Thistle Paws Rescue

At Thistle Paws Rescue, we believe adoption is about finding the right match for both dog and adopter. Our process is designed to put the welfare of the dogs first, while making sure adopters feel supported every step of the way.

How Our Adoption Process Works

Meet our dogs
Browse our Facebook page to see dogs currently looking for homes. Each profile includes details such as age, size, personality, and any special requirements.

Apply
Complete our adoption application via Facebook or email. This helps us learn more about your lifestyle, home environment, and what kind of companion you’re hoping for.

Home check
One of our volunteers will arrange a friendly chat and virtual meet (or in person where possible). This is not about passing or failing it’s about making sure the environment is safe and that we can match the right dog to your situation.

Foster or direct adoption

Some dogs are already in foster homes in Scotland and can be met in person.
Others are adopted directly from our trusted partner shelters abroad and will travel once their adoption is approved.

Adoption Day

You’ll sign the adoption contract and, if your dog is still travelling, be added to our adopters’ chat for updates. Then it’s time to welcome your new companion home! Our team will be available with advice and support throughout the settling-in period and beyond.

What We Provide

When you adopt through us, you’re never on your own. Every dog is carefully prepared before travel and backed by our ongoing support:

Fully Prepared for a New Start

Every dog is carefully prepared before adoption, ensuring they are safe, healthy, and ready to begin their new life with you. They are: Vaccinated against core diseases including rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and leptospirosis, protecting both them and other pets. Blood tested in line with current regulations - including Brucellosis, heartworm, and relevant tick-borne diseases - giving you peace of mind about their health. Microchipped and travel with their official EU passport, containing full records of their vaccinations and test results, which you’ll keep as part of their medical history.

Honest profiles – We share as much information as we can about every dog’s behaviour, history, and needs. Much of this comes from the dedicated shelter volunteers and foster carers who know them best. Sometimes details are limited, but we will always be upfront about what we do and don’t know, so you can make an informed decision and be prepared for the journey ahead.

Support that lasts – Our team is here with advice and guidance for as long as you need us, from your dog’s first arrival through to years down the line. You can contact us directly through our Facebook page or by email, and our dedicated welfare team is always available if you need extra support. We also welcome you into our Thistle Paws Happy Tails community group, where adopters and fosters share updates, advice, and encouragement.

Rescue Back-Up (RBU) – We provide lifelong support and will always do our best to help if your circumstances change. While we cannot guarantee we can take every dog back immediately, we will work with you to ensure your dog’s safety and wellbeing, including fostering or rehoming support if needed.

Adoption Fee

We ask for an adoption donation of £525. This contribution helps to cover the essential costs involved in preparing your dog for adoption, including vaccinations, microchipping, blood tests including the new DEFRA Brucella testing, parasite treatments, veterinary checks, and safe transport to the UK. It also supports the care of dogs still waiting in shelters or foster homes.

Every penny goes directly back into helping more dogs in need covering food, medical treatment, and rescue costs. Your donation not only brings one dog home, but also allows us to continue saving and supporting many others.

💜 Why Adoption Makes Sense Vs Buying A Dog 💜

When you buy a puppy or dog , you don’t just pay the upfront price, you also have to cover all the essential veterinary care yourself. Here’s what that typically looks like in Scotland:

Neuter / spay: ~ £300–£500+

Vaccinations: ~ £100–£140

Blood tests (if needed): ~ £60–£300

Vet check / consultation: ~ £60–£100

Microchipping: ~ £15–£30

Estimated extra cost: £535 – £1000+ (on top of what you already paid to buy the dog)

When you adopt from Thistle Paws Rescue, your dog will already be:
✔️ Neutered or spayed (if old enough)
✔️ Fully vaccinated
✔️ Microchipped
✔️ Health-checked
✔️ Blood tested

✔️ Transport from Romania to your door (where possible)

All of this is included in the adoption fee, saving you hundreds of pounds, but more importantly, giving dogs a second chance at the loving home they deserve.

Our Promise

Always dog-centred – every decision is guided by what’s best for the dogs in our care.

Honest and open – we’ll tell you what we know, and be upfront when we don’t.

Here for the journey – from first arrival to years later, you’ll always have our support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I meet the dog before adoption?

If a dog is in foster care here in Scotland, yes - we’ll happily arrange a meeting.
If the dog is still abroad, they may travel directly once adopted, so a pre-adoption meet would not be possible. In these cases, we’ll share as much information as we can from the shelter or foster carers.

What if the adoption doesn’t work out?

We provide full Rescue Back-Up (RBU). That means if your circumstances change or things don’t work out, we’ll always step in to help. While we can’t guarantee immediate return in every case, we’ll work with you to make sure your dog is safe and supported.

Can I adopt if I rent?

Yes! Many adopters do. We just need written permission from your landlord or letting agent prior to the home check.

Do I need a garden to adopt?

No! We don’t believe a garden is essential for every dog. While some dogs may need a secure outdoor space (for example, if they’re known jumpers), many are perfectly happy living in a flat or home without a garden, as long as they get regular walks and enrichment.

We know some larger rescues insist on 6ft fencing or gardens for all adoptions - but we don’t. Every dog and home is assessed individually, because the most important thing is the love, care, and commitment you can give.

Are the dogs tested with children, cats, or other dogs?

We’ll always share any information we have from foster homes or shelter volunteers on each dog. If we don’t know, we’ll be upfront about it within their main posts, so you can make the right decision for your family.

What support do I get after adoption?

Our support doesn’t end when your dog arrives, we’re here for the lifetime of your dog. You can message us on our page, email us directly, or reach out to our welfare team if you need extra help. We’ll also invite you into our Thistle Paws Rescue – Happy Tails Club, where adopters and fosters share updates, advice, and encouragement.

After Adoption – Settling In

Bringing a rescue dog home is an exciting and rewarding experience, but it can take time for them to adjust. Every dog is different, but the “3–3–3 Rule” is a helpful guide to understanding their journey:

First 3 days – Your dog may feel overwhelmed, unsure, or shut down. They might sleep a lot, hide, refuse food, or test boundaries. Give them quiet time, gentle reassurance, and a safe space where they can retreat.
First 3 weeks – They begin to relax and understand your routine. You’ll start to see more of their true personality, which can mean positive changes (playfulness, affection) but also challenges (testing limits, showing fears). This is a key stage for patience and consistency.
First 3 months – Your dog will feel fully at home, secure, and part of the family. Their bond with you will deepen, training will start to stick, and they’ll settle into life as a much-loved companion.

✨Patience, consistency, and kindness are the keys to helping your new dog thrive. Progress isn’t always linear, there may be setbacks, but with time and understanding, most rescue dogs blossom beautifully in their forever homes.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’d like to find out more about one of our dogs, or if you’re ready to apply to adopt, we’d love to hear from you.

Message us directly on our Facebook page or email us at info@thistlepawsrescue.org

A member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible with the next steps. 💜