FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ABOUT US
How many dogs do we get each week?
Some weeks we get 12 or more dogs that we need to rehome. Council registration time and Christmas/New Year are our busiest times.
Where are we located?
We do not have a shelter. Each dog is in a different foster family, these are scattered around the Wellington area.
Where do we find our dogs?
A lot of our dogs come from private surrenders, we started because people weren’t taking many private surrenders in the Wellington region. We also get a lot of dogs from animal control, usually when they are found rehoming and nobody comes to claim them.
Do we take all dogs?
We assess all dogs before they come to us and don’t take any that have been classified as dangerous or menacing. If they develop or display issues once we have them we work with animal behaviour specialists and our fosters to help them with their issues.
Can you come and see our dogs?
We don't have a shelter or one place where you can see all our dogs. Each dog we rescue is temporarily rehomed with one of our fosters. Once you've filled in the pre-adoption form we will arrange for you to meet the dogs you are interested in.
SURRENDERING
How do you surrender a dog to Ellie’s?
Please complete the pre-surrender form. There is always a wait list for taking surrendered dogs so please give us enough notice as you can. We do not take aggressive dogs.
What do you do if you know a dog is being neglected/mistreated and should be surrendered?
For us to take them they need to be surrendered to us by the owner. If you’re aware of a dog being mistreated or neglected you need to report it to your local animal control officers (at your local council) or the SPCA.
FOSTERING
Who can foster Ellie’s dogs?
Anyone with a fully-fenced secure section, who either owns their own home or has permission from their landlord (we check this), can apply to foster. Currently we have foster families who live on lifestyle blocks and in suburban neighbourhoods. You don’t need to have a big yard, but you do need to have it fenced. Some of our fosters have other dogs, cats and children, we’re always careful to match the dog to your situation.
What do you need to be able to foster?
You will need to have the time to take the dog for walks and to help with their training. You need to make sure you provide company for your foster dog, either dogs or people - working from home, stay at home parents, semi-retired people or shift workers are ideal. Unless the dog is small we require 5 foot full fencing and the dog to not be left alone for over 7 hours a day. We also need you to be able to take good photos that we can share on social media.
What do we provide?
We will cover all costs associated with fostering our dogs, you just need provide loving care, a safe place and basic training. We can help with training if your foster dog has issues we need to work out (to help them find their forever homes). When you foster our dogs we provide food, leads, bedding, crates, advice and support. We send out a foster guide when you first apply. We have a Facebook group with resources and support. We often run group training sessions with our animal behaviourists in summer where you can learn the basics for helping your foster dogs.
What if it doesn’t work out with a foster?
Not everyone is a perfect candidate for fostering, we ask that you give it time, use our resources and ask us for advice. You need to commit to at least a week to give the dog a chance to settle. If you need to return them we need time to find them a new home before we take them from you. It’s not always easy to foster a rescue, but it’s hugely rewarding and we’re here to help.
How long do people foster each dog for?
It varies with each dog, it can be anywhere from a couple of weeks to six months. It usually won’t be less than a few weeks, because part of your job is to help them settle into family life and get them ready for their new home.
What do we need to do to become a foster?
Have a good think about it, talk to your family and make sure everybody is on board (and that you have your landlord’s permission if you’re renting), then fill in the foster form and we will be in touch for a chat.
Can a foster family adopt a dog?
Yes! As long as you own your own home, and you’re a good match, you’ll be at the top of the list for the dog you’re fostering and any others up for adoption.
ADOPTING
Who can adopt?
We’re fussy with who gets to adopt our dogs, because we want them to be safe and happy in their forever homes - and we want to make sure they’re a good match for you. You will need to own your own home, fully fenced to 1.5m and have the time and patience to spend getting your new dog settled into their forever home. Unfortunately we don't adopt to people who are renting, this is because 80% of dogs we take in are from renting situations when people have to move and their are unable to find a rental property that allows pets.
What happens when you apply?
Once you’ve completed the pre-adoption form for the dog you want, we assess all applicants and send the top few to the foster family for their opinion on who would be a good match. If we think you’re a good match, we’ll arrange a meeting with you/your family, including any pets, and the dog you’re interested in. If this goes well you complete an adoption contract, pay the adoption fee and start a two week trial to make sure the dog is a good fit in your home.
What is the cost for adopting?
The current adoption fee is $400 for a puppy and $350 for an adult dog and $200 for a senior, which has to be paid in full before you take your dog on trial. If it doesn’t work out, we can refund you, minus $50 admin fee.
What support do you have for people who adopt?
Once the trial is over, you can contact us at any time for advice, help with training or just to send us photos of your new addition. If you are thinking about rehoming your dog, please speak to us first.
Can we adopt another dog?
Yes, if you already have an Ellie’s dog we’d love you to have another one, as long as they’re a match. Fill in the pre-adoption form and we'll be in touch.
FINDING THE RIGHT DOG
Are our dogs safe/good with cats?
We often do not know, we try and cat test however it is recommended that introductions to cats are slow and controlled when unsure.
How often do we get pups?
We often get litters of puppies. All Dogs and puppies will be listed on our trademe page. Puppies cannot be left at home if you work full time and need a home dedicated to training them.
How often do we get Purebreds and non shedding dogs?
Every now and then we will get them. We also have a small dog waiting list.
Which dog is best for your family?
We make sure the dog you choose is the right fit for your family. We ensure you have a meet and greet with us and the dog and if that goes well you can take the dog on a trial to make sure he or she is the best fit for your family!
Why should we adopt an older dog?
There are so many reasons to adopt an older dog. They are usually already trained, they are past the puppy stage, they have so much love to give and they are harder for us to find a home for.
Why should we adopt a dog with a medical condition?
If you can afford to do so, it is very rewarding to adopt a dog with a manageable medical condition. They can find it very hard to find their forever home so you are really saving them.
What if our adopted dog has behaviour/anxiety issues?
We work with you to help you overcome these issues. We are very honest with any quirks a dog may have and you would have the trial period with the dog in your home to make sure they are the best fit for you. We have trainers who we can refer you to.
More questions?
Please email us and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
How many dogs do we get each week?
Some weeks we get 12 or more dogs that we need to rehome. Council registration time and Christmas/New Year are our busiest times.
Where are we located?
We do not have a shelter. Each dog is in a different foster family, these are scattered around the Wellington area.
Where do we find our dogs?
A lot of our dogs come from private surrenders, we started because people weren’t taking many private surrenders in the Wellington region. We also get a lot of dogs from animal control, usually when they are found rehoming and nobody comes to claim them.
Do we take all dogs?
We assess all dogs before they come to us and don’t take any that have been classified as dangerous or menacing. If they develop or display issues once we have them we work with animal behaviour specialists and our fosters to help them with their issues.
Can you come and see our dogs?
We don't have a shelter or one place where you can see all our dogs. Each dog we rescue is temporarily rehomed with one of our fosters. Once you've filled in the pre-adoption form we will arrange for you to meet the dogs you are interested in.
SURRENDERING
How do you surrender a dog to Ellie’s?
Please complete the pre-surrender form. There is always a wait list for taking surrendered dogs so please give us enough notice as you can. We do not take aggressive dogs.
What do you do if you know a dog is being neglected/mistreated and should be surrendered?
For us to take them they need to be surrendered to us by the owner. If you’re aware of a dog being mistreated or neglected you need to report it to your local animal control officers (at your local council) or the SPCA.
FOSTERING
Who can foster Ellie’s dogs?
Anyone with a fully-fenced secure section, who either owns their own home or has permission from their landlord (we check this), can apply to foster. Currently we have foster families who live on lifestyle blocks and in suburban neighbourhoods. You don’t need to have a big yard, but you do need to have it fenced. Some of our fosters have other dogs, cats and children, we’re always careful to match the dog to your situation.
What do you need to be able to foster?
You will need to have the time to take the dog for walks and to help with their training. You need to make sure you provide company for your foster dog, either dogs or people - working from home, stay at home parents, semi-retired people or shift workers are ideal. Unless the dog is small we require 5 foot full fencing and the dog to not be left alone for over 7 hours a day. We also need you to be able to take good photos that we can share on social media.
What do we provide?
We will cover all costs associated with fostering our dogs, you just need provide loving care, a safe place and basic training. We can help with training if your foster dog has issues we need to work out (to help them find their forever homes). When you foster our dogs we provide food, leads, bedding, crates, advice and support. We send out a foster guide when you first apply. We have a Facebook group with resources and support. We often run group training sessions with our animal behaviourists in summer where you can learn the basics for helping your foster dogs.
What if it doesn’t work out with a foster?
Not everyone is a perfect candidate for fostering, we ask that you give it time, use our resources and ask us for advice. You need to commit to at least a week to give the dog a chance to settle. If you need to return them we need time to find them a new home before we take them from you. It’s not always easy to foster a rescue, but it’s hugely rewarding and we’re here to help.
How long do people foster each dog for?
It varies with each dog, it can be anywhere from a couple of weeks to six months. It usually won’t be less than a few weeks, because part of your job is to help them settle into family life and get them ready for their new home.
What do we need to do to become a foster?
Have a good think about it, talk to your family and make sure everybody is on board (and that you have your landlord’s permission if you’re renting), then fill in the foster form and we will be in touch for a chat.
Can a foster family adopt a dog?
Yes! As long as you own your own home, and you’re a good match, you’ll be at the top of the list for the dog you’re fostering and any others up for adoption.
ADOPTING
Who can adopt?
We’re fussy with who gets to adopt our dogs, because we want them to be safe and happy in their forever homes - and we want to make sure they’re a good match for you. You will need to own your own home, fully fenced to 1.5m and have the time and patience to spend getting your new dog settled into their forever home. Unfortunately we don't adopt to people who are renting, this is because 80% of dogs we take in are from renting situations when people have to move and their are unable to find a rental property that allows pets.
What happens when you apply?
Once you’ve completed the pre-adoption form for the dog you want, we assess all applicants and send the top few to the foster family for their opinion on who would be a good match. If we think you’re a good match, we’ll arrange a meeting with you/your family, including any pets, and the dog you’re interested in. If this goes well you complete an adoption contract, pay the adoption fee and start a two week trial to make sure the dog is a good fit in your home.
What is the cost for adopting?
The current adoption fee is $400 for a puppy and $350 for an adult dog and $200 for a senior, which has to be paid in full before you take your dog on trial. If it doesn’t work out, we can refund you, minus $50 admin fee.
What support do you have for people who adopt?
Once the trial is over, you can contact us at any time for advice, help with training or just to send us photos of your new addition. If you are thinking about rehoming your dog, please speak to us first.
Can we adopt another dog?
Yes, if you already have an Ellie’s dog we’d love you to have another one, as long as they’re a match. Fill in the pre-adoption form and we'll be in touch.
FINDING THE RIGHT DOG
Are our dogs safe/good with cats?
We often do not know, we try and cat test however it is recommended that introductions to cats are slow and controlled when unsure.
How often do we get pups?
We often get litters of puppies. All Dogs and puppies will be listed on our trademe page. Puppies cannot be left at home if you work full time and need a home dedicated to training them.
How often do we get Purebreds and non shedding dogs?
Every now and then we will get them. We also have a small dog waiting list.
Which dog is best for your family?
We make sure the dog you choose is the right fit for your family. We ensure you have a meet and greet with us and the dog and if that goes well you can take the dog on a trial to make sure he or she is the best fit for your family!
Why should we adopt an older dog?
There are so many reasons to adopt an older dog. They are usually already trained, they are past the puppy stage, they have so much love to give and they are harder for us to find a home for.
Why should we adopt a dog with a medical condition?
If you can afford to do so, it is very rewarding to adopt a dog with a manageable medical condition. They can find it very hard to find their forever home so you are really saving them.
What if our adopted dog has behaviour/anxiety issues?
We work with you to help you overcome these issues. We are very honest with any quirks a dog may have and you would have the trial period with the dog in your home to make sure they are the best fit for you. We have trainers who we can refer you to.
More questions?
Please email us and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
