill policy, meaning that no dogs will be killed in their care while they await homes.
The Adoption Process
Fetcher Dog Rescue follows a structured adoption process to ensure the best match between dogs and adopters:
View Available Dogs: You can view all the available dogs both in the UK and Bosnia on the Fetcher Dog Rescue website or social media. Profiles include details such as breed, age, and temperament, as well as photos.
Submit an Application: You then submit an adoption application, providing information about your home environment and what you are looking for in a dog. You can submit the application for a specific dog, or you can fill it out generally and let the organisation decide if they have any good matches for you.
Home Check and Interview: A home check is conducted by a volunteer (who has previously rescued from Fetcher) to verify that your home environment is suitable for a dog. A remote interview will also take place with the owners of Fetcher to discuss your experience and expectations, and to answer any questions you may have.
Meet and Greet: If approved, you will then be invited to meet the dog to see if you get along. This step ensures that you and the dog are a good fit.
Adoption Approval: If the meet and greet is successful, the adoption is approved. Fetcher Dog Rescue provides post-adoption support as needed!
Conclusion
Fetcher Dog is definitely a rising star in the dog rescue world, but in my opinion, it is still small enough to be able to get a very personal experience while adopting your dog and long after, as it does foster a strong community of past adopters. Additionally, as it is still a lesser known rescue, you may have a higher chance of success adopting from Fetcher over somewhere like Battersea, as there will be less competition, but you will know that you are getting your dog from a reliable, reputable, and kind organisation.
Fetcher Dog has 5 stars out of 5 on both Facebook and Google Reviews.
If you would like to know more or adopt a dog from Fetcher, you can do so here.