Adoption FAQ list
Find out information about first steps, adoption process, transport and more
First steps
What’s the first step to adopt?
Please fill out an adoption application, we can work with you to find the right match! As we home +1600 dogs, we found it’s the best option for these souls who are looking for a forever-family.
How can I choose the right dog for me?
Many dogs at Vucjak Shelter have not yet experienced the warmth and love of a home environment. We assess our dogs as best as possible and provide as much information as we can prior to adoption. A rescue partners will teach an adopted dog how to adapt to a new home! We ask for your patience and compassion for dogs who require adjustments—they are immensely thankful for the life-changing opportunity to be part of your family.
How can I choose the right dog for me?
Yes, our adoptions are not limited to Europe. We are working diligently to find rescue partners in the USA, Canada, Switzerland, Sweden, the Netherlands, Germany Austria & UK and other countries to help facilitate adoptions.
Adoption from U.S.A, Canada, EU or the UK, how does it work?
Each adoption is different and must be assessed on a case by case basis. First, an adoption application must be filled out, followed by an interview and home check (either by phone or in person). Then, we connect with a rescue partner or intermediary close to your location to help with the process. Once done, we prepare the dog for re-homing, transport—this can range from 90-120 days to organize and transport depending on the adopter’s location.
I don’t live in Serbia, but can I visit the shelter?
Yes! Visitors are welcome at the shelter. You must follow the country’s travel guidelines. Please visit the government of Serbia’s official website
About our rescue partners
What is a rescue partner?
A rescue partner is a non-profit organization that rescues and fosters animals and is dedicated to pet adoption. They are trained to bring them out of their shell and provide them with the skills to transition into a home. They are also there in case of owner surrender and are responsible for finding a suitable home for the animal. Believe it or not, owner surrenders happens more than you think!
Do you have rescue partners abroad?
We have liaisons that can help in various countries but we need Rescue Partners especially in the UK and Germany. We are doing our best to network and connect with potential rescues daily. Unfortunately, many rescues are full or don’t have the capability to deal with the inflow of more rescues.
Is it complicated to work with a rescue partner?
Not at all! They are here to help and smooth the process, how? : 1. Facilitating training for leash training, potty training, and basic household manners prior to adoption. 2. Supporting adopters during the crucial transition period, maintain constant contact with the adopter through the first three months—or even up to a year— 3. They are here to help the dogs, adopters, and re-homing processes. (We make sure the dogs will never be abandoned again)
Can I still adopt a dog without going through a rescue partner?
Yes, however, an intermediary must be close to your area. An intermediary is a trusted friend or volunteer for the shelter. For example, we have intermediaries in many areas throughout Germany, Sweden, Netherlands, USA and Canada. We will always find an intermediary in your country!
Preparing your dog for their new loving life
Health check ups and neutering/spaying
Upon arrival to the shelter, all dogs are vaccinated, treated for injuries and a go through a full health exam to determine any underlying health conditions such as heartworm, parvo, distemper, etc. Before a dog is set for transport, we do spay/neuter. There are circumstances when a dog is released prior to spay/neuter, such as in very young puppies or a senior dog.
What are the fees associated with adopting a dog from your shelter?
The only charge the adopter is responsible for is the passport and transport cost, and this is based on the location of the adopter, cost of vehicle transport, cost of airline transport and brokerage fees, or all of the above.
How do we ensure your dog leaves in the best condition ?
We have regulated quarantine facilities on-site, and our animals are quarantined before transportation and before final vetting is completed.
Does my dog require a passport?
All animals require a passport to leave Serbia—we obtain passports and documentation.
Does my dog require papers to enter my home country, and if so, which papers will I need?
All documentation is obtained and done through Vucjak Shelter and our veterinary team.
Does Vucjak Shelter provide all medical records for entry into the adopted dog’s home country?
All medical records and documentation for transport are provided through Vucjak Shelter by our veterinary team.
Upon arrival… start of a new happy life
Does my dog have to be quarantined upon arriving in its country of adoption?
Every country is different, and we have not yet encountered transporting an animal to a country where the animal must be quarantined upon arrival, however, some countries may require this of new adoption arrivals. When getting a dog ready for transport, there is a period after titre testing is done where the animal must be quarantined.
Follow up and support from our partners/intermediaries
Our intermediaries, volunteers or rescue partners will be in touch with you for at least 3 months, if necessary for a whole year, all to ensure you count will all necessary support and information, as well as to check on the wellness of the pup in their new forever-loving-home.
Adoption form
Are you ready to embark on your adoption journey ?
We’re here to guide you through the process!
Rescue partners
Interested in more information about rescue partners? Would you like to be added to our rescue partner network?