1. Purpose

This policy outlines Thistle Paws Rescue’s (TPR) approach to the ethical and lawful adoption of rescue animals. It ensures all adoptions comply with Scottish animal welfare legislation and reflects TPR’s commitment to the lifelong wellbeing of every animal in our care.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All rescue animals under TPR care
• Prospective and approved adopters
• Volunteers and team leaders involved in the adoption process

This can be read alongside the Adoption Contract, which sets out the legal terms for adopters.

3. Principles

We are dedicated to:

• Prioritising animal welfare throughout the adoption process
• Ensuring adopters understand lifelong care responsibilities
• Matching animals to safe, suitable homes
• Complying with the Animal Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006, microchipping laws, and all relevant rehoming requirements

4. Adoption Process

Stage 1: Enquiry

Potential adopters may enquire via Facebook or email. Applicants must be over 25, though applications from 21–25 may be considered if they display a strong knowledge and understanding of adoption.

TPR does not normally rehome dogs to families with children under 5. We may be able to offer expectations for dogs who have experienced living with younger children. Some dogs may require homes with older children or adult‑only households depending on their needs.

TPR responds with information about the adoption process and expectations.

Stage 2: Initial Application & Q&A

Applicants provide details about their home, lifestyle, experience, and future plans (e.g., holidays, moving). This allows TPR to assess suitability before progressing.

Applicants who rent must provide written permission to keep a dog.

Stage 3: Research & Quiz

Applicants must research:

• Common behaviours of foreign rescue dogs
• Decompression
• Trigger stacking
• General welfare

TPR provides digital resources.

Stage 4: Adoption Terms & Conditions

Applicants review and agree to T&Cs covering:

• Financial readiness (insurance, vet care)
• Welfare expectations
• Summary of rehoming policy

Stage 5a: Meeting Dogs in Foster (Scotland)

Adopters may speak with the foster family and arrange a meet before reserving. Meets must take place within one week of first contact. After a successful meet, adopters have 10 days to collect the dog following deposit payment and home check.

Adopters are responsible for travel to and from the foster home.

Stage 5b: Reserving Dogs Abroad (Romania)

For dogs in Romania, a reservation is made once the adoption agreement is signed and the deposit paid. Travel dates are arranged according to transport schedules, and adopters are kept updated.

Stage 6: Deposit & Reservation

A non‑refundable deposit (unless the applicant fails the home check) secures the dog pending home check. Deposits contribute to veterinary, microchipping, transport, and rescue costs.

Stage 7: Virtual Home Check

The Home Check Team completes a detailed assessment including:

• Proof of ID
• Photos of home and garden
• Live video walk‑through
• Confirmation of adult household members
• Vet practice details
• Discussions on behaviour, decompression, training, children, pets, transport, and legal responsibilities

If approved, adopters receive:

• A pass email with settling‑in guidance
• A Starter Pack
• Contact details for support
• Instructions for final payment and contract

Stage 8: Adoption Contract & Handover

Adopters sign the contract and pay the adoption donation. Dogs may arrive with:

• Medical and vaccination records
• Microchip details
• Passports (for Romanian dogs)

Microchips will be transferred to the adopter, with TPR remaining a secondary owner.

Stage 9: Post‑Adoption Support

TPR provides lifelong support for all adopted dogs. Adopters may contact the team at any time for advice or welfare concerns.

5. Adopter Responsibilities

Adopters must:

• Provide lifelong shelter, food, and veterinary care
• Have insurance or savings in place from adoption day
• Neuter/spay the dog if not already done
• Use only positive, welfare‑friendly training methods
• Inform TPR as soon as possible if the dog is lost, surrendered, or seriously ill

6. Returns & Surrender

If an adopter can no longer keep the dog, they must contact TPR.

TPR will attempt to arrange a suitable foster placement within 3 months.

Adopters must:

• Have kept the dog for at least 3 months
• Have worked with a qualified behaviourist (minimum one session) or obtained a veterinary assessment for behaviour changes
• Provide a behaviourist report or vet notes

A rehoming fee may apply.

Dogs must never be sold, given away, or euthanised without TPR’s consent (except in emergency veterinary situations).

7. Welfare & Safety Checks

TPR reserves the right to carry out welfare checks. If serious welfare concerns arise, TPR may reclaim the dog without refund.

8. Fees & Refunds

Deposits and adoption donations are non‑refundable, except when an applicant fails the home check. Fees cover veterinary, transport, and rescue costs.

9. Geographic Limitations & Transport

TPR rehomes within Scotland only. Transport from Romania is arranged to the adopter’s home up to Aberdeen. For remote areas (far north, islands, west coast), adopters may need to collect from a designated meeting point.

10. Complaints & Appeals

Concerns or complaints can be raised via email or Facebook. TPR will reply using the same method the adopter used to contact us.

11. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or when legislation or rehoming requirements change.