Safeguarding & Welfare Policy

HomeWagger CIC is committed to safeguarding the welfare of dogs and supporting the safety of people who use our Platform.

This Safeguarding & Welfare Policy explains our welfare-first approach, how concerns are identified, how they can be raised, and how we respond to reports relating to animal welfare, safeguarding, fraud, trust and safety.

This Policy should be read alongside our Terms of Use, Privacy Notice, Shelter Partner Terms, Data Retention Policy and other HomeWagger governance documents.

1. Welfare-First Principles

Our work is guided by the following principles:

Dogs should be rehomed thoughtfully and responsibly, not treated as commodities;
Rehoming decisions should consider a dog’s needs, the adopter’s circumstances and long-term stability;
Honest, accurate and transparent information supports safer outcomes;
Harmful, exploitative or irresponsible practices are not tolerated;
People using the Platform deserve a safe, respectful and transparent experience; and
Welfare, safeguarding and trust should remain central to all Platform activities.

2. What We Do

Through the HomeWagger Platform, we:

Provide guided forms encouraging full and honest disclosure about each dog;
Signpost users to welfare guidance and responsible rehoming information;
Offer tools to help adopters reflect on suitability and long-term commitment;
Operate moderation and reporting systems to address harmful or unsafe content;
Support communication between adopters, rehomers and shelters; and
Collaborate with welfare organisations and professionals where appropriate.

We may also operate trust and safety measures including:

Identity verification;
Organisation verification;
Profile approvals;
Trust indicators;
Moderation reviews;
Safeguarding investigations; and
Fraud prevention measures.

These measures are used where reasonably necessary to support safer rehoming and platform integrity.

3. What We Are Not Able To Do

HomeWagger is not a rescue centre, inspectorate, enforcement authority, veterinary service or legal adviser.

We cannot:

Physically assess every dog listed on the Platform;
Guarantee the behaviour, health, suitability or legal status of any dog;
Conduct home checks or in-person assessments;
Directly supervise private arrangements between users; or
Guarantee the conduct or future actions of any individual or organisation using the Platform.

Where serious concerns arise, we may remove content, restrict access, suspend accounts and, where appropriate and lawful, share information with relevant welfare bodies or authorities.

4. Recognising Welfare and Safeguarding Concerns

Welfare or safeguarding concerns may include, but are not limited to:

Credible reports of neglect, abuse or intentional harm;
Concerns regarding the welfare of a dog;
Repeated or exploitative rehoming activity;
Irresponsible or potentially unlawful breeding activity;
Requests for dogs for unsafe, unlawful or unsuitable purposes;
Fraudulent or deceptive behaviour;
Harassment, abuse or intimidation of users; and
Behaviour presenting a risk to people or animals.

5. Reporting Welfare or Safeguarding Concerns

If you are concerned about the welfare of a dog or the safety of a person, you should:

Use any reporting tools available within the Platform; and/or
Contact us at hello@homewagger.org.uk with as much relevant information as possible.

Where possible, reports should include:

Names or usernames involved;
Relevant dates;
Screenshots or supporting information; and
Details of the concern.

If an animal or person is at immediate risk, you should contact the appropriate emergency services, animal welfare organisation or authority without delay.

6. Our Response to Concerns

Depending on the nature of the concern and the information available, HomeWagger may:

Review relevant profiles, listings and communications;
Request additional information;
Seek clarification from users;
Remove content that breaches policies;
Restrict platform features;
Suspend or close accounts;
Escalate concerns internally for review; and
Share information where lawful and necessary.

All concerns are assessed based on the information available at the time.

6.1 Safeguarding and Verification Reviews

Where concerns are raised, HomeWagger may review information including:

User profiles;
Verification records;
Organisation information;
Platform activity;
Expressions of Interest (EOIs);
Messages and communications;
Previous moderation history; and
Related safeguarding records.

This review will only occur where lawful and reasonably necessary to investigate concerns and protect users, shelters and animals.

6.2 Welfare and Safeguarding Information Sharing

Where lawful and reasonably necessary, HomeWagger may share relevant information with:

Animal welfare organisations;
Rescue organisations;
Law enforcement agencies;
Regulatory bodies;
Safeguarding organisations; or
Other appropriate authorities.

Information may be shared for the purposes of:

Protecting animal welfare;
Preventing harm;
Investigating fraud;
Addressing safeguarding concerns;
Protecting users; or
Complying with legal obligations.

7. Safer Rehoming Guidance

Users are encouraged to:

Ask detailed questions;
Request relevant documentation;
Take time to make informed decisions;
Avoid rushed placements;
Use safe and sensible meeting arrangements;
Seek professional advice where appropriate; and
Report concerns where they arise.

If something feels unsafe or inconsistent, take time to investigate further before proceeding.

8. Trust and Safety Responsibilities

HomeWagger provides tools, guidance and safeguards to support safer rehoming.

However, responsibility for assessing suitability and making adoption, fostering or rehoming decisions remains with the individuals and organisations involved.

Trust indicators, verification features, profile approvals and moderation systems are intended to support decision-making and do not guarantee:

Suitability;
Honesty;
Welfare standards;
Competence; or
Future conduct.

Users should continue to exercise their own judgement and take appropriate precautions.

9. Children and Vulnerable Adults

HomeWagger is intended for individuals aged 18 years and over.

Where we become aware of concerns involving children or vulnerable adults, we may:

Restrict access;
Investigate concerns;
Preserve relevant information; and
Report matters to appropriate authorities where lawful and necessary.

10. Record Keeping and Retention

Reports, investigations, moderation decisions and safeguarding records may be retained in accordance with our Privacy Notice and Data Retention Policy.

Certain records may be retained for longer periods where reasonably necessary for safeguarding, fraud prevention, dispute resolution, legal compliance or the protection of users and animals.