Pet Advice

Are the dogs vaccinated?
Yes! All of our dogs arriving from Romania undergo a thorough vet check before they depart. They are tested using a 4D Snap test for Heartworm, Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, and Lyme disease. Additionally, they are tested for Giardia, Brucellosis, and Leishmaniasis. The results of these tests are documented in the dog's passport. For deworming, we use Drontal. The dogs are vaccinated against rabies (as soon as they enter the shelter), DHPPI, Leptospirosis, and kennel cough.

Should I take my dog to the vet once they arrive?

All of our dogs are fully vet-checked, vaccinated, and have undergone blood tests before travelling, with this being signed by a vet. While the dogs may arrive slightly underweight, they will gradually regain weight over the next few weeks. This is due to the fact that they have been scatter-fed in their kennels in Romania, sharing food with other dogs, rather than receiving consistent meals. We recommend avoiding a regular health check-up at the vet initially, as this may cause unnecessary stress and could potentially slow down the progress your dog is making in settling in. However, if there is an emergency or any immediate concerns, a vet visit should be arranged. 

My dog is displaying abnormal behaviours such as coughing, panting, air sniffing, or itching. Is this normal and what should I do?
These behaviours are quite common and generally nothing to be concerned about. Many of the dogs we rescue have spent their lives in outdoor kennels in Romania, where temperatures can be very cold, especially during harsh winters. Coughing could be a result of the air conditioning during their long journey, which can take 2 to 4 days. Panting and itching might be due to the dogs adjusting to central heating, something they've never experienced before. Air sniffing is also typical, as these dogs are new to home environments and are overwhelmed by the many unfamiliar scents. While these behaviours are usually temporary, we are not professional vets. If you notice any of these issues worsening or if you have concerns, we strongly recommend contacting your vet for further advice.

My dog has an upset stomach or blood in their stools. Is this normal?
This is quite common, especially since these dogs have travelled for 2-4 days in a small crate, which can be very stressful for them. To help settle their stomachs, we recommend feeding them plain turkey and sweet potato for the first few days, though it may take longer depending on your dog's needs. Stress can also lead to some blood in their stools, which should gradually decrease after a few days. Please note, while these symptoms are often temporary, we are not professional vets. If the situation worsens or you have any concerns, we strongly advise contacting your vet for further guidance

My dog won’t eat or drink. Should I be concerned?

It’s common for dogs to feel overwhelmed and shut down when they first arrive, which may cause them to refuse food or water for a few days. This behaviour is normal, so try not to panic. Ensure fresh water and food are readily available and close by, and give your dog some time to decompress and build confidence. Keep in mind that these dogs are used to being scatter-fed in the shelters, so they might not be familiar with eating from bowls right away.

What documentation comes with my dog?
All dogs traveling from Romania will come with a pet passport or health book, as well as all necessary paperwork. Additionally, all of our dogs are microchipped.

How do I change the microchip details into my name?
The microchip details will be transferred into your name before your dog arrives. Please note that all dogs from ADRS are double-chipped, one chip is registered to the adopter and the other to us, ensuring we have backup contact information.

Can I change my dog’s name?
Yes, you can change your dog’s name. We simply ask that you inform us of any changes, including your dog’s name, so we can update our system accordingly.

Do the dogs get off the van during transport? How are they looked after?
The dogs do not get off the van during their journey, as this would pose a risk. The transport team is highly experienced and includes at least two people per van, one driver and one person to manage food, water, and change the puppy pads in each crate. The team takes turns driving and caring for the dogs throughout the journey.

My dog is showing signs of fear or aggression towards a male in the home. What should I do?
Many dogs from Romania may be fearful or show aggression towards males, as male dog catchers are often involved in their rescue, while shelters are typically run by female volunteers. We recommend that the male member of the household be responsible for feeding the dog and build a positive relationship gradually, offering treats and positive experiences to help the dog feel more comfortable.

How does the transport process work?
The dogs are collected from the shelters on the transport date and you will be added to an adopter’s chat that evening. This chat allows you to connect with other adopters and foster families for support. The transport journey by road takes 2-4 days. Once the transport reaches Calais, you’ll be added to a transport chat with ETAs and updates. You’ll also receive a GPS link to track the van’s journey, but please avoid chatting in the transport group, as it’s reserved for important updates only.

How often should I feed my dog?
Some dogs may eat quickly and others may be too anxious to eat. For dogs that are hungry or tend to eat greedily, we recommend feeding small portions more frequently. For those who are hesitant or stressed about eating, leave a bowl of food available at all times so they can eat when they feel comfortable.

Should I bathe my dog?
We recommend letting your dog settle in for a few days before attempting a bath. If they are comfortable with touch, you can use dog-safe wipes and dry shampoo to clean them gently. This can be a great way to freshen them up without overwhelming them.

What if we need extra support?
ADRS is always here to provide support. Our welfare team will contact you before your dog’s travel date and will follow up once your dog has settled in. If you need assistance, feel free to reach out or contact your welfare officer directly. We also have a wonderful community of adopters and fosterers who offer support and meet-ups on our Happy FURever After private group on Facebook. 

When will I receive the adoption contract?
Adoption contracts are typically sent out no later than 2 days before the dogs are due to travel. We must wait for the dog’s passport and microchip numbers before generating the contracts, which will then be emailed to you.