Rescue Remedies Dog Rescue Animal rescue service in Horley, Surrey

Vanessa Miller

"Rescue Remedies do a fantastic job. Lynne is thoroughly committed and conscientious in her approach to saving, rehoming and fostering dogs. There is a very thorough vetting/application process which you would expect when trying to rehome dogs effectively that have had such challenges in their lives so far. We saw how passionate Lynne and her volunteers are about dogs and their welfare. Matching people to dogs in this situation is beyond tough and ultimately the dog's needs have to come above all else as they are the vulnerable ones with no voice. Thank you to all of you."

N Dee

"I recently applied to adopt a dog through Remedies Dog Rescue and unfortunately my experience was disappointing, mainly due to communication rather than the dogs themselves.I have many years of experience with large breeds, work from home 24/7, have a secure garden, an established calm resident dog, plenty of open fields, woodlands and parks around me, and no young children living in the household. I completed the detailed questionnaire honestly and in good faith. Some answers may have benefited from clarification (as forms don’t always allow context), but no follow-up discussion was offered.When I later phoned regarding a dog I was very interested in, I was told she had been tried with another dog and it “didn’t work out.” As I have a resident dog, I asked a basic welfare question about whether the difficulty was due to her behaviour, the other dog, or simply a mismatch — information that is important for safe introductions. I was told they would not discuss it, the call was ended, and my number was subsequently blocked - this I found very strange for a dog rescue centre looking to help the dogs find a forever home right?!?.I fully understand that volunteer rescues are busy and under pressure, and that not every home is right for every dog. However, responsible adopters need transparent information about dog-to-dog compatibility, and a brief conversation can make a big difference in assessing suitability. A screening process that relies only on form interpretation, without clarification, risks overlooking experienced and suitable homes.With clearer communication and willingness to discuss dogs’ specific needs, some long-stay dogs might find appropriate homes more quickly. Many experienced adopters are prepared to understand and manage behavioural or compatibility considerations, but that can only happen when information is openly shared and questions are addressed.In this case, I genuinely believe I could have offered Sweetie a stable and happy long-term home which sounds like she deserved after being in the rescue centre for so long, and even commentary to say, 'why is this sweetie still here'?... but there was no discussion about my dog, who is a gentleman and the most biggest softy you will find (even has his own fan club here and he is loved by all), but no assessment of compatibility, and no explanation beyond a firm refusal. Even a general outline of a dog’s behavioural considerations would help adopters make informed decisions and feel confident in the process. This makes me sad, as I feel I could give this young lady a great life, but there was no effort from this centre to even try to establish if this was possible. As no further questions asked.From my prespective initially, the dogs themselves appear well cared for, and volunteers clearly invest a great deal of time in them. However, I would suggest that open and constructive communication with potential adopters is a fundamental part of responsible rehoming, and in my experience this was lacking and should be considered in furture, should they truely want and find these dogs forever homes!"

Flix

"I applied to adopt a dog through Rescue Remedies at the beginning of February after seeing a dog on their website that appeared to be a good match for my circumstances. I am aware that the rescue asks applicants to be ready to adopt within seven days, so I deliberately waited until I was within that timeframe before applying. By the time I submitted my application (late on a Thursday evening after their office hours had closed), I would have been able to travel and meet a dog within a few days, and I listed the following Tuesday as the date I would be available from.On the form I indicated a preferred dog, but I also clearly stated that I was open to being matched with other suitable dogs and that I was happy to remain on file for three months if the right match was not immediately available.I received a phone call from the rescue on the Saturday after submitting the application. The call lasted under a minute (around 47 seconds). During the call I was asked whether I was still looking for a dog, which I confirmed I was. The caller realised I was briefly overseas at the time. I explained that I was flying back to the UK the following day (Sunday) and would be available from Tuesday. I was told they would call me back within a day or so, mentioning they were concerned about call charges.Unfortunately that follow-up call has never happened. I later sent a follow-up email but did not receive a response. It is now early March, roughly a month later, and I have still not heard anything further. As the only conversation we had lasted under a minute and the promised follow-up never occurred, it is unclear whether my application was ever fully considered.If being overseas at the time of applying was an issue, it would be helpful for the rescue to clearly state this in their guidance. I would have happily waited a few days to submit my application if that was the expectation.In fact, the reason I applied slightly earlier was simply to help the process move along. I assumed applying ahead of my return would give the rescue time to review the application and consider potential matches so that a meeting could be arranged shortly after I was back in the UK.I fully understand that rescues are busy and often run by volunteers, and I respect rescues that take care to match the right dog with the right home. In fact, I prefer rescues that are thoughtful and selective about placements. However, clearer communication and basic follow-up would make the process much easier for people who are genuinely trying to adopt.My concern is simply that situations like this may unintentionally discourage or lose potential adopters who are genuinely trying to provide a good, suitable home."

Rob Purdy

"Our experience was very positive, website easy to navigate. Dog profiles from the people who know and spend time with the seem very accurate and non biased. Dog application form in depth as it should be,these people care and want the very best for the dogs. All the staff members are fantastic and very helpful. Lynne is obviously very passionate for the care and correct homing of the dogs in her care. We would recommend this fantastic rescue to anybody. So thanks to Lynne and the team from us and Trina"

Tracey Kibble

"We have adopted two beautiful dogs from this rescue, one that would have been euthanized within the next 24 hours had Rescue Remedies not stepped in to save him. From our visit to the kennels and meeting with the owner it was clear that this rescue has each and every dogs best interests at heart, hence the application process can be challenging as each aspect of information presented is dicussed and sometimes questioned to make sure they are happy to proceed with that applicant for their dogs. Any good rescue will be doing the same. It is disheartening to see some poor reviews due to people's disappointment at not being a successful applicant (even if they thought they were). Rejection hurts, but I see no positive outcome for the dogs of complaining bitterly in a review without hard evidence that this is not a legitimate and caring rescue centre.....which it most certainly is. Please remember that the day to day running of the rescue is carried out by volunteers and the owner has devoted her life to this cause. Here are a couple of pictures of our ex Rescue Remedies dogs.....one chosen for us by Lynne at our visit to the rescue and the black greyhound who we thought would be a good companion for our first one (Benji). Love them!....thank-you Lynne and all the volunteers. Keep up the good work you do, it is appreciated."