FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I apply to adopt?

Please download an application form from our website and email to admin@rockyroadrescue.co.uk or apply via our online form here

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Will I need to have a home check?

Yes, we conduct a home check for every potential adopter to ensure that we are placing our animals in the right homes. There are no exceptions to this policy.

You will be required to provide a valid photo ID during your virtual home check and send photos of your home to the home checker.

 

Do you rehome to people in flats?

Yes, we do consider rehoming both cats and dogs to individuals living in flats. Each application is evaluated on a case-by-case basis to ensure the most suitable match for both the pet and the adopter.

 

Do you rehome to families with children?

Yes, but due to the uncertainty regarding the background of the dogs, we treat all applications on a case-by-case basis.

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Do you rehome to first time owners?

We evaluate each application individually. Experience with dogs is essential.

 

What is your adoption fee?

• Puppies and dogs up to age 8: £525

• Dogs aged 8 and older: £350

• Cats: £295

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A £50 non-refundable deposit is required to book your home check. This amount will be deducted from your final adoption fee.

 

I can’t afford to pay the donation in one go. Can I set up a payment plan?

We understand that finances can be a concern. While we do not routinely offer payment plans for adoption fees, exceptions may be considered at the discretion of RRR.

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Will my dog or puppy be housetrained?

Unless otherwise stated in the dog’s profile, please assume that the dog will not be housetrained. Many of our dogs come from environments in Romania where they are typically kept outdoors, so adopters should be prepared to commit to their housetraining.

 

Will my dog be lead trained?

Unless otherwise stated in the dog’s profile, please assume your dog is not lead trained and will need to be gradually introduced to walking on a lead. In Romania, dogs are rarely walked, so this may be a new experience for them. We strongly recommend using a harness in combination with a lead, as some dogs may have been caught by dog catchers using a pole and noose. Being pulled by the neck can trigger traumatic memories for them.

 

Is my animal in the uk?

Unless otherwise stated in the animal’s profile, all of our animals are currently in foster care in Romania. Once adopted, they will travel directly to their new homes in the UK.

 

Can the animal go into foster first so I can see what they’re like in a home?

We’re unable to offer foster placements for this purpose. Our foster homes are reserved for the animals most in need—those who are being consistently overlooked or are struggling to cope in kennels. Each animal is carefully assessed to determine whether they are suitable for direct adoption, and we provide as much information as possible to help you make an informed decision.

 

Do they live in a house in Romania?

No, all of our cats and dogs are cared for in foster settings in Romania. These can range from foster kennels to veterinary fosters, which offer a more home-like environment.

 

Are they spayed/castrated?

If the dog is between 6 months and 8 years old, they will be spayed or castrated. In some cases, there may be circumstances where this is not possible, and in such instances, it will be the adopter's responsibility to have the dog neutered when they are of appropriate age. Dogs over 8 years old will not be neutered.

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For cats, they will be neutered from 4 months of age.

 

What if I don’t bond with them, can I give them back?

We ask that all adopters make a lifelong commitment to the animals they adopt. If you have concerns about bonding, we would advise carefully considering whether adopting a dog from abroad is the right choice for you. We want to ensure a stable and loving environment for the animals in our care.

 

Do you provide rescue back up ?

Yes, we offer rescue backup for all of our animals. However, we do expect adopters to explore all possible avenues and make every effort to resolve any issues before returning the dog to the organization. Our goal is to ensure that both the animal and adopter have the best possible experience.

 

What if my resident animal does not like them?

We expect adopters to carefully consider whether their current pet will accept a new companion. While we can offer guidance on sensible introductions, it is ultimately the adopter’s responsibility to ensure their pet is ready for another animal in the home. We recommend taking time to assess your pet’s temperament and readiness for a new companion before proceeding with adoption.

 

Can you cat test?

Some of our dogs have been cat-tested, and this information is included in their profile. If you're interested in a specific dog that has not yet been cat-tested, you can contact RRR to inquire whether it would be possible to conduct a cat test for that particular dog.

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Can you child test?

If a dog has been child-tested, this information will be noted in their profile. Unfortunately, we are unable to conduct child tests for dogs in Romania, as it is not safe to bring children into the shelter environment.

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As for our cats, the majority are generally child-friendly. If a cat requires a quiet, adult-only home, this will be clearly stated in their profile.

 

Will my animal be vaccinated?

Please see vaccination information here.

 

What tests are conducted on the animals?

For dogs, we conduct a Brucellosis test by sending a blood sample to the APHA lab prior to travel, where it is tested for iELISA (antibodies) and SAT (active disease), as well as a snap test conducted in Romania.

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Additionally, we test all our dogs for Leishmania and 4Dx (canine). The 4Dx test screens for four common tick-borne diseases: Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi), Ehrlichiosis (Ehrlichia canis), Anaplasmosis (Anaplasma phagocytophilum), and Babesiosis (Babesia canis)

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For cats, we test for Leukaemia and FIV to ensure their health and well-being.

 

Can I meet my animal before I make a decision to adopt?

We do have some dogs and cats in foster care in the UK that are available for adoption. However, we are unable to arrange meet-and-greets on request for animals that are still in Romania. Decisions to adopt are made based on the available information and assessments of the animal's needs.

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Do you know my dog's breed?

Most of our dogs are mixed breeds, and unfortunately, we cannot determine their exact breed. While we enjoy speculating alongside you, we do not have any definitive information regarding their breed. If you are specifically looking for a purebred dog, we may not be the right organization for you. The same applies to our cats.

 

How big will my puppy grow?

Estimating the adult size of a puppy can be challenging, especially without knowing the size of both parents, which is very rare. In most cases, we provide an estimate based on the puppy's current size and breed characteristics. However, please keep in mind that puppies can experience a growth spurt around 8 months old, which may surprise even the most experienced dog specialists.

 

How will my animal get to me?

Your dog or cat will travel via a fully equipped, DEFRA-approved transport vehicle across Europe to the UK. Upon arrival, the animal will be delivered directly to your door for a smooth transition into their new home.

 

Are you available to give me advice and guidance?

Yes, we will always do our best to support you. We recommend doing your own research and reading as well.

For insight into the life of dogs in Romania, we suggest watching the following documentary on YouTube:

Youtube- The Pack Project-Speranta (hope) The Street Dogs Feat. Rosie Marcel.

This documentary, produced by another organization, provides a clear view of life for street dogs in Romania.

 

Can you give me some more history on the dog/cat?

Most of our dogs have been caught by dog catchers or brought up on the streets, or surrendered by their owners. If we have additional background information, it will be provided in the dog’s album. Cats are often abandoned, and we generally do not know their background unless they were born in our care.

 

Is the age of my dog/cat  accurate?

Our experienced vets in Romania estimate the animals' age based on their teeth. The date on their passport is an approximation, as we cannot know the exact birth date of most animals.

 

What food is my dog eating in Romania?

In Romania, our dogs are fed a brand called Cookie, which is a basic, good-quality food commonly available there, though it is not sold in the UK. Due to the stress of transport, many dogs experience stress colitis, so we recommend starting with plain boiled chicken and rice, or tinned Chappie. You can then gradually transition them to your preferred food.

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For cats, we also recommend starting with plain food such as white fish and chicken before transitioning to their regular diet.