At Erin Hounds, we strive to match the right home to the right dog to maximise the chances of safe and happy outcomes for all. Being a small and flexible group we pride ourselves on knowing our dogs and the environment they will thrive in.

We care for many of our dogs in experienced foster homes to help them adjust from rescue/ kennel living to home living. Consequently we can give the new owner advice and helpful information about the dog’s behaviour e.g. in the house when left, out walking, with children, with cats, with other dogs etc.

It is testament to this approach that many of our new owners become good friends and volunteers along with their hounds (see our “Why Choose Erin Hounds” page).

We do  not work on the basis of  you  coming to a kennels,  selecting a dog and going home with it,  irrespective of whether the dog is right for you, or  if the dog is ready to make that big transition.  There is just too big a margin for error in that approach and can lead to upset...

If you like the look of a particular dog in our care, we will have a general chat about what you are looking for in your perfect dog and about your home circumstances. After this, if the dog we are focusing on might be suitable for you, then a home visit will be arranged with a chance to meet the dog if everyone is happy. We can also arrange for the new dog to meet any dogs already in the home to ensure they all get on well.

All Erin Hounds will be neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and to the best of our knowledge, fit and healthy. If, on the very rare occasion that a hound is homed unneutered due to age or health issues, the dog will be neutered at the earliest availability at Erin's expense and at a vet of their choosing. This is non-negotiable. There is a homing donation required. As Erin Hounds has been formed in response to irresponsible breeding and ownership of dogs in Ireland it is our policy, in most circumstances, that existing dogs in a home interested in an Erin Hound should also be neutered, unless there are exceptional reasons not to do so.