SO YOU WANT TO
Adopt a Cavalier
Here’s everything you need to know!
As an organisation that rescues, rehabilitates and re-homes surrendered dogs we are dedicated to ensuring all surrendered dogs are placed in loving homes that are suited to their individual needs.
Each of our rescues are unique, but if there’s a few things we know about Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, it’s that they are social animals that thrive on human interaction and have a love of food, toys and plenty of pats.
Before adopting a Cav, it's important to consider a few key factors.
First and foremost, these dogs require regular exercise and grooming, as they have long, silky coats that require regular brushing and grooming to prevent matting and tangles. Additionally, these dogs can be prone to certain health issues, which some of our rescues have already developed, including heart and eye problems, which can require regular veterinary care. Overall, King Charles Cavaliers make excellent pets for those who are able to provide them with the love, attention, and care they require.
Our Adoption Process
Follow us on FB
We post all available dogs for adoption on our FB feed.
Submit Your Interest
Download a copy of the Expression of Interest Form below or complete your application online
Assessment
Our rehoming team will assess all applications on a case-by-case basis, to find the perfect match for each pooch that comes into our care.
Interview
Our team will conduct a phone interview with our shortlisted candidates and arrange for a meet & greet at your property.
It’s a Match!
Successful applicants will be sent paperwork for adoption and processing of adoption fees.
Things to know about our process
Notice of dogs available for adoption will be posted on our Facebook Page when they are ready to be rehomed. Dogs generally only become available for adoption once they have had necessary vet work completed and temperament observations provided by their foster carers.
We will seek applications from potential adopters who are interested in each particular dog. The full Expression of Interest application must be completed online and submitted to us.
Our rehoming team will assess each application with a view to matching the dogs’ requirements and individual needs.
Only those applicants we feel may be suitable for the dog will proceed to an interview, yard check and meet and greet.
All Expression of Interest applications will be retained on file for future reference (so that you don’t have to fill out the form each time, as it is a purposely comprehensive questionnaire) HOWEVER it is your responsibility to contact us to put your name forward for consideration stating the date of your previous application, if you see a dog become available for adoption that you are interested in.
The combination of the dogs’ backgrounds, their surrender, the sensitive nature of the breed and of course, their mental and physical well being are all paramount in our selection process. Not every applicant is suitable for one of our dogs due to their sometimes complex individual needs. Each application is assessed on a case by case basis.
We receive enquiries almost every day from people who are interested in adopting a Cavalier. We can not predict when we will have a dog that will suit your particular lifestyle and your preferences, so we appreciate your patience.
Prior to applying, we recommend that you take some time to read through the Frequently Asked Questions below. When you are ready, allow yourself at least 15-20 minutes to complete the form and provide us with as much detail as possible. Should you wish to proceed, please complete an Expression of Interest application by clicking the button below.
If you would prefer to print the form and write your answers in before scanning and emailing it back to us, then you can download a PDF version here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Adopting a Cavalier King Charles
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The dogs we have in foster care and who may be seeking new homes changes often. Please read the information above for details of the new re-homing process. We no longer maintain a waiting list.
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As we are working with dogs who have been voluntarily surrendered or otherwise rescued, there is no way to predict when we might have a Cavalier that suits your circumstances and preferences. Some people have waited up to 12 months for the right dog to come along, yet others have been able to adopt more quickly. Keep in mind that if you are only after a particular colour, sex or age, it may take a little longer before your dog match comes along. If you are seeking to adopt a dog more quickly and are willing to adopt another breed, then you might like to enquire with other rescue groups.
Once you have applied, the process of reviewing applications, conducting phone interviews and carrying out property checks is time consuming and needs to work around both volunteers’ and applicant’s work and personal commitments. It may take 2-3 weeks before a dog is matched and rehomed to their new family. As we have a very small crew relying on 4 or 5 core volunteers, we may not be able to get back to each applicant individually, however, we will post a notice on our Facebook page once a dog has been rehomed.
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Please note that we generally only re-home dogs throughout Queensland and sometimes into far northern New South Wales. If you reside outside of these areas, search for rescue groups within your state or contact the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club in your state as some do rescue, or alternatively, there may be a breeder in the club with an older dog to rehome.
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The adoption fee varies and may depend on the dog’s age and their current or projected health issues. As a guide, the average adoption fee might range between $300 and $1750. All Cavaliers are thoroughly vet checked, desexed, vaccinated, microchipped and groomed (where necessary) before re-homing. Essential medical and dental treatment is also attended to.
We rely on the payment of adoption fees as well as community donations and we hope that people who adopt dogs through our organisation will continue to support our work in the years ahead as a donor and/or supporter of our events.
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Our team tries very hard to match each individual dog with the most suitable household – for the benefit of you and for the dog. We do not wish to unsettle the dog any further by moving them from home to home. We usually find that a trial period is not necessary, however, if there is any potential concern such as how your existing dog will adjust to a new family member then we are happy to discuss a trial period. The decision to grant a trial period is completely at our discretion. Please note however, that even on a trial period, the care of the dog becomes totally your responsibility and the adoption fee must be paid in full prior to taking the dog home with you. This fee may be refunded if the trial period is unsuccessful.