Give A Rescue Dog A Second Chance
Every dog deserves a safe, loving home. Our adoption process is designed to help us find the right match for both you and the dog, creating happy, lasting placements that set everyone up for success. Whether you’re ready to adopt or just beginning your journey, you’ll find everything you need to know below.
Adoption Process
Finding the right dog is an exciting journey. Our adoption process helps us get to know you, understand your lifestyle, and ensure the best possible match for both you and the dog
1. Meet Our Dogs
Browse our Facebook page to see dogs currently looking for homes. Each profile includes information about their personality, needs, and suitability.
2. Foster or Direct Adoption
Some dogs are already in foster homes within Scotland and can be met before adoption. Others travel from our trusted partner shelters once their adoption has been approved and transport arranged.
3. Submit an Application
Complete our adoption application via Facebook or email. Our initial adoption process helps us understand your lifestyle, home environment, and the type of companion you’re looking for.
4. Home Check
One of our volunteers will arrange a friendly chat and home check, either virtually or in person where possible. This isn’t about passing or failing. It’s simply an opportunity to ensure the environment is safe and suitable while helping us find the best match for both dog and adopter.
5. Welcome Home
Once approved, you’ll complete the adoption agreement and prepare to welcome your new companion. Our team will remain available throughout the settling-in period and beyond, providing support, reassurance, and ongoing guidance whenever needed.
Adoption Fee
Our adoption fee of £575 helps cover the essential care each dog receives before travelling to the UK, including veterinary treatment, testing, transport, and preparation for adoption
Our adoption fee includes veterinary treatment, vaccinations, blood testing, transport, and the ongoing support we provide to adopters. Every adoption also directly supports our wider rescue work, helping more dogs receive the safety, care, and second chance they deserve.
Each dog is prepared for adoption with:
- Vaccinations, including rabies and core diseases
- Brucellosis testing, in line with current Government guidelines
- Microchipped
- EU Pet Passport and medical records
- Transport to the UK
- Treated with flea and worm prevention
- Neutered (if old enough)
Ongoing Support
We’re here long after adoption day. From advice and guidance to our supportive adopter community and lifelong Rescue Back-Up, you’ll always have a helping hand when you need it
Adoption doesn’t end the day your dog comes home, our support continues for as long as you need us with every adopter being welcomed into our community, where you can connect with fellow adopters, fosters, and supporters who understand the journey. We also provide lifelong Rescue Back‑Up (RBU). If your circumstances ever change, we will always do our best to help. While immediate space cannot be guaranteed, we work closely with adopters whilst we arrange a suitable foster space.
Why Adopt Instead of Buy?
When purchasing a puppy or dog privately, the initial purchase price is often only part of the overall cost. Many essential veterinary treatments and health procedures may still need to be arranged and paid for after bringing your dog home.
Buying A Dog
When purchasing a puppy or dog privately, the initial cost is often only the beginning. Many essential veterinary procedures and health checks still need to be arranged and paid for afterwards, including neutering, vaccinations, microchipping, blood tests, and vet consultations. These additional costs can quickly add up, often reaching £535–£1,000+ on top of the original purchase price of the dog.
Adopting A Dog
When you adopt from Thistle Paws Rescue, your dog has already received essential preparation and veterinary care, including neutering (if old enough), full vaccinations, microchipping, health checks, blood testing, and transport where applicable. Adoption not only reduces upfront and ongoing costs, but also gives a rescue dog the chance of safety, stability, and a loving permanent home.
More Than a Financial Decision
Adoption is about more than cost. It gives a rescue dog the opportunity to experience safety, stability, and the love of a permanent home. Every adoption also helps support our ongoing rescue work, allowing us to provide care and second chances to more dogs in need.
After Adoption / Settling In
Bringing a rescue dog home is a joyful experience, but it can take time for them to adjust to a new environment. Every dog settles differently, and while the “3-3-3 Rule” is a helpful guide, it should be used flexibly as some dogs may take longer.
In the first 3 days, your dog may feel overwhelmed or unsure. They might sleep more than usual, hide, refuse food, or test boundaries as they begin to understand their new surroundings. Quiet time, gentle reassurance, and a safe space are especially important during this stage.
Over the first 3 weeks, they begin to relax and learn your routine. You’ll start to see their personality emerge, along with both positive behaviours and new challenges as they continue to adjust.
By around 3 months, many dogs begin to feel more settled, secure, and part of the family. Trust strengthens, training becomes more consistent, and they start to truly relax into home life, although every dog will progress at their own pace.