Adoptia

For families and associations

Get to know each other first.
Stay in touch afterwards.

Guidance for preparing a responsible adoption, including when the family lives far away. Each rescue organisation's experience and protocol take precedence.

01

Tell what your real life is like.

Family and association need to get to know each other, not to make a good impression at all costs.

  • Talk about hours, time alone, housing, home people and other animals.
  • Explain your experience, usual activity, budget and support available.
  • Clarify what adult size and what needs you can assume, also in a few years.
02

Meet the dog beyond the photo

The match provides guidance to identify possible incompatibilities. It neither approves adoptions nor guarantees that dogs will never be returned.

  • Ask for walks, energy, rest, fears and observed coexistence.
  • Distinguish what is known from what has not yet been evaluated.
  • Request updated veterinary information and an understandable care plan, including costs and uncertainties.
03

Make an informed decision

We recommend at least one prior face visit whenever possible. The association establishes its protocol and retains the final decision.

  • Do not force interactions to check compatibility. Follow the entity's instructions.
  • Confirm the necessary checks of identity, domicile and coexistence on a secure channel, without collecting more documentation than necessary.
  • Before finalising the adoption, clarify the contract, handover, care, costs, follow-up and who to contact if difficulties arise.
04

Adoption does not end with delivery

We aim for lasting homes, not rushed adoptions that end in another separation.

  • Agree on the settling-in plan and when you will next speak with the rescue organisation.
  • Prepare a support for travel, disease or schedule changes.
  • If difficulties arise, ask for help early. If the dog cannot remain in the home, contact the rescue organisation and follow your agreement; do not arrange a new handover on your own.

If you live far away, several conversations.

You can use FaceTime, WhatsApp or another tool you are comfortable with. Video calls help you get to know each other and clarify expectations; they do not, by themselves, establish suitability or replace the rescue organisation's assessment.

First call

To know the family

Home, schedules, experience, other animals and expectations about size, activity and coexistence.

Second call

Knowledge of needs

Discuss the dog's routine, care, budget, available support and what you would do if difficulties arose. Show everyday situations without forcing the animal to interact.

Before the yes

Solve the pending

Open questions, proportionate checks, face-to-face visits where possible and delivery and follow-up agreements.

If adoption crosses a border

Confirm the requirements before the trip

Check the requirements for origin, transit and destination with the competent authority and the official veterinarian. An adoption may involve a change of ownership even when it is free: do not assume a pet passport or the rules for non-commercial pet travel are sufficient.

European Commission: movement of animals

Plan what happens afterwards

Agree on the contract, transport and handover, remote follow-up, local support and what happens if the dog is returned. Nationality does not determine suitability: apply consistent criteria and proportionate checks to each family.

Check with respect. Decide with criterion.

Documentation and references

Request only what is necessary, explain how it will be used and use secure channels. References also require transparency and an appropriate legal basis. Do not send personal documents to general network conversations.

Criminal record

We do not recommend requesting or storing criminal record certificates as a general requirement. Data about convictions and offences are subject to specific legal conditions; consent alone is not sufficient. The applicable legal authorisation must be checked in each country. A clear criminal record does not guarantee a successful adoption either.

GDPR, Article 10 · LOPDGDD, Article 10

Guidance protocol. It does not replace veterinary or legal advice or the legal requirements of the place of adoption and destination. Using Adoptia is free; animal care and arrangements with the entity should be clarified separately.

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