Help & Support

Referral pathway

Temporary Care

Support clients who are temporarily unable to care for their dog but expect to resume responsibility when their circumstances improve.

Use this guidance when illness, crisis, housing disruption, treatment, caring responsibilities, reduced mobility or another short-term difficulty is affecting the dog’s immediate care.

The pathway helps professionals identify the care required, explore trusted and specialist options, plan a safe temporary handover and protect the client’s continuing relationship with their dog.

Start a temporary care referral Open the client guide Professional overview

Professional overview

When to use this pathway

Use this guidance where the client expects to resume caring for their dog but needs another person or service to provide care for a limited period.

Common triggers include:

  • physical illness or short-term incapacity;
  • mental-health crisis or residential treatment;
  • surgery, recovery or rehabilitation;
  • domestic abuse or emergency relocation;
  • temporary homelessness or unsuitable accommodation;
  • bereavement or family crisis;
  • temporary loss of mobility;
  • caring responsibilities involving another person;
  • an unexpected absence or emergency;
  • temporary financial difficulty affecting care;
  • planned travel linked to urgent personal circumstances;
  • a temporary breakdown in the client’s usual support network.
Clarify the intended outcome

Temporary care means that the client intends to remain the dog’s owner and expects the dog to return to them. If permanent rehoming is being considered, use the Responsible Rehoming pathway instead.

Immediate action

Is the dog currently without safe care?

Emergency, safeguarding, veterinary and urgent animal-welfare procedures take priority over a standard HomeWagger referral.

Urgent warning signs may include:

  • the dog has already been left unattended;
  • nobody is currently providing food, water or toileting;
  • essential medication has been missed;
  • the client is being admitted or removed from the home immediately;
  • the dog is being left with an unsafe or unsuitable person;
  • there is a threat of abandonment;
  • there is an immediate risk of harm to the person or dog;
  • police, veterinary, local-authority or animal-welfare intervention is required.
HomeWagger is not an emergency boarding service

HomeWagger cannot guarantee immediate collection, emergency foster care or an available placement. Use the appropriate urgent route first and submit a referral separately where ongoing support is required.

Open urgent support guidance Contact HomeWagger

Initial conversation

Conversation prompts

Establish what care is needed, when it is needed and whether the client already has trusted support available.

Opening the conversation

You could ask:

  • “Can you tell me what is making temporary care necessary?”
  • “When would someone else need to begin caring for your dog?”
  • “Do you expect your dog to return to you afterward?”
  • “Is the situation planned, or has something changed unexpectedly?”

Understanding the timeframe

You could ask:

  • “Do you know when the temporary care needs to start?”
  • “How long do you expect the arrangement to last?”
  • “Is the end date definite or still uncertain?”
  • “What should happen if you need more time?”
  • “Is there a date by which the dog must leave their current location?”

Exploring trusted support

Ask:

  • “Is there anyone you trust who already knows your dog?”
  • “Could a friend, family member or neighbour help with all or part of the care?”
  • “Has your dog stayed with anyone before?”
  • “Would help at home be enough, or does the dog need to stay somewhere else?”
  • “What options have you already explored?”

Explaining a HomeWagger referral

You could say:

“HomeWagger can help clarify what temporary care your dog needs, explore safe options and support you to make a clear plan for the care period and your dog’s return.”

Then ask:

  • “Would you be comfortable with me sharing the relevant information with HomeWagger?”
  • “What is the safest and easiest way for them to contact you?”
Language to avoid

Avoid statements such as “You will have to give the dog up,” “Someone will definitely foster them,” “A rescue can keep them until you are ready,” “Just leave the dog with anyone,” or “HomeWagger will find somewhere immediately.”

Temporary-care principles

Protect the dog, the owner and the arrangement

  • confirm that the intended arrangement is temporary;
  • keep ownership and decision-making clear;
  • identify a realistic start date and review date;
  • match the care arrangement to the dog’s actual needs;
  • disclose medical, behavioural and safety information honestly;
  • agree who will pay for food, veterinary care and other costs;
  • record who can authorise emergency veterinary treatment;
  • agree how the client and carer will communicate;
  • plan what happens if the arrangement needs to be extended;
  • agree how and when the dog will return;
  • avoid allowing an informal temporary arrangement to become an unplanned permanent transfer.

Recommended pathway

Clarify, assess, plan, agree and review

Follow these steps when supporting a client who needs temporary care for their dog.

1

Confirm that temporary care is the intended outcome

Establish whether the client intends to remain responsible for the dog and expects the dog to return to them.

If the client is uncertain, explore both temporary support and longer-term options without pressuring them into an immediate permanent decision.

2

Identify why care is needed

Clarify the underlying situation and how it affects the client’s ability to provide care.

Establish whether the client needs:

  • full-time care away from home;
  • someone to visit the dog at home;
  • walking or toileting support;
  • feeding or medication support;
  • overnight care;
  • transport to another safe location;
  • a combination of different arrangements.
3

Check immediate welfare and safety

Confirm where the dog is currently located, who is providing care and whether essential needs are being met.

Do not delay urgent action

Use emergency, safeguarding, veterinary or animal-welfare procedures first where the dog or client is at immediate risk.

4

Establish the timeframe

Record:

  • when care needs to begin;
  • the expected length of the arrangement;
  • whether the end date is confirmed or estimated;
  • any relevant appointment, move or treatment date;
  • when the arrangement should first be reviewed;
  • how much notice may be available if plans change.
5

Explore the client’s existing support network

Ask whether a trusted friend, family member, neighbour, regular dog walker or other known person could help.

A familiar person may be less disruptive for the dog, but suitability should not be assumed solely because the person is known to the client.

6

Assess the dog’s care requirements

Gather information about:

  • feeding and toileting routines;
  • exercise needs;
  • medication and veterinary treatment;
  • behaviour around unfamiliar people;
  • behaviour around children and other animals;
  • separation-related distress;
  • handling, guarding, escape or bite concerns;
  • transport needs;
  • the type of environment the dog can safely manage.
7

Explore appropriate care options

Potential options may include:

  • care from a trusted friend or relative;
  • support within the dog’s existing home;
  • a registered boarding establishment;
  • a professional home boarder;
  • a dog sitter or regular dog walker;
  • specialist temporary foster support;
  • a rescue-linked temporary arrangement;
  • a combination of practical services.
Availability cannot be guaranteed

Temporary foster care and charitable placements are often limited and may have eligibility, location or behavioural restrictions.

8

Check that the arrangement is suitable

Consider:

  • who will provide day-to-day care;
  • other adults, children and animals in the home;
  • whether the property is secure;
  • whether the carer has relevant experience;
  • whether the dog can safely be left alone;
  • whether medication can be administered correctly;
  • whether the arrangement is lawful and appropriately insured;
  • whether the carer can meet the full expected timeframe.
9

Clarify ownership and authority

Confirm who owns the dog and who is authorised to make decisions during the temporary-care period.

The arrangement should identify:

  • who remains the legal owner;
  • who may authorise veterinary treatment;
  • who should be contacted in an emergency;
  • whether another owner or household member is involved;
  • whether ownership is disputed;
  • what decisions the temporary carer may and may not make.
10

Agree costs and supplies

Clarify responsibility for:

  • food and routine supplies;
  • boarding or care fees;
  • transport;
  • medication;
  • routine veterinary treatment;
  • emergency veterinary costs;
  • equipment damaged during the arrangement;
  • any extension to the planned care period.
11

Create a written temporary-care plan

Record:

  • the care start date;
  • the expected end date;
  • the review date;
  • the dog’s routine and care instructions;
  • medication and veterinary arrangements;
  • contact and emergency details;
  • ownership and decision-making responsibilities;
  • cost arrangements;
  • contact between the client and dog;
  • the process for returning the dog.
12

Obtain informed consent

Confirm that the client understands:

  • why the referral is being made;
  • what information will be shared;
  • how HomeWagger may contact them;
  • that a placement cannot be guaranteed;
  • that some services may charge fees;
  • that relevant health and behaviour information must be disclosed;
  • that they remain responsible for agreed ownership and cost arrangements.
13

Plan the temporary handover

Where possible, arrange:

  • an introduction between the dog and temporary carer;
  • controlled introductions to resident animals;
  • transfer of food, medication and familiar belongings;
  • written care instructions;
  • confirmation of emergency contacts;
  • safe transport;
  • confirmation that both parties hold the written plan.
14

Review the arrangement

Review temporary care at an agreed point rather than waiting until the expected end date has passed.

Confirm:

  • whether the dog’s needs are being met;
  • whether the arrangement remains safe;
  • whether the client’s circumstances have changed;
  • whether the return date remains realistic;
  • whether additional support is required;
  • whether a contingency plan must be activated.
15

Support the dog’s return

Plan the return carefully, particularly after a longer placement or where the client’s health, mobility, housing or routine has changed.

Consider:

  • transport home;
  • restarting routines gradually;
  • food, medication and equipment;
  • any behaviour changes during temporary care;
  • follow-up walking or practical support;
  • a future contingency plan.

Practical assessment

Temporary-care assessment

Use these areas to understand the dog’s needs and identify the safest type of temporary arrangement.

Food and routine

Record feeding times, food type, portions, treats, toileting, sleep and the dog’s usual daily pattern.

Exercise

Record walking needs, lead handling, recall, reactions and any exercise restrictions.

Health and medication

Record medical conditions, medication, allergies, veterinary practice details and treatment requirements.

Behaviour

Record behaviour around handling, food, toys, visitors, unfamiliar environments and time alone.

Safety concerns

Identify bite history, aggression, guarding, chasing, escape behaviour or other risks.

People and children

Record the dog’s known experience with adults, visitors, children and unfamiliar carers.

Other animals

Consider the dog’s behaviour around dogs, cats, small animals and livestock.

Care environment

Consider garden security, stairs, noise, resident animals, children and the time the dog may be left alone.

Emotional needs

Consider attachment, anxiety, unfamiliar environments and how the dog may respond to separation from the owner.

Referral considerations

Before making a referral

Confirm consent, ownership, timeframe, current care arrangements and the specific support being requested.

Referral checks

Confirm:

  • the client understands the purpose of the referral;
  • informed consent has been obtained;
  • temporary care is the intended outcome;
  • the client has authority to arrange the dog’s care;
  • the dog’s current location;
  • who is currently caring for the dog;
  • the required start date;
  • the expected care period;
  • whether the end date is certain;
  • the type of care required;
  • support already explored;
  • immediate welfare or safeguarding concerns.
Manage expectations

Do not promise free boarding, charitable foster care, immediate collection, unlimited care or a particular placement.

Information to include

Client information

  • name and safe contact details;
  • communication requirements;
  • preferred contact route;
  • consent status;
  • relevant accessibility needs;
  • emergency contact.

Dog information

  • name, age, size and breed or type;
  • temperament and relevant behaviour;
  • medical and medication needs;
  • daily routine and exercise;
  • behaviour around people and animals;
  • current location and care arrangements.

Temporary-care request

  • why care is needed;
  • required start date;
  • expected end or review date;
  • type of care required;
  • support already explored;
  • ability to contribute towards costs;
  • contingency arrangements if care is extended.

Information sharing

Share only what is needed for safe care

HomeWagger generally needs practical information about the dog, the care arrangement and relevant risks—not the client’s full personal or clinical history.

Usually relevant

  • client contact and consent;
  • reason temporary care is required;
  • required start date and expected duration;
  • dog details and current location;
  • health, medication and veterinary needs;
  • relevant behaviour and safety information;
  • care routine and environment requirements;
  • support already explored;
  • emergency and decision-making arrangements.

Usually unnecessary

  • full clinical records;
  • detailed therapy notes;
  • unrelated family information;
  • complete safeguarding chronology;
  • full financial records;
  • unrelated case-management notes.
Share relevant risk information

Medical, behavioural or safety information should be included where it is necessary for the temporary carer to protect the dog, themselves or other people and animals.

Written arrangements

Temporary-care agreement checklist

A clear written agreement helps prevent misunderstandings and protects everyone involved.

  • owner’s name and contact details;
  • temporary carer’s name and contact details;
  • dog’s identifying and microchip information;
  • care start date;
  • expected end date;
  • review date;
  • feeding, exercise and routine instructions;
  • medication and veterinary information;
  • emergency veterinary authority;
  • cost and payment responsibilities;
  • contact arrangements during care;
  • restrictions on transferring the dog to another person;
  • extension and contingency arrangements;
  • return-home arrangements;
  • signatures or other confirmation from both parties.
Temporary care is not a transfer of ownership

The agreement should make clear that the temporary carer may not sell, rehome, surrender or transfer the dog unless lawful authority has been expressly agreed.

Contingency planning

What if temporary care needs to continue?

Circumstances may change, treatment may be extended or the client may not be ready to resume care on the original date.

The temporary-care plan should identify:

  • when the arrangement will be reviewed;
  • how much notice the carer needs;
  • whether the current carer can extend the arrangement;
  • who will meet additional costs;
  • what alternative options can be explored;
  • what happens if the carer can no longer continue;
  • how the client will participate in decisions;
  • when longer-term planning may need to begin.

An extension should not automatically become permanent rehoming. Any permanent decision should be considered separately, with the client’s informed consent and a proper welfare-first assessment.

Open responsible rehoming guidance

Professional boundaries

What this pathway does and does not provide

HomeWagger supports practical dog-related assessment, planning, navigation and signposting.

This pathway does not replace:

  • emergency animal-welfare intervention;
  • statutory safeguarding;
  • veterinary assessment or treatment;
  • qualified behaviour assessment;
  • legal advice about ownership disputes;
  • licensing requirements for commercial boarding;
  • professional insurance or contractual advice;
  • police or local-authority responsibilities.

A HomeWagger referral does not transfer ownership, veterinary responsibility, safeguarding responsibility or financial responsibility from the client or referring organisation.

Staff should not promise a foster placement, personally approve an unsuitable carer, assess complex dog behaviour outside their competence or arrange an informal handover without clear authority and safeguards.

Related portal resources

Explore the underlying circumstances

Open the most relevant pathway where a particular health, housing, safety or practical issue is creating the need for temporary care.

Hospital, Hospice and Healthcare

Use where admission, treatment, discharge planning or end-of-life care is affecting the client’s dog.

Open healthcare guidance

Housing and Homelessness Support

Use where eviction, emergency accommodation or unsuitable housing is creating the temporary-care need.

Open housing guidance

Next steps

What would you like to do next?

Share the client guide

Send the client HomeWagger’s guidance about arranging safe temporary care.

Open the client guide

Request case guidance

Contact HomeWagger where the situation is urgent, complex or the available care options appear unsuitable.

Request case guidance

💚 The HomeWagger Promise

Temporary support. Lasting relationships.

A temporary crisis, illness or change in circumstances should not automatically mean that someone must permanently lose their dog.

HomeWagger helps professionals and clients explore safe, realistic temporary-care options, protect the dog’s welfare and plan clearly for the dog’s return.

The aim is to provide the right care for the necessary period while preserving the bond between the dog and their owner.

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