Evidence-based assessments of dogs, rescue animals, and prospective homes — with a full written report within 24 hours.

Independent dog assessments for adoption and fostering placements

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Placing a child into a home with a dog, moving a dog into foster care, or approving a family to adopt a rescue dog all come down to the same question: is this actually going to work, safely, for everyone involved? I carry out independent assessments to help you answer that with confidence.

I'm Kim, a Certified Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CCAB) based in Harrogate, working with local authorities, fostering and adoption agencies, and rescue organisations across Yorkshire. My assessments are independent, evidence-based, and written to a standard you can submit directly to a panel or case file.

If you're a family reading this because a social worker or agency has asked for an assessment, welcome — there's nothing to worry about. I'll spend time with you and your dog, ask some straightforward questions, and give an honest, fair picture of how things stand.


A small white fluffy dog running on a grassy field with a blurred green background.

    • Your existing dog — checked for safety and readiness before a fostered or adopted child joins the household

    • A rescue dog — temperament and behaviour assessed for readiness to be adopted or fostered out

    • A prospective home — suitability of a family or foster carer's home and circumstances to take on a rescue dog

  • Each assessment is carried out in person, at the home, and takes around 1.5 hours. I observe the dog in its normal environment, look at interactions with the family — including any children already in the home, where relevant — and talk through history, routine, and any concerns.

    • A 1.5 hour home visit

    • Direct observation of the dog and its interactions with the family

    • A structured discussion covering history, routine, and day-to-day management

    • A full written report, delivered within 24 hours of the visit

  • You'll receive a clear, written report suitable for submission to a fostering or adoption panel, or for a social worker's case file. It sets out what I observed, my professional assessment, and practical recommendations — nothing vague, nothing hedged.


    • Fixed fee of £499 per assessment, plus travel costs where applicable

    • Assessments carried out in person across Yorkshire

    • Written report delivered within 24 hours of the home visit

Work With Me

Why commission this assessment

A woman with curly blonde hair squats in tall grass, petting a white and brown dog with long ears. They are outdoors surrounded by greenery and pink flowers.

To arrange an assessment or discuss a case, call or email Kim directly — 07919 150223 or kim@kimberleygrundy.co.uk.

  • Certified Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CCAB) — one of the highest qualifications in the field

  • MSc Clinical Animal Behaviour and Welfare (Distinction)

  • ABTC Registered Clinical Animal Behaviourist and Training Instructor

  • Full Member, Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC)

  • Full DBS check and safeguarding training

  • Independent — no conflict of interest, an honest assessment every time