FAQs
Why are some of the cats and dogs unsuitable to live with children?
Our decision is based on a case-by-case basis with information taken from each animal’s previous circumstances and the assessment made by our Centre team. We will only rehome an animal to a home with young children if the animal has lived successfully with children previously or if our Centre team are confident that the animal will be comfortable in that environment.
How many visits will I have to make to meet the cat/ dog?
As a minimum, it is likely that you would make at least two visits to meet with and bond with your chosen cat/ dog. In some cases, if the animal is anxious or has some additional behavioural requirements, we would insist on several visits before taking them home. It is also important for all members of the household to meet with the cat/ dog at the Centre, this includes making introductions with any other pets already in the home.
I want to rehome a puppy/kitten. Do you have any?
We see pets of all ages, breeds, and sizes, and on rare occasions this includes puppies and kittens, including feral kittens. Any puppies or kittens looking for homes will be added to our website when they are ready for rehoming.
Do you put animals down if they don’t get adopted?
Borders Pet Rescue will never put a physically or mentally healthy animal down, and where there is hope of finding their forever home, whether this takes weeks, months, or years, we will not give up trying to find it for them.
Do you accept donations of bedding?
Our dogs and cats are always needing soft bedding such as towels and blankets and we are incredibly grateful to accept these donations. If you have a large donation of bedding to give to us please do give us a call in advance so we can work out storage space as this is limited on site.
We currently do not accept pillow or duvet donations.
Do you accept used pet toys & accessories?
Yes, we are always grateful for donations of pet toys and accessories. We accept both new and used but please ensure that any used toys and accessories are still in a good condition. Your donation of used pet toys & accessories can also be handed in to any one of our charity shops (Galashiels, Kelso, Duns, Hawick), if we cannot use them at the Centre, our shop teams can sell pet items and raise vital funds for the charity too.
Does the charity receive any Government funding?
Borders Pet Rescue does not receive any Government funding and relies largely on our supporters’ donations, income from our charity shops, as well as fundraising events and activities.
Who can volunteer?
Anyone over the age of 16 who has time to spare and would like to use it to benefit our charity.We provide opportunities for community involvement in our work. Students from the local college can work at our Rescue Centre as part of their Animal Care courses. We also offer limited numbers of work experience placements for school children and for people who may be in need of support to start work for the first time or to regain confidence after a long absence from work.
What does volunteering involve?
In our shops, you may be asked to sort donations, price goods, work on the till, and create window displays. If you have experience in other areas, tell the shop manager as it can often be put to use. Volunteers get to make new friends, become part of a team and learn new skills while raising money for charity. Being a volunteer need not interfere with your other commitments. We will ask for a regular commitment of a set number of hours per week that can work around your schedule.
In our rescue centre, you may be asked to walk dogs, clean kennels, sit with and feed the cats, clean out litter trays etc.
As a fundraising & events volunteer, you may be asked to attend various fundraising activities including Borders Union Show, speaking with supporters of the charity to raise our profile and talk about the activities at the centre.
I’m on benefits – can I volunteer?
On Incapacity Benefit? You can volunteer without payment being affected. If you claim Job Seeker’s Allowance you should not be affected if you are still ‘actively seeking and available for work’. Whichever benefit you receive, inform your benefits agency if doing voluntary work.