How to Know if a Foreign Rescue is Reliable: 8 Easy Steps

I’m sure you’ve heard the horror stories about adopting from abroad, or if you haven’t, it is normal to be apprehensive! However it is relatively easy to find a rescue that is genuinely trying their best to ensure the best outcome for you and for all their dogs. If you have come across an organisation or a dog that you look the like of, make sure to do your research before jumping in too quickly. To ensure a foreign rescue organization is reliable, here's a detailed checklist:

1.     Rescue Backup and Support: A responsible organization offers ongoing support and a backup plan if the adoption doesn’t work out. This is crucial for the pet’s well-being.

2.     Health and Temperament Screening: The organization should have thorough processes to screen animals for both health and behavioral issues. This includes vaccinations, testing for diseases like Leishmaniasis, and observing the animal's behavior in various situations to ensure it’s a good fit for adoption.

3.     Matching Pets with Adopters: Trustworthy organizations don’t adopt out pets indiscriminately. They match pets with suitable adopters based on their lifestyle, experience with animals, and living conditions. For example, they consider whether the adopter has children, other pets, and enough time to care for the animal.

4.     Legal Status and Transparency: Ensure the organization is legally registered, preferably as a charity. This registration often requires them to adhere to certain standards. They should be transparent about their operations, finances, and adoption process. They should also provide clear, legally binding contracts that outline the responsibilities of both the adopter and the organization.

5.     Spaying/Neutering and Vaccination: The organization should ensure that all animals are spayed or neutered before adoption to help control the pet population. They should also provide full vaccination records and details on any health issues the pet may have.

6.     UK-Based Contact: If you’re adopting from the UK, the organization should have a UK-based contact. This makes communication easier and ensures that support is available locally if issues arise after adoption.

7.     Avoid Emotional Appeals: Be cautious of organizations that rely heavily on emotional stories or images to push adoptions without providing sufficient factual information. A reputable organization will balance empathy with a clear, rational presentation of the animal's needs and situation.

8.     Research and Reviews: Look for reviews or testimonials from others who have adopted from the organization. This can give you insight into the experiences of other adopters. Additionally, check if the organization is recognized or endorsed by reputable animal welfare groups.

By thoroughly evaluating these aspects, you can make an informed decision and ensure that the organization you choose is committed to the well-being of the animals and responsible adoption practices. This will help you choose the right organisation to adopt from, and hopefully will lead you one step closer to finding your new perfect dog!