INFORMATION ON ADOPTING AN ANIMAL
"Before adopting a dog consider
the following"
1. Remember that a Dog is a long commitment. Have you really thought about it?
2. Will the dog be left on its own all day?
3. Do you have time during the day to spend a couple of
hours with your dog?
4. Will you have the patience to educate your dog when its
being difficult?
5. Will you walk the dog even in bad weather?
6. Will you get annoyed when the dog steps into your house
or car with dirty feet?
7. Can anyone take care of your dog when you go on
holidays or are ill?
8. Are you able to meet unexpected vet bills?
ADOPTING A DOG IN SPAIN. (We reserve the right to deny the adoption of an animal)
COST OF A DOG? - We do not charge for our dogs, but as from 1st April 2009, we ask you to donate a minimum of
150 euros towards the veterinary cost of an adult dog.
ADULT DOG
Before you adopt an adult dog it will be micro chipped, vaccinated and sterilised if applicable.
PUPPY
If you adopt a puppy e.g. under 6 months we ask you to donate a minimum of 90 euros towards
its future sterilisation. When the puppy is of age you may bring it back and it will then be sterilised by our local vet free of charge.
Should you wish to have the puppy sterilised (when of age) by your own local vet, please note that we will not refund the donation as it will be used to help stray/abandoned animals.
NOTE:
Unlike some organizations, we do not receive donated food in bulk or have visiting vets sterilise our animals for free or at a very low rate.
ADOPTING A CAT IN SPAIN. If it's an older cat, it will be vaccinated and sterilised and you may then collect it.
We do not charge for our cats or kittens, but as from 1st April 2009, we ask you to donate a minimum of 70 euros for a Kitten or a grown cat towards the true costs of veterinary and other expenses.
If it's a kitten you adopt then you can bring it back when it's old enough and it will then be sterilised by
our local vet free of charge.
Every cat that comes under our care is wormed, vaccinated, micro chipped and neutered. The medical bill for each kitten or adult cat can be from 50 – 100 euros each. This amount does not include things like other operations, food, cat litter, collars, flights, travel boxes etc.
Each long stay cat can cost on average 15 euros per month to feed, worm, flee treatment, cat litter... This cost does not include vet treatment for other medical conditions that the cat may have or may arise.
PLEASE NOTE
We do not receive any type of goverment or local authority funding to help
Stray/Abandoned Animals and we purely rely on fund raising.
Donations are always gratefull received
We ask you to read the following information to help you adapt
to the adjustments you and your dog will make while
becoming a hole family unit.
Dogs
Most dogs in shelters and rescues have been there anywhere from a few days to several months.
So even though when adopted they are going to a home with love and care devoted to them alone, they might have some difficulty understanding why they have "lost" another home.
Things to Buy Before or Immediately After the Adoption
Food, bowls for water and food, a leash, collar, and bedding. You can acquire bedding by visiting several garage sales. What works best are baby blankets, or thin blankets which can fit in the washing machine. Often cast-off, bulky comforters can be cut into quarters.
An ID tag
Some pet stores have machines were you can create an ID tag immediately.
Please bring a leash and collar with you when picking up your dog.
The Adult Dog
There are many advantages to adopting an adult dog. You already know the size and the disposition of your pet, something not known of a puppy. However, you do not know your pet's past. You do not know if he is housebroken or trained. He has had to adjust to different situations so it is imperative you be patient with your new pet and let him know and understand your patterns.
The first day home
avoid your new best friend from getting diarrhoea from a change in diet, give boiled potatoes with the new food. Works great. Rice also works but is more fattening.
Keep your new dog on a leash.
Show him where his water and food dish are kept. Show him where he is to sleep. When he is indoors be sure and keep him confined with you, taking him outdoors at frequent intervals to relieve himself. Take him to the same spot each time and praise him heartily when he goes. Until he learns this new routine he will have to be watched closely. If there is an accident in the house please do not assume he is not housebroken. He must get accustomed to his new home and his new routines. However, loudly say "NO!" and take him outside immediately. You must catch the dog in the act if the correction is to be effective. NEVER hit your dog if an accident occurs. Praise, not punishment, is the key to a well-behaved pet.
Period of Adjustment
The first couple of weeks you and your pet are "getting to know one another". He doesn't know why he has come to your home or what is expected of him. Please be patient with him and anticipate problems before they occur. Don't leave tempting shoes, clothing, or children's toys within reach of your dog. If he is left out in your backyard while you work, please understand the first few days will be rough on him. Try to leave the home with as little fanfare as possible. Tearful goodbyes do nothing but add to your dog's anxiety.
Things to Watch For
When he's first settling in, your dog may experience shyness, anxiety, restlessness, excitement, crying or barking. He may exhibit excessive water drinking, frequent urination, or diarrhoea. His appetite may not be good. If any of these symptoms last more than a few days, call your veterinarian.
Be Consistent
Your new dog must learn a whole set of new rules. Be patient and be consistent. If you want him off the furniture, don't allow him to sit on the couch "sometimes". Don't allow him to do something one time and forbid it another.
Obedience Training
A six to eight week class taking one hour of your time one day a week, and a training lesson with your dog 1/2 hour a day, will teach your dog the simple obedience commands so necessary in having a well-behaved pet. Just as we must teach our children manners, we must also teach our pet.
A New Member of Your Family
Within a week or two, your dog will have settled into his new home and his new routine. Some will take a little longer. Very few are unable to adjust at all. In most cases the dog will be a well-adjusted member of the family within a month. And well worth it, it will be.
In fact, you will probably have trouble remembering when he wasn't one of you.
