Safeguarding & Welfare Policy

HomeWagger CIC is committed to protecting the welfare of dogs and supporting the safety of people who use our platform. This Safeguarding & Welfare Policy explains our welfare-first approach and how concerns can be raised.

This Policy sits alongside our Terms & Conditions / Terms of Use, Acceptable Use Policy, and Policies & Governance.

1. Welfare-first principles

Our work is guided by the following principles:

  • Dogs should be rehomed thoughtfully, not traded as commodities.
  • Rehoming decisions should consider the dogā€™s needs, the adopterā€™s capacity, and long-term stability.
  • Honest, full and transparent information supports better, safer matches.
  • Harmful or exploitative practices such as puppy farming and irresponsible breeding are not tolerated.
  • People using the platform deserve a safe, respectful experience.

2. What we do

Through the HomeWagger platform, we:

  • provide guided forms that encourage full and honest disclosure about each dog;
  • signpost users to welfare guidance and responsible rehoming information;
  • offer tools to help adopters reflect on their lifestyle and boundaries;
  • operate moderation and reporting systems to address harmful or inappropriate content;
  • collaborate with welfare organisations and professionals where appropriate.

3. What we are not able to do

We are not a rescue centre, inspectorate, or enforcement body. We cannot:

  • physically assess every dog listed on the platform;
  • guarantee the behaviour, health, or legal status of any dog;
  • attend homes or conduct in-person checks on behalf of users;
  • intervene directly in disputes or private arrangements between users.

However, where we receive serious concerns, we may suspend listings, restrict accounts, andā€”where appropriateā€”share information with relevant welfare organisations or authorities.

4. Recognising welfare concerns

Welfare concerns may include (but are not limited to):

  • evidence or credible reports of neglect, abuse, or intentional harm to animals;
  • repeated rehoming of dogs in suspicious or exploitative circumstances;
  • breeding practices that appear irresponsible, excessive, or illegal;
  • requests for dogs for clearly unsuitable or dangerous purposes;
  • users describing situations that appear unsafe for people or animals.

5. Reporting welfare or safeguarding concerns

If you are worried about the welfare of a dog, or the safety of a person connected to a listing or conversation, please:

  • use the reporting tools within the platform where available; and/or
  • email us with as much detail as you can at hello@homewagger.org.uk.

If you believe an animal is being mistreated or is at immediate risk, you should also contact an appropriate animal welfare organisation or authority in your area. If a person is in immediate danger, call the emergency services.

6. Our response to concerns

When a concern is raised, we will consider the information available to us and may:

  • review the relevant profiles, listings, and messages;
  • seek clarification from the user(s) involved where appropriate;
  • remove or edit content that breaches our policies;
  • restrict, suspend, or close accounts where risk appears high;
  • where justified, signpost or share information with welfare organisations, regulators, or law enforcement.

7. Safer rehoming guidance for users

We encourage all users to:

  • ask detailed questions and request relevant paperwork (for example, vaccination or neutering records);
  • consider multiple conversations and visits rather than rushing decisions;
  • use safe, neutral locations for initial introductions where appropriate;
  • avoid handing over dogs or money if anything feels uncomfortable or unsafe;
  • seek advice from qualified professionals (such as vets or behaviourists) when needed.

8. Children and vulnerable adults

HomeWagger is designed for adults aged 18 and over. Where we become aware that an account is being used by someone under 18, or that a vulnerable adult may be at risk, we may restrict access and, if appropriate, signpost concerns to relevant services or authorities.

9. Review and updates

We keep this Safeguarding & Welfare Policy under regular review to reflect learning, sector guidance, and changes in our services. The latest version will always be published on this page.

10. Contact

For questions about this Policy, please contact us at hello@homewagger.org.uk.

Last updated: 10 December 2025

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