AAR ADOPTION PROCESS
Thank you so much for thinking about adopting one of our rescue animals. We have many in our care; all types, shapes and sizes. We’re sure you’ll find one you’ll love!
To ensure we make the best matches, we follow a 9 step process which enables us find you your ideal pet as quickly, and as responsibly, as possible.
Before we get started, please be aware:
· you must be over 18 to adopt from us
· you cannot adopt from us if you want to use animals for breeding, hunting or as guard dogs
· most of our animals can be adopted anywhere in Europe
· all of our animals are Vet checked and treated for worms, fleas and ticks. Adults are neutered/castrated (unless there is a medical reason not to). Dogs over 4 months of age are blood tested for Leishmaniasis and Mediterranean diseases. Any treatment required is undertaken by us and we will provide you with full details of ongoing medical needs. If your dog is Leish positive, you will need to undertake annual blood tests.
· if transport is needed to get your chosen animal to you, we can give you a quote and organise the journey on your behalf. The cost of travel goes direct to the transport company.
Step 1: Get the ball rolling
Contact us, either with a general enquiry or if you’ve fallen in love with a particular animal that you’ve seen on our website or met with their foster carer
Step 2: Speak with a Caseworker
One of our rehoming Caseworkers will contact you. They will be able to answer any questions you have, explain our adoption process and most importantly, tell you about our animals or the particular dog/cat you’re interested in. The majority of our animals are in loving foster homes so we have a lot ofdetailed information about their character and little quirks; what they’re like with other animals and children etc. Our kennel dogs are also well socialised with our volunteer Kennel Angels (who regularly visit and take them out and about, play, cuddle and train them).
Step 3: Take your pick
Once we have identified some suitable options for you and your lifestyle, we will send you pictures, videos and information. You can speak with the relevant foster carer or kennel manager, who will be able to tell you much more about their character and personality. If you are local then you can arrange to visit.
Step 4: Home check
Home checks are undertaken for all potential adopters, regardless of where you live. We work with a number of other organisations and volunteers who do these on our behalf. The home check is a physical visit to your home and also an opportunity for us to get to know you better. The animals in our care are all precious and it is important for us to get to know potential adopters .
Step 5: Reserve your dog
If the home check is successful, a 50 euro deposit will reserve your chosen dog/pup; 10 euros for cats/kittens. We will then work with you to organise transport, if necessary. You may need to wait a few weeks for an animal to be ready to travel. During that time you will be in regular contact with the animal’s Caseworker and their fosterer who will give you updates and pictures.
Step 6: Contract
We will issue the adoption contract which details both your and our commitment to the adopted animal. If an animal is too young to be neutered prior to adoption then the contract specifies that you will get this done as soon as your Vet is happy to do so.
Step 7: Donation
We do ask for an adoption donation to enable us to continue helping animals in need. Whilst an animal is in our care all its vet fees, food, equipment (leads, toys, bedding etc.) are paid by AAR, via the donations we receive. Some of the animals in our care need more extensive vet treatment, surgery and even training. The amounts we ask for don’t even cover basic costs (e.g. it can be as much as 120 euros to neuter a large female dog). However, the donations do enable us to continue our work. We ask:
· Adult dogs (neutered) - 150 euros towards jabs, rabies, microchip, passport and castration/neutering
· Puppies – 100 euros towards puppy jabs, rabies, microchip and passport
· Cats and kittens – a donation of your choosing.
If you are rehoming a puppy that has not yet had all its injections, then we will adjust the donation accordingly. If a deposit has been paid this should be deducted from the above figures.
We ask for the donation to be paid prior to the adoption (at least 21 days before). In some cases we can arrange a payment plan to spread the cost. In some cases, for example, where an animal has been in our care for a long time, or has ongoing health issues, we will waive the adoption donation. Ultimately, a long term and happy forever home is the priority.
Step 8: Home sweet home
Finally, your chosen pet arrives at your home. This is such a heart-warming and wonderful time for us; to see an animal, who was in our care, happy in their new home. The Caseworker will give you all the advice and guidance they can about settling in your pet. We have a post adoption follow-up schedule and will remain in contact with you during this period to provide any advice and help you may need. In return, we love to receive pictures and stories about how your new arrival is doing!
Step 9: Ongoing support
Naturally, we hope your new arrival settles in quickly and happily. In the vast majority of cases, adoptions work out wonderfully well. However, from time to time, some animals need a little more support. If you do experience any problems please contact us straight away (don’t wait until there is a significant issue). We will do everything we can to help you overcome the problem.