Part of the work of IWCT is to find suitable new homes within the Philippines for dogs we rescue. Our Adoption Programme has been established for several years. IWCT rescue dogs have successfully been adopted through the following scenarios:

• Word of mouth recommendation
• Seeing an available dog at a mobile clinic
• Seeing an available dog at our Treatment Centre
• Circumstantial, chance encounters.

Changing Times

We have been very transparent about our Adoption Programme slowing down during the pandemic. In the absence of mobile clinics and restricted numbers coming through our doors, there were less enquiries about adopting one of our rescue dogs. 

Now that clinics are in full swing again, (both mobile and at our new Treatment Centre) we are sadly still not seeing many dog owners willing to take on a rescue dog. In light of this, we have implemented the following strategies to ensure that we can continue to take on new rescues, without struggling with the increased running costs and still maintaining the intention of finding the dogs the forever home they deserve:

Adoption leaflets and dog “meet and greets” at the Treatment Centre:

We are fortunate to have so much more space at the new Treatment Centre. During clinics and consultations, while owners are waiting, they can read literature about our Adoption Programme. They can also go and meet the dogs looking to be adopted in their kennels or the Enrichment Park. This is a relaxed and informal way of introducing owners to the idea of bringing an additional dog into their lives. 

People visiting our Treatment Centre are often already dog owners and have some knowledge about how to look after them. Therefore we believe this approach is better than for example taking dogs to a shopping centre or mall to be showcased. Here members of the public may in the short term think that they want to adopt a dog, but later regret their decision which might result in the dog being returned to us. 

Giving responsibility of the dog to the rescuer:

This strategy, whilst still in its infancy, is proving quite successful. As there are only so many rescues we can take on, and with re-homing being a little slow, we now ask the individual who reported the dog in need of rescuing to take responsibility for it when it is well enough to be re-homed. 

The people who alert us to dogs in need of rescue are often educated about dogs as they have identified a need for help. They are also compassionate, caring people who would likely provide a good home. In the instance they can’t personally take on the dog when it is strong enough to leave us, it is their responsibility to find someone who can. An example where this has happened is when Jasper’s rescuer arranged for her sister and her husband to adopt him once he was rehabilitated.

Encouraging Dog Sponsorship:

When a dog is rescued by us and comes into our care, we are aware that the dog may remain with us for the rest of it’s life. Sometimes dogs have ongoing health issues, like Betty’s skin condition, making them unsuitable for adoption. These dogs will always have a happy healthy life filled with enrichment, supported by a good diet and care. To sustain this, we are encouraging supporters from around the world to sponsor an IWCT rescue dog. The sponsorship helps with the costs involved in maintaining the Centre and providing the dogs with everything they need to our high standards. 

Going online:

Improvements to our website has made it easier for people in the Philippines to access information about us. This includes adoption. Whilst we only allow adoptions within the Philippines, it is a big country and there are plenty of families further afield from our base in Concepcion, Tarlac who may wish to adopt a dog. Therefore, we have made a profile for each dog who is available for adoption, within the Philippines section of our website. We also have an enquiry form which people can fill out, who would like more information on how the adoption process works. 

We are optimistic that these strategies will facilitate the adoption of existing dogs, line up forever homes for new rescues and look after the long term or permanent rescue dogs. As always, to ensure we can continue to rescue dogs in need, we rely on donations from our supporters. A regular donation, however small, will enable us to plan for the future. We would hate to turn away a suffering dog, or be in a position where our resident dogs are going without.

Please continue to support us as much or as little as you can.

Thank you.