Friend is adopting dog from overseas - could it be a scam?

[starfishqueen]

Hello MN
Has anyone rescued a dog from overseas? A friend contacted a dog rescue place in North Africa this time last year & chose a dog. Since then my friend has been sending over funds (a lot of money) to pay for the dogs rabies jabs & other things.
First the dog was going to come last summer, then Autumn, Easter, now apparently this month.
There have been no checks on my friends home & they don't seem to have any U.K. contacts. My friend has been told the dog doesn't have any triggers, is house trained & very well behaved so she's not concerned for her young children/cat.
A few friends have said they think it's a scam. I feel worried that if the dog does come it will be much harder work than my friend thinks.
Any thoughts from those who have rescued dogs from overseas, gratefully accepted!

Of course it's a scam and it serves them right. Even if they do end up with a dog it is the height of entitlement and privilege to spunk all that money on putting one poor animal through the trauma of an international journey. Highly likely that if it ever does turn up, it will have mental and/or physical issues that mean they end up having to get rid of it anyway - this has happened to families I know.

Either rescue an animal locally or give your money to a reputable charity if you want to help animals overseas.

Ridiculous to adopt a dog from abroad. How many children could that money have fed? There are plenty of dogs here needing to be rehomed. They are just breeding dogs in puppy farms for a market. If you are interested in animal welfare, donate to programmes which are neutering stray dogs in Romania etc.

Of course it’s a scam.

Sounds like a scam.
Like most vets I’m worried about the risk of importing new ( to U.K.) diseases so they become endemic in our animals. I’ve recently had a run of imports coming across with known diseases, but new owners told that they’d be fine. Just glad we don’t have sandflies here yet, but with climate change it’s probably just a matter of time. We eradicated Brucella , but it’s been seen in imported dogs. Owners are being told the Leishmania is treated and no longer an issue - but it is still an issue and the treatment itself causes problems. And then there’s rabies - vets are already seeing dodgy imports, so again, surely just a matter of time until it gets into the U.K. and takes hold in a completely susceptible population.

I second if it's RANA it's legitimate.
To bring a dog from North Africa to uk costs approx £2000, we looked into bringing DH's dog over, so it's not cheap.

I've got a Rommie via a uk rescue and he cost £300 but that was when we were in the EU. It's more complicated and costly if they are not an EU country.

@Anotherhill

Sounds like a scam. Like most vets I’m worried about the risk of importing new ( to U.K.) diseases so they become endemic in our animals. I’ve recently had a run of imports coming across with known diseases, but new owners told that they’d be fine. Just glad we don’t have sandflies here yet, but with climate change it’s probably just a matter of time. We eradicated Brucella , but it’s been seen in imported dogs. Owners are being told the Leishmania is treated and no longer an issue - but it is still an issue and the treatment itself causes problems. And then there’s rabies - vets are already seeing dodgy imports, so again, surely just a matter of time until it gets into the U.K. and takes hold in a completely susceptible population.

dogs from mediterranean areas are tested for leishmaniasis before they come over. On the rare occasion it gets through, its generally very treatable with a tablet every day, and it also is only an issue for the dog that is bitten, it doesnt transfer to other dogs or people unless they actually get bitten themselves. Shame that we still have UK vets that dont have correct information about it

@horseymum

Ridiculous to adopt a dog from abroad. How many children could that money have fed? There are plenty of dogs here needing to be rehomed. They are just breeding dogs in puppy farms for a market. If you are interested in animal welfare, donate to programmes which are neutering stray dogs in Romania etc.

no it isnt breeding for a market. What an idiotic thing to say. Why would they breed more when they are trying to rehome the stray and abandoned dogs everywhere. Rescuing dogs is a bloody labour of love. Its not a moneymaker. Its generally people that devote their life and savings to doing this and the rehoming fee is often a lot less than it costs to get them tested, neutered and travelled. Theyre not businesses.

@DeathByWalkies

RSPCA won’t let you adopt if you’ve ever had a dog put to sleep (and two had notices in their reception area stating that (before I get told I’m wrong, again 🙄)

Even on veterinary advice for medical reasons?! Terminal cancer or similar? Batshit crazy if true - I could understand if you'd previously had a dog from a puppy and screwed things up so badly that the dog had been put down for behaviour reasons.... but it would still be ironic given how many dogs the RSPCA put down for behaviour

Absolutely true. Obviously like many others we’ve had to sadly have this done on veterinary advice. I didn’t believe it either, the first time that I was told this by Bath RSPCA, my sister in law had the same from Bristol. Unbelievable when they’re always advertising dogs for rehoming. I will never donate to them agin.

That's strangely familiar...
I'm beginning to wonder about the Unicorn foal that I'm currently paying the upkeep on that's based in Avalon. (I didn't even know that Western Union had an office there.)
They told me it was about to be transported to me over a month ago but apparently it's horn got stuck in a gap in the horse box and it needed time to recover. (That cost me the best part of £1,000 in vet's bills. )
Anyway here's hoping it arrives soon otherwise apparently the monsoon season will start there and that prevents all animal movement.

I have 2 rescue dogs one from Gran Canaria and one from Romania. Both charities have lots of UK based contacts and Fosterers. I also tried for nearly a year beforehand through uk dog rehoming centres but couldn't find a suitable dog as they were all too big.
I'm in a ground floor flat with a garden but it's small.
All the relevant paperwork and home checks were done before I got my dogs.

@fairgame84

I second if it's RANA it's legitimate. To bring a dog from North Africa to uk costs approx £2000, we looked into bringing DH's dog over, so it's not cheap.

I've got a Rommie via a uk rescue and he cost £300 but that was when we were in the EU. It's more complicated and costly if they are not an EU country.

Mine cost nearly £500, strict criteria for adoption, home check etc. She came microchipped, passport, fully vaccinated, wormed and flea/tick treated. @horseymum of course they aren’t puppy farmed! I suggest you read about the situation with dogs in Romania, thanks to Ceucescue, and kill shelters. Then you might begin to understand the situation.

There was absolutely no reason for my DH and I being turned down by rescues here. I have had dogs all my life, retired, live in the countryside with a garden and many walks to choose from. Dog would come on holiday with us, have friends dogs to socialise with etc, etc, yet no luck.

Ive had several UK rescues in the past, and then a few years ago I couldnt find a uk rescue that had a dog that was ok with kids and cats and im so so glad i found my spanish girl as she really is the best.

People who slag off rescue centres and tell lies about how lenient they are and how the dogs all have problems and diseases, should be ashamed of themselves. I guess a good deed never goes unpunished.

It would help if those who have dogs from rescues based abroad could name the rescues. If it’s been a positive experience. I have been looking for a dog for ages but as others have said, finding a dog which can live with cats and the whole fence issue is impossible.

@Branleuse

Ive had several UK rescues in the past, and then a few years ago I couldnt find a uk rescue that had a dog that was ok with kids and cats and im so so glad i found my spanish girl as she really is the best.

People who slag off rescue centres and tell lies about how lenient they are and how the dogs all have problems and diseases, should be ashamed of themselves. I guess a good deed never goes unpunished.

You have to draw a distinction between the ones that are responsible and the ones that are not.

And some of them are frankly idiotic. Who in their right mind thought, exuberant large breed puppy, 16 weeks old, oh I know, perfect fit for that couple with multiple health issues that prevent them from walking far, two young DC (one also with health issues), tiny house, tiny garden. Real example, btw.

My experience of overseas rescues in my area is very mixed. Dog up the road, from a breed rescue overseas, lovely. Dogs a few streets away, issues including dog aggression. Dog round the corner, okay now but was a massive rehab project for her owner. Dog a few villages away, fab little thing (though limited recall).

I should add, the large breed puppy lasted in his new home less than a month. God knows who picked up the pieces.

It's not uncommon at all

Branleuse - you’ll see I mentioned that we don’t have sandflies. Yet.
I agree vets don’t always know much about exotic diseases which is why I attended online lectures on them - to find out more. And the overriding message I got is that rescues will put on a positive spin on conditions which absolutely aren’t ‘nothing more than a daily tablet’.

Wow, thanks for all your thoughts, experiences & knowledge.
To answer some questions;
There is a FB & I believe an Instagram & a website without testimonials but some pictures of the dogs that were rehomed.
There isn't a home visit booked & hasn't been any mention. I think that's concerning as someone could ask to rehome a dog & have a completely unsuitable home/no time for the dog etc etc.
Emails have been sent saying they 'completely trust' my friend will take care of the dog and 'can tell' she will look after the dog well'.
They have said they have no U.K. contacts & she may need to pick the dog up from an airport?
Photos & videos have been sent of this particular dog.
Lovely to read about some of the positive adoption experiences.

@AlternativePerspective

Because they generally don't do as many checks, and so you can adopt even if you have cats and very small children in the house. They're also far less strict when it comes to people being home all day etc. and because of that people often end up with dogs with far worse issues e.g. aggression/limited socialisation because so many essentially come from the streets of whichever country they have come from. So while I don’t generally agree with the hardline approach the rescues here take, the approach for adopting from abroad potentially comes at a much higher price.

Oh, I absolutely agree.

But many rescues here make it so, so difficult for many people. I appreciate they have a duty of care towards the animals but it gets a bit ridiculous sometimes.

People who slag off rescue centres and tell lies about how lenient they are and how the dogs all have problems and diseases, should be ashamed of themselves. I guess a good deed never goes unpunished.

I don't think anyone says that ALL the dogs have problems and diseases. Sadly as a dog walker, I see many owners really struggle with their overseas rescues - many of these dogs have never lived in homes before, have no recall, have no idea about being walked on a lead and harness or collar - while I'm sure some are excellent family pets, it's a very big risk to take imo, especially if you have small children or other animals in the home.

@warmfluffytowels

People who slag off rescue centres and tell lies about how lenient they are and how the dogs all have problems and diseases, should be ashamed of themselves. I guess a good deed never goes unpunished.

I don't think anyone says that ALL the dogs have problems and diseases. Sadly as a dog walker, I see many owners really struggle with their overseas rescues - many of these dogs have never lived in homes before, have no recall, have no idea about being walked on a lead and harness or collar - while I'm sure some are excellent family pets, it's a very big risk to take imo, especially if you have small children or other animals in the home.

do you not see these issues in UK rescue dogs then or dogs bought as puppies?

My UK rescue dog is much more of a liability than my spanish rescue.
I see british rescues like many tears who rehome ex breeding dogs and theyve never been out of a shed and all sound like they have massive challenges.
The most aggressive and reactive dogs ive seen round here have been chihuhuas bought as puppies. A couple of lhasa apso types that are mental. Some cocker spaniels. A springer. I know a couple of foreign rescues that bark, but I dont see any correlation between foreign rescue dogs and difficult behaviour, and I know a lot of dog owners round here.

Ive seen threads about foreign rescues here plenty of times and they so often have misinformation and speculation on them alongside the outright lies.
Obviously you have to do your research and make sure youre not taking on more than you can handle, and that there is aftercare and back up from the rescue, but Id hate for anyone to write off the idea of rescuing a dog in need, as far too often ive heard of people buying a bloody puppy from a breeder to get around the strictness of many UK rescues, when they could have a brilliant dog that would otherwise be PTS in spain or romania. Its not as if these rescues dont do checks or tests, because they do.
My garden was checked. My house was checked. They wanted to see how the children were with the dog and how the cat and dog reacted to each other (the dog was already cat tested beforehand too). The rescue owner chatted to me for quite a while. They turn down plenty of people too

@Anotherhill

Branleuse - you’ll see I mentioned that we don’t have sandflies. Yet. I agree vets don’t always know much about exotic diseases which is why I attended online lectures on them - to find out more. And the overriding message I got is that rescues will put on a positive spin on conditions which absolutely aren’t ‘nothing more than a daily tablet’.

it depends how severe, but mostly dogs with active leish wont be brought over in the first place, but some can slip through the net if its dormant at first. If its caught early enough it can absolutely just be an allopurinol tablet daily to keep in remission. Theres a living with leish group on facebook that helps people manage it. Obviously it can be serious for dogs that it is untreated in. Its not a serious or big enough issue to try and stop people rescuing from abroad though, when you put it into the context of health issues that a lot of bred puppies have

do you not see these issues in UK rescue dogs then or dogs bought as puppies?

Some issues like poor recall can be an issue with any dog, regardless of background, but I've never encountered a UK rescue that was terrified of a lead, collar or harness, no. I have seen it in multiple overseas rescues, though.

The most aggressive and reactive dogs ive seen round here have been chihuhuas bought as puppies. A couple of lhasa apso types that are mental. Some cocker spaniels. A springer. I know a couple of foreign rescues that bark, but I dont see any correlation between foreign rescue dogs and difficult behaviour, and I know a lot of dog owners round here

I'm not saying that only foreign rescues behave badly - apologies if it came across that way. Of course poor behaviour can exist in dogs of any breed and background - it would be silly for anyone to suggest otherwise.

Its not as if these rescues dont do checks or tests, because they do. My garden was checked. My house was checked. They wanted to see how the children were with the dog and how the cat and dog reacted to each other (the dog was already cat tested beforehand too). The rescue owner chatted to me for quite a while. They turn down plenty of people too

TBH, it sounds like you got very lucky, because they don't all home check, ask questions and make sure the dog is tested with cats or children. I occasionally walk a dog who is from Cyprus - he came straight to his new home after a 3 day road trip and ferry crossing. The owners weren't home-checked and he wasn't given a chance to decompress from his journey before being thrown into a new home.

The rescue told his owners he was good with cats (he's not, and has terrorised their resident cat and bitten her). He's fine with their dog but awful with strange dogs on walks - he will snarl, snap, lunge and react to every strange dog he meets. He's fine with people but very, very overexcited and he would be awful in a home with young kids or with inexperienced owners.

He's a lovely dog overall, but he needs a LOT of work and if he was homed with small children I could see it going very wrong.

that does sound pretty bad, and id avoid that rescue. I dont like all foreign rescues being tarred with the same brush though. I must say, thinking back, when we got our staffie from a local rescue place quite a few years ago, I dont remember getting a home check for her and we had to drive to collect her, but the one before that was battersea and they did homecheck.

Ancedotal evidence is so difficult to assess. From my angle I run a dog tracking service that searches for lost dogs.

Most of the cases are foreign rescues who escape in the first week of being in a UK home or even 15 dogs that escaped at a Motorway service station when being collected by new owners!

This is down to poor advice and support from the rescue and also the difficulties that foreign rescue dogs have in settling in homes.

I do not see this number with UK rescues or UK breed dogs.

You got a home check from Battersea?