Adopting a pet can be a nerve-racking time, with a long list of to do’s and questions; Will they settle in okay? How can you make them feel comfortable? Will they like the food you bought? How long until they bond with you? How can you make them safe?
We have heard these questions time and time again and it is why we are so proud about our partnership with Tractive – a pet GPS tracking service which allows you to view your pet’s live GPS location and helps you learn about their habits – so you can be sure to tick peace of mind off your list.
Not only is this a nifty and useful tool, for reasons such as the bark tracker and the heart monitoring updates but it is also non-negotiable for rescue dogs who are settling into new environments and those potentially nervous about their environments. It is never worth the risk – we have heard one too many times about a dog who has been spooked by a noise and has run for cover or has lost their way whilst bombing around on an adventure or found the hole in the garden you’ve been meaning to block up. Tractive is the back up solution to those worries – alongside following extreme caution (checking the garden, using a non slip harness from day one etc) whilst your dog settles in and beyond.
How does the GPS Tracker work?
The Tracker attaches to your dog’s collar or harness (don’t worry there are a range of colours to choose from!) and uses an internal sim card to connect to cell towers and report back to the tracker and ultimately, the paired up app on your smartphone.
You can use the Live tracker mode function to see where they are in real time or look back on their location history. Even better, you can also use the app to “fence off” certain areas – like the boundary of your garden so you will be instantly notified if they step outside of this.
What other functions does it have?
There are lots of benefits to the Tracker that aren’t just the GPS function. The device can also receive data when it comes to tracking heart and respiratory rates, barking and sleep patterns which is a game changer when it comes to tracking a change in their health or behaviour.
How do ROLDA UK adopters benefit?
When you adopt a dog from ROLDA, you get a free tracker device when you sign up to any of Tractive’s subscriptions – you need these to activate the tracker but it saves you on the cost of the tracker itself. At the point of reserving your dog for adoption, we will send you a unique code to claim your free tracker and a link to start the subscription. This means you will have the tracker in time BEFORE your dog’s arrival.
Other benefits?
Heading away for a few hours? Leaving them with a trusted family member for a weekend? Using the app means you can still keep tabs on your beloved pooch and see what they’ve been up to – as long as the tracker stays on your pet when you are away.
And plus, we think Riley looks rather fetching wearing his, don’t you?
This is Teddy. Along with his brother, Toby, he was taking refuge from the streets of Romania underneath a car. When the owner of the vehicle got in, he had no idea that there were two puppies sheltering beneath his vehicle and began to drive away, that’s when he discovered the two brothers and Teddy with an injured tail. The kind rescuer took the dogs to our shelter and our vet team managed to save as much of Teddy’s tail as possible. As far as we currently know, under the new Animal Welfare Bill in England, Teddy will not be able to travel to a safe haven, a home of his own and experience the joy of a family.
The UK Government has introduced the Bill to tackle puppy smuggling and put an end to cruel practices, such as dog mutilation. It currently states that entry will be denied to; puppies under the age of 6 months, dogs with docked tails and dogs with cropped ears. The Bill is a huge step forwards for Animal Welfare and we wholeheartedly support these efforts to put animal rights front and centre in our Government and raise the alarm when it comes to puppy smugglers. However, we currently see no clarity when it comes to exceptions within the Bill for registered rescue charities operating overseas, who see and rescue dogs with docked tails, cropped ears on a daily basis – many rescued from puppy farms themself.
Not only Teddy. Dogs who have been rescued from the Meat Trade often have had their tails docked by traders. Some dogs are even born this way or it can be inherited in some breeds, others have been mutilated by the very owners they’ve been rescued from – will there be exceptions in these cases too? Further can be said for puppies waiting in shelters until 6 months of age. This forgets to take into account a crucial socialisation period for dogs rescued at a young age and could be time well spent in a home, socialising and adapting to their new environment.
This means, when the Bill comes into play, we and many other reputable, registered and responsible rescue charities may not be able to find homes for dogs of this nature, dogs like Teddy – whose tail was saved for necessity and to prevent further pain to him. Responsible rescues already follow stringent rehoming protocols when it comes to adopting dogs into the UK and DEFRA itself already has an Approved Importer Scheme for some countries which holds those rescues accountable. With acceptable exceptions in place, any responsible rehoming charity will be in support of following further protocols to ensure the Bill stays relevant but does not inhibit the futures of countless dogs or cats and ensures their schemes remain ethical.
Right now, rescue dogs and cats are pushed to the bottom of the list once again and major support is lacking for their freedom, with little to nothing currently noted in their recognition. They must wait in limbo and we can only hope that thousands of helpless animals, rescued for their own welfare – the very same animal welfare this bill aims to promote – will not be left stagnant in shelters all over the world.
The next stage is for the Bill to gain royal ascent and for it to undergo secondary legislation. At which point, the specific rules and regulations will be declared and the Bill will become Law – it is then that we will know if exemptions are going to be considered. In the meantime, we must raise our voices, remain proactive and be the voices for the many animals that are steadily becoming lost among collateral damage.
The wonderful Eve at Underdog International has created template letters which can be emailed to MP’s and DEFRA, with links to their email addresses. If you can support by writing it’s easily done so here, thank you Eve: Rescue exemption email templates – Dropbox
Overseas rescue is not to be feared. Let’s get Teddy home.
We get it; rescuing a dog you may not have met before could seem really daunting but we know there is so much more to our dogs than just where they come from. Overseas street dogs are one of a kind and we want our adopters to get to know how unique they are, whilst also being supported throughout their adoption journey. Here’s why rescuing an overseas dog with ROLDA is an incredible thing to do – despite the hearsay!
1. We respect street and village dogs and only rescue those in need. We are aware that not all dogs NEED rescuing or not ALL dogs are suitable for a home environment. That is why we are respectful to the dog communities that live harmoniously in their environments and carefully select those suited to adoption. This is the responsibility of all rescue organisations.
2. They deserve a home as much as any other dog. We believe that just because they may face stigma, it doesn’t mean our dogs are any less entitled to be happy and comfortable in a safe home.
3. Mixed-breed dogs usually have fewer health concerns and live longer. Most of our dogs are mixed breeds which means they haven’t been pure bred for human benefit. This can mean they are less prone to health concerns and adopting a dog is a lot cheaper than buying a puppy.
4. We take the health of our dogs very seriously. We know the concerns that have been raised about bringing in overseas rescues and it’s why we are regimented in ensuring each dog has a blood test for the following diseases; Canine Giardia, Brucella, Ehlichia, Lymes/Borrelia, Anaplasmosis, Canine Heartworm and Leishmaniasis. All dogs also stay up to date with flea, wormer and annual vaccines in our shelter and each dog is regularly health checked. If any of our dogs are of ill health or test positive in the above tests, they will not travel and will be cared for in Romania.
5. The stray dog population in Romania is rife and dogs are not always treated with respect or kindness. By helping to adopt one dog, you essentially save two – meaning when you take one of our dogs home there is a safe space for us to welcome another dog into our care, instead of them facing danger and cruelty on the streets.
6. We offer support and training advice. Any dog, whether rescued or bought from a breeder can have behaviour concerns or will need training and it is why we have a knowledgeable team who are on hand to offer management advice and training tips throughout the lifetime of your dog.
7. Adopting and working with your rescue dog is hugely rewarding. There is something wonderful about a bond you can create with your rescue dog, especially one that may not have known comfort or kindness before. Yes, there may be hard times but the growth and journey you will go on will be like none other.
8. We offer lifetime back up. We understand that not everything always goes to plan and it’s why we are dedicated to each and every dog we rehome, offering to take your dog back in circumstances where they can no longer stay with you. We proudly rely on a foster network so we do not add additional strain to the dog by going into external kennels – all we ask is that you give us time to arrange this.
9. Rescue dogs have a lot to teach us. Instinctual beings, more attuned to their environment and usually pretty sensitive to their surroundings, adopting an overseas dog will give you a newfound respect for your environment and animals and what you can achieve all together.
10. We carefully assess and evaluate our dogs. Our heroes at the shelter are pioneers at working with a range of dogs and assessing their suitability for rehoming. If we have any concerns about their behaviour and ability to cope with a journey to their new home, we won’t put them up for adoption.
11. Our adoption teams have years of experience with dogs and they will help you find a dog that is suited to your home and lifestyle. We are here to make that journey as smooth as possible for you and our dogs.
If all of this had your heart beating, then feel free to fill in our adoption form here. Or reach out to our teams to ask any more questions you might have.
If you’re not quite ready to adopt, you might want to consider becoming a foster parent for us first.This is a great way to see if a dog is suited to your current lifestyle and what type of dog you’d like in the future. Find out more here.
Documented health benefits
Benefits to you and your family
Points to consider
Hi, my name is Chick.
Find out what’s my life journey and how did the ROLDA team saved me and dogs like me.
The journey of a rescued dog from streets to a home
- ROLDA Rescue team saves the dog.
- Dog is transported to the veterinary clinic for a basic check and vaccination. If injured or in poor shape, dog is under treatment.
- Dog is placed in quarantine for 21 days from the last vaccine.
- Dog is sterilized and identified with microchip.
- Dog is moved from quarantine to kennel, which he shares with 4-5 other healthy dogs. Dogs are grouped depending on each dog tolerance with the others.
- The dog is tested how he reacts with other dogs, strangers, on leash, during feeding time.
- Some dogs need rehabilitation because they are over stressed, scared or not confident in people, trouble makers with other dogs.
- Dog is socialized and when needed, trained to accept leash.
- Photo session undertaken once the dog is ready to be adopted.
- The dog is advertised on website to find a home.
- Once selected by an adopter, the dog is tested (snap test) and undertakes a vet check, including dental examination.
- Dog has a cleaning and grooming session.
- ROLDA team prepares travel documents (including the TRACES document).
- Transportation option is selected. Arrival date and meeting point also agreed with the owner.
Dogs with behavior problems can’t be safely rehomed. Dogs behavior change constantly and is influenced by the pack.
Some dogs reveal a dominant character in the shelter, even if they came shy and obedient. Some other dogs come scared and problematic, with patience and love they transform into loving, safe pets. Some dogs change instantly because of a powerful noise (the noise of the bowl dropped on the floor, the noise of an ambulance on the road) because probably they remind of a previous trauma they suffered. With an insert background, dogs need constant surveillance and guidance to be adopted safely into loving, forever homes. The rate of failed adoption of ROLDA is under 2% from total number of adoptions.
So far, hundreds of #roldadogs have been adopted and are living in along with their adoptive families all over the world.
Here are just a few of them:
35cm
8kg
Many people worry about adopting an adult dog because they think a pure breed puppy will be easier to train. Because of their mixed background, most street dogs are more submissive, calm and grateful for having the opportunity to live in a safe home, away from dangers or from starving.
Our team can help you choose the perfect dog that best matches your needs and expectations: we have a variety of dogs, different ages, various sizes, and colors.
We have shy, dominant, calm, lazy, obedient dogs or dogs that might be a challenge for you but, will some hard work and dedication, be transformed into the perfect companion that you dream of.
There are aspects of adopting a former stray that are more rewarding than paying for a pure breed dog. Following a successful adoption, the bond created is unique.
Adopt a puppy from our shelters
No dog should live imprisoned for the rest of his / her life! Shelters like ours have the role of preparing a rescue dog for his journey to a new forever home.
Although most of our dogs are adults, we also rescue puppies and juniors. After the vaccinations and when the quarantine time expires, the puppies are ready to be adopted. Our puppies and juniors need basic training, like any other puppy brought from a pet shop.
Still have questions?
Please contact us at rolda@rolda.org if you have questions related to the adoption process, if you previously adopted from us and wish to share your experience with others or if you are in search and need guidance to select your best friend.
Which to choose: a pure breed or a mixed breed (aka mutt)?
Advantages of buying a pure breed:
- You can pick a particular breed based on characteristics such as long ears, large body etc.
- You also generally receive the dog as a puppy. If you use a reputable breeder, you also receive registration paperwork confirming authenticity of the breed.
Disadvantages of buying a pure breed:
- Dog breeding is big business and many unscrupulous people are out to make a quick buck. You need to locate a reputable breeder, which can be harder than you think if you want to keep the price low.
- Dependable and reliable breeders, who ensure their dogs have access to the widest gene pool available, will charge accordingly for a puppy and are usually far more pricey than the less experienced breeders.
- Additionally, pure breeds often have inbred health problems, such as weak hips or heart defects. With the best will in the world, there are only so many dogs available within one particular breed, so unfortunately genetic problems are common and expensive to treat.
Advantages of adopting a mutt:
- As a general rule, they live longer than pure breeds, so you can enjoy each other’s company for many more years.
- A mutt is usually much healthier than a pure breed because their gene pool is much larger so they are less likely to have a genetic disease.
- A rescue mutt often seems more loyal as they are happy and grateful to be with you.
Disadvantages of adopting a mutt:
- Adopted mutts are often adult dogs, not puppies, and therefore may need more time to train. They are usually smart dogs (after all, they survived a harsh environment) and are very adaptable to new circumstances, new commands and are ready to please.
- A dog rescued from the streets has been exposed to situations we can only imagine. He/she may be scared of loud noises, so the first time you load the washing machine, they may well act afraid and need lots of reassurance. Sadly, many have been abused, so could be scared of particular people who remind them of their abuser.
- We suggest that no matter how much experience you have with rescues, keep a close eye, especially in the first few weeks, while your new dog interacts with family members, other pets and visitors. Never let a child play with a recently adopted or purchased dog unless very closely supervised.
For UK adopters: ROLDA and PetPlan are partners in UK.
Petplan are the biggest providers of pet insurance in the UK and they provide us with 4 weeks free, no obligation insurance for our dogs once they reach the new owner.
The 4 weeks includes: a full 4 weeks of insurance against accidents and 2 weeks of insurance against illness, which starts 2 weeks after the dog arrives.
Still have questions?
Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Please chat to our friendly team.
