Frequently Asked Questions:
Choosing the right foreign rescue
Here at Balkan Underdogs, we are often asked by our followers what they should expect and look out for when adopting from another foreign rescue. So we decided to create this FAQ to help you to make the right choices, feel confident, and identify any red flags. So here are the sorts of questions you should be asking, and the rescue should be willing to answer these questions honestly, openly and in full.
What rescue back up does the rescue offer?
This is important in case anything happens to you or your circumstances drastically change meaning you need some assistance, or can no longer care for your dog or cat. Dogs from rescues with no rescue back can be vulnerable to abuse as they are sold or passed on, and are easily lost in the system. Ask the rescue to to explain their policy and what this means.
What health tests or screening do they perform?
The charity should be open about the health tests and screening they perform on the cat or dog prior to travel. And can they supply evidence, as well as a copy of the results?
Do they take the time to match you with the right dog?
Do they ask about your home and work life, and other lifestyle questions in order to ensure you are matched with the right dog?
Many people will enquire about a dog because of the way it looks, or as a result of heart breaking posts, but that doesn't mean the energy and temperament is necessarily a fit for you.
A rescue who latches on to the first pet you enquire about without asking those questions would raise a red flag.
Is the pet travelling from inside or outside the EU?
There are currently different government guidelines for each, which can be found on the Government website.
Timescales for travelling can be different depending on whether the cat or dog is travelling from an EU or non-EU country, so it is important that you ask the rescue where your potential pet is currently situated.
What temperament tests are performed?
The charity should be open about what temperament assessments they perform. What assurances can be given on the dog or cat you are looking to adopt? Remember that nothing is guaranteed, but you want to be sure the rescue are open and honest about any issues.
Do they advise on how to settle a foreign rescue?
You should also expect to agree to a homecheck. Also do your own research. Foreign rescues have their own set of needs which differ from a UK rescue. Take a look at The DOG's Point of View who have put together a brilliant page about settling in a foreign rescue. This great article by Nick Benger is another page we recommend, and talks about acclimatising a foreign rescue. We advise all our prospective adopters to take a look at both these articles.
Where is the pet's current location?
If the dog is in a shelter or pound, have the rescue talked to you about what to expect?
What support does the rescue offer?
The rescue should offer you support before during and after adoption.
Asking these questions and also looking at reviews will help add some assurances.
Has the rescue advised you on preparation for arrival?
In the early few weeks your new dog may experience some anxiety or behavioural issues as a result of the change in its circumstances, travel, etc. Are the charity being realistic with you and managing your expectations clearly?
Do you have a UK based contact?
You should have contact in the UK, as well as with rescuers abroad.
Heartbreaking pictures?
Last but not least, don't be driven by those awful pictures that you see online and jump in without doing your research first. There are some great informative articles to read to make sure a foreign rescue is right for you and your family.
Is the organisation a registered charity or not?
There are some really fantastic rescues that are not actually UK registered charities, but those that are have additional obligations to fulfil their charity commissions which adds another level of assurance.
Is there a contract or rehoming agreement?
If so, you need to read this carefully to understand your obligations. A good rescue will have a contract and/or rehoming agreement. This shows that the welfare and safety of all animals are at the forefront of the charity's objectives.
Will the pet be spayed, or neutered?
Or have a contract in place that requires you to do so? This is a good sign of a responsible charity.
If not- and if the pet is old enough, why aren't the charity undertaking this procedure prior to adoption? In our opinion, a responsible rescue will always spay or neuter an animal before bringing it into the UK.
Ask for LOTS of videos of the cat or dog
Does the rescue dual microchip?
The rescue should dual microchip register the cat or dog to themselves in case of emergencies. This is a good indication that they are keen to be responsible.