Adoption FAQ's - NoToDogMeat Foundation

Adoption FAQs

Are rescued dogs and cats traumatised and do they need any special handling?

Rescued dogs and cats have been through many horrific experiences. Many of them are former pets. Some were sold to dog and cat meat traders by their owners, and some were stolen. Like all rescued companion animals, they will need love and understanding and will need to know that they are safe. After we rescue them, most cats and dogs are taken to animal shelters to recover. Once recovered, they are ready for adoption. Many of the dogs will need house training. We would like your adopted dog to be walked on a leash for their first month in your care so that they can become acclimatised to their new surroundings. This will also help them, and you, to feel safe and secure.

Why are you especially seeking to rehome larger dogs?

In cities in China, it is illegal to keep dogs taller than 35 cm shoulder height (about the size of a border terrier) so we try to find homes for these larger dogs either outside of city limits in China, or abroad.

Why do you charge to rehome dogs and cats and how do you justify the fee?

All our rescued dogs and cats need expensive medical treatment before we can consider rehoming them. We also have to adhere to the legal requirements in the countries they are flown to, and this differs from country to country. All dogs and cats being brought into the European Union must have a blood serum sample tested for rabies antibodies (after they have had their rabies vaccinations). There are also travel costs to take into account. Once we get down to discussing the details of your animal adoption, we can provide more information about the process of exiting China with a rescued cat or dog. Our mission as a charity is not just to rehome dogs and cats but to support our partner shelters in Asia and the animals under their care. Click here for current cost estimations.

Are the rescued cats and dogs friendly?

Despite everything that they have gone through, rescued cats and dogs are incredibly friendly. They still trust humans and are waiting for a second chance. Most of them adapt really well to their new families and any pets you may already have. We aim to make sure that, behaviourally, the dogs and cats we put up for adoption are going to be well suited to their new lives.

Do you rehome dogs and cats in pairs?

We try to place cats in pairs when they are from the same family and of the same sex. Most cats in China live in confined spaces (typically small apartments), so they have incredible bonds with their littermates, with whom they have lived all their lives before they are brought to the shelter. If two dogs have forged a special bond, either in their previous home or at our shelter, we try to rehome them together.

Will my dog or cat be healthy? Are there any additional costs that I will need to factor in?

We ensure that all adopted dogs or cats are fit, healthy, and ready to fly before we allow them to travel. They will be fully vaccinated and dewormed. The only issue we have found that may persist, mainly with the dogs, is a residual skin infection caused by diet and the environment. With good nutrition and regular bathing, skin infections soon clear up.

Adoption can take up to three months, depending on your new pet’s destination. The costs involved in getting a dog or cat ready to leave China include payments for microchipping, vaccinations, health examinations, and exit permits, along with transportation costs and the blood serum testing required if a pet is travelling to the EU.

Further information on costs and formalities is available on our blog

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