Adopting a Rescue Pet
Thank you for considering adoption!
Ready to adopt? The first step is to complete an application. Please note, completing an application does not guarantee adoption. There are some cases where the applicant could be considered as a wrong match, or that particular animal could already have applications pending. Applicants must be 21 years old+.
Please be patient and kind to us as we do our best to work through many applications and make perfect matches!
But BEFORE you complete application form, please read to see if you are committed to taking on a rescue animal.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Cruelty to animals takes many forms and can be found in virtually every community. The dogs who were found on the streets are often times victims of abuse. Ukraine and Belarus have very slack laws regarding animal abuse. Dogs and cats are seen very differently in those countries than they are in other countries, mostly seen as nuisances. The stories that you may hear about Paws dogs are terribly heartbreaking. Your initial reaction may be to rush out and want to adopt that animal immediately and give it a warm and loving home. It is this kindness that we all appreciate but before you do anything rash you must ask yourself “why” do I want to adopt a pet. There are a few things to consider:
THE WRONG REASON
Potential adopters must ask themselves, “Do I really want a pet? Or am I reacting with a sympathetic humanitarian response to the atrocity of animal abuse?” These are basic questions that have to be answered by anyone thinking about adopting an animal from abuse situations. While feeling compassion for these animals is a normal human emotion, it should not be the sole reason for wanting to adopt one of our animals. Adopting any animal is an enormous responsibility and entails a change in lifestyle. To enter into such an undertaking with an animal that sometimes may have health, behaviour, and emotional problems is something that must be given serious consideration. FINANCIAL Some rescued dogs may have medical problems later in life. Do you have the money to financially take care of an animal that has lived a hard life? Are you prepared to buy toys, food, dog training/ behaviour consultations, annual vaccinations/medical, etc. Rescue dog needs to have a commitment financially, so you need to be prepared.
BEHAVIOUR / EMOTIONAL PROBLEMS
Rescue dog requires investment of time and patience to “unlearn” bad habits and learn new ones. Many dogs even though rehabilitated at the home foster based rescue, take some time to recover after a long road journey to UK. They also then have to settle into a new environment they have never seen, smelt or heard before and deal with many frightening stimuli and new people. Adapting can take weeks before they settle. Your pet may be afraid of certain stimuli and you may have to help changing your animals fear & mindset with positive association. Take in to account that they may also be wary of you at the beginning and that may be hurtful when all you want to do is love them. Can you deal with that? Not all the animals have the above fears. Adopters need to show commitment, time and patience to help with any issues.
After reviewing the facts some people recognise that they really do not want a pet; they simply want to do something to help the animals. We have many other ways to SUPPORT US
ADOPTION POLICIES
Applicants must be between 21 and 75 years old to adopt. Maximum age is 75 years old if living alone (but happy to consider for fostering or sometimes for adoption of dogs 7+ years old). Valid ID should be provided.
Those renting or leasing must have a written permission from their landlord before an adoption can be approved. Any restrictions regarding type or size of animal must be disclosed.
We do not discriminate applications based on childrens age. We are happy to rehome our dogs with children, but it has to be with the right dog and with parents readiness to work on good relations between their child(ren) and the dog. It may take longer to find your perfect match, but we are dedicated to doing so.
We are happy to consider flats and apartments for appropriate dogs.
Our fence height requirement is 5ft minimum for all dogs no matter of age or size.
We do not adopt out dogs as guard dogs or “yard” dogs. Dogs are family, and must be treated as a family member. We require that our dogs live safely inside only in their new homes and receive adequate exercise and attention.
We do not adopt out animals as gifts.
If at any time you are unable to keep the dog or offer it proper care, it must be returned back to Paw Help.
No animal will be adopted to an individual who has failed to comply with the conditions of a previous adoption, including but not limited to the spaying or neutering of the pet.
ADOPTION PROCEDURES
Prospective adopters will be required to complete an adoption process, which includes:
- Pre-Adoption Application
- Video-call to review the application, discuss adoption
- Home check (home visit, or sometimes can be virtual, during video call +pictures and video)
- Upon adoption approval, adopters will be required to pay a deposit and complete/sign an adoption agreement which outlines the responsibilities of the rescue and adopter. This agreement is legally binding.
PRE-ADOPTION APPLICATION
If you wish to apply for adoption, please complete the online pre-adoption form below.
Before completing it, please read the adoption terms & conditions at the beginning of the form, and answer responsibly. Thank you