Although there is a page on this site entitled “Adoption Guidelines”, this is primarily concerned with what to consider before taking on a new pet. I thought it might be useful to actually explain the process at the SPA, as this is a question that people often ask.
The most important thing is obviously to find a dog that is right for you, and of course this is a matter on which we are happy to advise, but ultimately has to be your decision. Some people do their initial research on the internet, either on this site, or on Facebook (www.facebook.com/SPA.CARCASSONNE), where numerous pictures of each dog can be seen. Other people just come to the refuge and see where their heart goes or to check that a dog is compatible with existing family members.
Once you have selected you pet, we will tell you whether or not he or she is ready to leave. This is not just a question of the 10 days “pound time” for all dogs other than those who have been officially abandoned by their owners.
If you have chosen a female and she has not already been sterilised, then, together with you, we will arrange a date for the operation to take place. In general we like the dog to leave the same day, so that she can recover in her new home (space inside the infirmary is limited, to say the least). If you have chosen a female who is already sterilised or want a boy and do not require him to be castrated*, then it is just a question of getting the dog micro-chipped. This can usually be done immediately. Our vet is close by and someone will either take the dog and get him identified and bring him back to the refuge while the adoption contract is being completed, or sometimes we phone ahead to the vet and get the chip number and fill in the contract and you take your new dog to the vets (accompanied by a member of staff or a volunteer), and you leave directly from there.
The vets is just a five minute drive away, so which of these is done depends on how busy the refuge is and how soon the vet can implant the chip.
Another group (usually those far from Carcassonne) is happy to take a dog “sight unseen”, relying on us for character references. In these cases, we get the dog ready to leave and either a pick-up date is arranged or a human chain is organised to deliver the dog a bit closer to his new home. This system, called “co-voiturage” is not simple and is the cause of more effort and lost sleep than almost everything else we do! But if the home is right, then it can be done!
In all three cases we ask for proof of address and id, which for “remote adoptions” can be done by scanning and emailing the relevant documents. We are flexible on this though and if we “know” you or you come to us via a trusted route, such as Doglinks, this is not always required.
I hope this helps you understand the process a bit better. A good home is what we want for each and every one of our animals and we like things to be as straightforward as possible. We do not insist on home visits, as our manpower budget does not allow for it, but we love to receive news of our dogs post-adoption. And with 2 dog educators on the full time staff and several other experts amongst the volunteers, any behaviour-related queries are welcome, too!
If you would like an English speaker to be present to help you at the refuge, just let us know in advance (a couple of days is usually adequate notice). And yes, we can organise Rabies jabs and passports too, if you would like! Some dogs, as you are no doubt aware, leave us to go straight to the UK, so we are becoming quite adept at the whole process!
*We do not insist on the boys being “done” before they leave but are happy to oblige if you wish.