Many of you have enquired about adopting one of our dogs and cats. Here are some answers to your questions.
All our dogs and cats are real rescues, and many have been with us for years.
We are different from most of the groups you see offering you ‘ dog meat trade dogs’. They are rehoming groups. We actually rescue our dogs and cats and they live with us in our base in China.
Where do the dogs and cats we have for adoption come from?
The majority of our dogs come from the Yulin dog meat festival in China. They also come from trucks stopped by our activists on highways, slaughterhouses and breeding farms and dog meat markets. Some come from factories where staff boil dogs and cats alive, some from grooming torture centres. Cats even come from amusement arcades where cats are used as toys.
Are they healthy and friendly?
All dogs and cats offered for adoption have passed health checks and are vaccinated. If they have any particular issues, we will let you know. Please bear in mind that many have faced periods of hunger, cold, fear, and physical injury that may affect their behaviour. Some are still scared of humans, but the ones we offer for adoption are friendly and live with other dogs and cats around. About a third of them are pedigree, and the rest are mixed breeds. We have photos and videos on our website and social media of some of the dogs and cats that are ready to be adopted, so please take a look.
How much does everything cost and who pays for this?
Costs vary according to where they must travel.Brexit and the pandemic has made bringing rescues to UK more expensive and problematic but despite this we will do our best to get our rescues to safety.The UK refuses to allow us to fly dogs in with passengers so they always need to land in Europe first.
The average cost of a dog or cat to fly to Paris is £1300
You are always welcome to pick up your pet however if you need us to provide onward travel it is more.
A basic breakdown of costs
1. Vaccinations (US and Europe ) £30 Rabies test £250
2. Spay/neuter £120
3. Flight costs with volunteer £600
4. Travel back and forth to veterinary and airport ( at least 6 trips are needed before dogs/cats can fly) £200
4. Beijing obligatory health check and blood tests £180
5. Onward travel on arrival (for example France to the UK) upwards from £300 We therefore recommend you meeting your new pet at the airport in Paris. If we do bring your dog to the UK you will need to meet us in London or the South east. If you live in Europe we can also quote on onward travel.
6. It is possible for us to send dogs and cats to the USA and Canada.
We know these costs are high for some however as unlike rehoming charities who get donations to cover costs we genuinely have over 700 dogs and cats in our care so can not use their previous funds to send over dogs. We can however accept an initial payment of £800 to get the process started and then if you want to fundraise, give you ideas and share your events. We can also accept a monthly payment plan. PLEASE NOTE: we do need to cover all costs before your pet can fly.
How long does it take?
The process from choosing your pet to their arrival with you takes from two to three months. We are careful to comply with all regulations at home and abroad, so you know your pet will have their passport, be fully vaccinated and be fit to travel. We only use direct flight routes with safe airlines. We also rely on flight volunteers unless you have chosen the cargo option for your pet. Sometimes a flight escort pops up last minute so we need you to be flexible.
Is there anything else we need to know?
It will usually be your responsibility to pick up your pet from the airport. However, if you live in the UK, we can arrange transport from the EU to the port. There is an additional cost for this.You will need to be patient, understanding and loving while your pet settles after a long journey and gets used to being in a different environment. We can advise on training needs, including housetraining if necessary, and will be glad to stay in touch and hear how things are going.
If for any reason things don’t work out?
You will need to sign a legally binding contract with us to confirm that in the event you are not able to keep your pet for any reason, you will contact us so we can find another suitable home for your pet. This contract will not allow you to rehome or sell your pet without permission from the charity. There is no refund. This is standard practice with UK and US rescues. We also ask you for regular updates in the first few months and invite you to our events with your rescue.
Please call or email us with any further questions
The most important thing you need to know is you are offering a wonderful new life to an animal that has survived the dog and cat meat trade. Whilst you are waiting and preparing for your new arrival you will receive updates and will get to know them.
Our dogs and cats usually adapt well because they have come from a shelter where they are loved and cared for, and properly assessed. Shelter life is not however ideal and your new pet will soon realise how lucky and happy they are to have a new home where they will feel safe, loved and cherished for the rest of their lives.
NoToDogMeat is a UK registered charity no. 1154524 and USA 501 (c) 3 EIN 47-4434366
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For more information please email adopt@notodogmeat.com
or call us on 0300 300 0326
If you think you can provide a loving home for any of our rescued dogs and cats from China, please contact us, letting us know which of our dogs would be suitable on the form below, and one of our volunteers will explain the adoption process.
You are welcome to sponsor your favourite dog or cat before deciding on adoption. We can send you regular updates and use the funds as a saving pot to help you bring your pup to its new home.
