Introduction. In recent years the phenomenon of rescuing dogs from overseas into the UK appears to be increasing in popularity. Little is known about this practice, but there are potential welfare issues such as behaviour problems from dramatic lifestyle changes, and importation of infectious diseases.
Methodology. This study investigated the reasons people choose to rescue from abroad, the process they used to get the dog and potential welfare problems associated with this practice. An online questionnaire was advertised on social media and received 3080 responses from people, living in the UK, who had adopted a rescue dog from abroad in the last 5 years.
Main Results. Participants’ primarily chose to adopt from abroad based on want for a particular dog they had seen advertised and concern for its situation, however some had been refused dogs from UK rescues. Dogs came from 44 countries, primarily Romania (34%, n=1035) and most were found on the street (61%, n=1865). Predominantly adoption occurred through an organisation (92%, n=2773) and participants found the process extremely easy and felt they had sufficient support and advice. The EU Pet Travel Scheme was used to import 89% and only 1.2% of dogs were imported under the correct legislation of the Balai Directive (n=37). Many arrived with health conditions (20%, no=603). Furthermore, zoonotic parasites Leishmania infantum, Dirofilaria immitus and Linguata serrata had an apparent prevalence of 14.8% (79/533), 3% (12/396) and 2% (5/252) respectively. Most respondents who had further rehomed their dog or considered it since adoption, did so because of behavioural problems (70%, n=218). Behaviour problems of the imported rescue dogs are in some cases severe but overall appears comparable to that of other rescue dogs and predominantly, participants were happy with their decision to adopt from abroad.
Principal Conclusions and Implications for Field. It is important that Veterinary Surgeons consider testing for exotic diseases when seeing imported patients and also enquire about behavioural support needs. Our findings emphasise the importance of clear guidelines on travel laws and stricter checks on animals imported under the EU Pet Travel Scheme to ensure compliancy with legislation.