How to Adopt a Dog

Before applying to adopt, please consider what these dogs have already been through.  Many arrive and adjust easily, but you have to be prepared that some need more work than others.  All dogs are stressed in the beginning and you will need to listen carefully to advice given.  They are not the easy option, but are so rewarding and are such loving dogs once given time and patience to settle and adjust to their new life.

If you wish to adopt a dog from SOS Romanian Rescues South West (SOSRRSW) please review the following:

Terms and Conditions for Adoption or Fostering a Dog from SOS Romanian Rescues South West

We will not rehome adult dogs to homes with children under 5 years of age (unless there are exceptional circumstances).  Rehoming with children over this age will be at the discretion of the Trustees.

There is no upper age limit provided there is support / back-up from family or friends.

The dog must live indoors.

Your garden must be secure, with a minimum 6ft fence or barrier.

It is a UK legal requirement that every dog wear a collar and tag with your name and address when in a public place, and that microchip details are kept updated.

Harnesses must be used for lead walks.

Your adopted dog must remain on a lead during walks until your dog has bonded with you and responds to its name.

You must be prepared to commit to lifelong care for the dog you are adopting.

The adopted dog remains the property of SOSRRSW:  if your circumstances change you must contact the group immediately.

We strongly recommend pet insurance. SOSRRSW is not responsible for any vets’ bills.

Enquiry forms and a home check are compulsory. SOSRRSW reserve the right to refuse any home that is considered unsuitable for one of these dogs.

All dogs are micro-chipped and spayed or neutered, and will come with 5 weeks free insurance. All vaccinations are up to date at the time of adoption. If the dog is too young to have been spayed or neutered then the adopters must agree to carry this out, a separate conversation will be had in connection with this.

Next Steps

If you are able to comply with the Terms and Conditions, please complete a pre-adoption questionnaire for your desired dog.  One of our home-checkers will then contact you and arrange to visit you as soon as possible.  You may not have the opportunity to meet the dog you are interested in before adoption unless they are already in a UK foster home.  If they are in the UK meetings will usually take place at the foster home.  If the initial meeting goes well then ideally the dog will be introduced to your home and your family over a few visits and / or walks.  We will then try to complete the adoption as quickly as possible, but there is no rush: we want this to work for you and the dog.  If we are bringing the dog over from Romania you can collect them at the earliest 48 hours after their journey (this rest period is a DEFRA requirement) from near Wellington, Somerset.

Once the full adoption fee (normally £400 but refer to details for each specific dog) has been received by SOSRRSW, the microchip will be registered to you and you will be provided with their passport.

Full support is provided throughout the adoption process and our volunteers are on hand for those first few weeks of settling in.  

Once adopted we will provide ongoing support and you know that SOSRRSW will always want to hear about how your new family pet is doing.

As a group we are passionate about the welfare of the dogs that we rescue and hope that you will be too.  These guidelines give you an indication of the level of commitment and care expected.

If you are interested in adopting a dog from SOS Romanian Rescue South West but have further questions please contact us through the contact page.  We also have a Facebook page SOS Romanian Rescues South West, a growing community of followers including successful adopters and a team of foster homes.

We look forward to hearing from you as a prospective adopter of a Romanian Dog.