HomeWagger Help Centre: Ethical Dog Rehoming Starter Guides (UK)

Welcome to HomeWagger — the ethical dog rehoming app built for compassionate connections. Creating an account takes only a few minutes.

Sign up using your email and password. During sign-up, you’ll choose your role: Adopter, Rehomer, or Shelter. This shapes your dashboard and the tools you see.

Before continuing, you’ll agree to our Code of Ethics. This is our shared promise that every decision puts dog welfare first. No selling. No pressure. No exceptions.

If you’re rehoming a dog, we know this can be an emotional decision. HomeWagger is here to help you do it safely, responsibly, and without judgement.

When creating a listing, you’ll be asked to provide:

• Basics: name, age, breed, size, gender.
• Personality & needs: temperament, activity level, support needs.
• Reason for rehoming: honesty helps adopters understand context.
• Photos/video: a clear main photo is required; extras help show personality.

All listings begin as drafts. Once submitted, they go through a quick admin review before appearing in the Dog Gallery. Remember: HomeWagger does not allow sales. This is rehoming only.

Adopting a dog is exciting, but it’s also a big commitment. HomeWagger helps you find the right match in a safe, supportive way.

Browse the Dog Gallery and filter by breed, size, age, temperament, or location. Each listing includes important details plus photos or video.

When you find a dog you’re interested in, you can express interest through the app. Depending on the listing, this may connect you with a rehomer, shelter, or the HomeWagger admin team.

If your interest is accepted, you may be asked to complete a vetting process. Shelters may use their own checks; individuals use HomeWagger’s built-in safeguards.

Your dashboard is the hub of your HomeWagger experience. It’s tailored to your role:

• Adopters: update details, set preferences, and track applications.
• Rehomers: add, edit, and submit dog listings; manage drafts and enquiries.
• Shelters: manage multiple listings and your shelter profile.

Status indicators help you see what’s ready for public view. Adopters complete required fields; rehomers and shelters submit listings for review.

Our Code of Ethics protects dogs, adopters, and rehomers. Every user agrees at sign-up. The principles are simple:

• No sales — this is rehoming, not profit.
• Welfare first — every decision prioritises the dog’s needs.
• Compassion — no judgement for rehomers; respect for adopters.
• Transparency — honesty builds trust and protects dogs.
• Safety — moderation and reporting exist for a reason.

If you see something that doesn’t look right — a listing, profile, or message — you can report it directly in the app.

To report: tap “Report”, choose a reason, and add any helpful details. Reports go to our admin team. We aim to respond within 2 working days, depending on severity.

Depending on the issue, we may warn or suspend a user, remove content, pause a listing, or escalate serious cases to partners or authorities where lawful and necessary.

Adoption is rewarding — and it can also be challenging. Many dogs need time to adjust. Common issues include chewing, barking, toilet accidents, or separation anxiety.

Your first steps:

• Use our behaviour guides in Help & Guides.
• Speak to your vet to rule out pain or medical causes.
• Consider a certified trainer or behaviourist.

If things feel overwhelming, reach out for support. In rare cases where a match isn’t right, rehoming again may be the kindest option for the dog.

It’s important to be clear about HomeWagger’s role. We are a platform — not a rescue centre. We don’t physically take dogs in or guarantee returns.

What we provide is:

• Safer connections between adopters, rehomers, and shelters.
• Moderation and review against ethical standards.
• Guides and resources to support before, during, and after adoption.
• Support pathways when problems arise.

Rehomers and shelters remain responsible for their listings. Adopters remain responsible for their choices. HomeWagger supports safer decision-making and safeguards the process.