Thistle Paws Rescue (TPR) Adoption Policy

Purpose

This policy sets out TPR’s approach to the adoption of rescue animals. It ensures all adoptions are conducted ethically, legally, and in line with Scottish animal welfare legislation, and reflects TPR’s commitment to the lifelong wellbeing of every animal.

Scope

This policy applies to:

• All rescue animals under TPR care

• Prospective and approved adopters

• Volunteers and team leaders involved in the adoption process

It should be read alongside the Adoption Contract, which sets out the legal terms for adopters.

Principles

TPR is committed to:

• Prioritising animal welfare throughout the adoption process

• Ensuring adopters understand lifelong care responsibilities

• Matching animals to safe and suitable homes

• Complying with the Animal Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006, microchipping laws, and relevant rehoming requirements
  
  

Adoption Process

Stage 1: Enquiry

• Potential adopters may enquire via Facebook or email.

• Applicants must be over 25; however, TPR may consider applications from 21–25 if they show suitable knowledge and understanding of owning a dog.

• TPR does not normally rehome dogs to families with children under 5. On rare occasions, if a dog has proven experience living safely with very young children, we may consider it but this is unusual. Some dogs may also require homes with older children only, or adult-only households, depending on their individual needs and assessments. 

• We respond with information about the adoption process and expectations.
  
  

Stage 2: Initial Application & Q&A

• Applicants provide details about their home, experience, lifestyle, and future plans (e.g. holidays, moving home).

• This helps assess suitability before proceeding.

• TPR will require proof of permission to own a dog if the  applicant rents their home.
  
  

Stage 3: Research & Quiz

• Applicants are required to research common behaviours that foreign rescue dogs may display, decompression, trigger stacking, and general welfare. TPR provides digital resources.

• Applicants may be asked questions on this research to test knowledge and commitment.
  
  

Stage 4: Adoption Terms & Conditions

• Applicants review and agree to Adoption T&Cs, covering:

  • Financial readiness (insurance, vet care)

  • Care and welfare expectations

  • Summary of the rehoming policy
    
    

Stage 5a: Meeting Dogs in Foster

• Adopters may speak directly with the foster family and arrange to meet the dog before reserving them.

• Meets must take place within one week of first contact with the foster family.

• Adopters then have 10 days to collect the dog after a successful meet, following deposit payment and home check.

• Adopters are responsible for travel to the foster home and also to collect the dog if successful with adoption.
  
  

Stage 5b: Reserving Dogs Abroad (Romania)

• For dogs currently in Romania, a reservation can be made once the adoption agreement has been signed and the deposit paid. 

• This reservation is confirmed once the deposit has been received. 

• Travel dates are then arranged in line with our transport schedules, and we will keep adopters updated on expected arrival date. 
  
  

Stage 6: Deposit & Reservation

• A non-refundable deposit secures the animal pending home check.

• Deposits are refunded if the applicant fails the home check.

• Deposits contribute towards veterinary, microchipping, transport, and rescue costs.
  
  

Stage 7: Virtual Home Check
The Home Check Team carries out a detailed assessment, including:

• Proof of ID

• Photos of home, garden for security

• Live video call walk-through

• Confirmation of contact details for all adults in the home

• Vet practice details

• Discussions about behaviour, decompression, lead/harness training, children, other pets, transport, legal responsibilities, etc.

If approved, adopters receive:

• Pass email with settling-in guidance and welfare tips

• Starter Pack and contact information for support

• Next steps for final payment and contract
  
  

Stage 8: Adoption Contract & Handover

• Adopters sign the contract and pay the adoption donation.

• Dogs are handed over with medical/vaccination records, microchip details, and passports (for Romanian dogs).

• Microchips are transferred to the adopter, with TPR as secondary contact.
  
  

Stage 9: Post-Adoption Support

• TPR provides lifelong support for adopted dogs.

• Adopters may contact the team at any time for advice or welfare concerns.
  
  

Adopter Responsibilities

Adopters must:

• Provide lifelong shelter, food, and vet 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 immediately if the dog is lost, surrendered, or seriously ill
  
  

Returns & Surrender

• Adopters must contact TPR if they can no longer keep the dog.

• TPR will arrange suitable foster placement where possible within 3 months.

• Adopters must have kept the dog for at least 3 months and worked with a qualified behaviourist (minimum 1 session) or had a veterinary assessment for behaviour changes.

• A behaviourist report or vet notes must be provided.

• A rehoming fee may apply.

• Dogs must never be sold, given away, or euthanised without TPR’s consent (except under veterinary advice in emergencies).
  
  

Welfare & Safety Checks

• TPR reserves the right to carry out welfare checks.

• If serious welfare concerns arise, TPR may reclaim the dog without refund.
  
  

Fees & Refunds

• Deposits and adoption donations are non-refundable, except if the applicant fails the home check.

• Fees cover veterinary, transport, and rescue costs.
  
  

Geographic Limitations & Transport

• TPR rehomes within Scotland only.

• Transport from Romania is typically arranged to the adopter’s home as far north as Aberdeen.

• For remote areas (far north, islands, west coast), adopters may need to collect from a designated meeting point.
  
  

Complaints & Appeals

• Concerns or complaints can be raised directly with TPR via email or Facebook. 

• TPR will always reply through the same method you first used to contact us. 

• All complaints are reviewed by senior members of the team.
  
  

Policy Review

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