GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT HOPE4PAWS UK & SPAIN

Who We Are

Hope4Paws UK & Spain is a not-for-profit, volunteer-run organisation dedicated to rescuing dogs and helping them find safe, loving, and permanent homes. We operate entirely through the personal funds, goodwill, and volunteer efforts of our team.

We have no paid staff and are not a registered charity. We are a small group of committed individuals working from the heart to give vulnerable dogs the second chance they deserve.


Our Aim

Our mission is to rescue, support, rehabilitate, and rehome dogs in need, working collaboratively with trusted rescuers across EU countries. Through compassion, transparency, and dedication, our all-volunteer team ensures every dog in our care is given the opportunity for a safe and loving future.


Transport & Rehoming Process for EU Dogs

Transport costs to bring a dog to the UK from EU countries typically range from £395 to £450, depending on the transporter and location. In most cases, we provide a door-to-door delivery service.

We work closely with frontline rescuers abroad to ensure dogs receive appropriate care from the moment they are rescued. As a group:

  • We cover the rescue fees and organisational costs.

  • Local rescuers provide medical treatment, vaccinations, and all required documentation to prepare the dog for travel.

This joint effort ensures each dog has a safe place to stay while waiting for their forever home.

Hope4Paws UK & Spain does not charge an adoption fee for dogs travelling from EU countries. Instead, we ask adopters to cover the transport costs only.

All dogs travelling from the EU are:

  • examined by a specialist travel vet

  • fully blood-tested (as required)

  • microchipped

  • fully vaccinated

  • flea and worm treated

  • supplied with an up-to-date EU passport containing their microchip number and health records


Application Fee & Transport Contributions

There is a £100 application deposit, which is NON-REFUNDABLE. This deposit secures the dog’s transport booking.

Following a successful application, there is a further £295 transport contribution, also used solely for the transport of the dog.

To clarify:

  • EU adoptions: No adoption fee — £100 + £295 are transport-related costs only.

  • UK adoptions: A standard adoption fee of £395 applies.


Rescue Back Up (RBU)

What is Rescue Back Up?

Hope4Paws UK & Spain provides full lifetime Rescue Back Up for every dog adopted through our organisation. This means we remain available for support, advice, and assistance throughout the dog’s life.

If, at any point, the adopter is no longer able to keep the dog, for any reason, they must contact us immediately. We will begin the process of finding a suitable alternative home.

Important RBU Conditions:

  • The dog must not be rehomed to friends, family, or any third party without our written permission.

  • The dog must never be advertised or promoted on selling, giveaway, or rehoming websites (free or otherwise).

  • Rehoming arrangements may be discussed by telephone, but please note that it may take several weeks to find an appropriate new home and arrange transport.

  • If behavioural issues arise, adopters are expected to seek the assistance of a qualified dog trainer before surrendering the dog, as agreed in the adoption contract.


What We Are NOT

Hope4Paws UK & Spain is NOT a kennels and does NOT offer dog boarding services.

While we are committed to lifelong Rescue Back Up, we:

  • do not operate a physical shelter or boarding facility

  • cannot accommodate dogs surrendered back to us

  • are unable to pay for boarding on behalf of adopters

If a dog must be returned, we can help locate appropriate kennel boarding, but the cost remains the responsibility of the adopter until a new permanent home is arranged.

You remain legally responsible for the dog until:

  1. The official surrender forms are completed and signed, and

  2. The dog is safely handed back to a Hope4Paws UK & Spain representative.


RESCUE DOG ADOPTION – LIABILITY DISCLAIMER & ASSUMPTION OF RISK

1. Health and Veterinary Care Disclaimer

1.1 The Adopter acknowledges and accepts that the adopted dog is a rescue animal and may have an unknown or incomplete medical history. The Rescue Organisation has disclosed all medical information in its possession in good faith, and the dog is believed to be in normal health except for any conditions expressly disclosed in writing at the time of adoption.

1.2 No warranty or guarantee is made by the Rescue Organisation regarding the dog’s present or future health, physical condition, behaviour, fertility, longevity, or the absence of congenital or hereditary defects, diseases, or future illness.

1.3 Upon completion of the adoption, the Adopter assumes full and sole financial responsibility for all veterinary examinations, treatments, medications, surgeries, preventative care, and any other health-related costs incurred from the date of adoption forward.

1.4 The Adopter is strongly advised to obtain comprehensive pet insurance to mitigate future medical expenses.


2. Behaviour and Temperament Disclaimer

2.1 Any behavioural information provided by the Rescue Organisation is supplied strictly in good faith, based on available history, third-party reports, and observations while the dog was in the Rescue’s care. Such information may be incomplete or inaccurate due to the dog’s unknown background.

2.2 The Rescue Organisation makes no representations, guarantees, or assurances regarding the dog’s temperament, behaviour, training level, compatibility with children or other animals, or suitability for any specific purpose, environment, or lifestyle.

2.3 The Adopter acknowledges that all animals may exhibit unpredictable behaviour, including but not limited to aggression, fear responses, property damage, or injury. From the moment the dog leaves the Rescue Organisation’s premises, the Adopter accepts that the Rescue Organisation has no responsibility or liability for any harm, damage, or loss caused by the dog.


3. Assumption of Liability, Release, and Indemnification

3.1 The Adopter voluntarily assumes all risks associated with ownership, possession, handling, custody, and control of the adopted dog once the adoption is finalised.

3.2 The Adopter hereby fully releases, indemnifies, and holds harmless the Rescue Organisation, its founders, trustees, volunteers, foster carers, partners, and representatives from any and all actions, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, losses, injuries, costs, or expenses (including those involving third parties or their property) arising out of or relating to:

  • the adoption, care, handling, behaviour, or actions of the dog;

  • any incident, injury, or damage occurring after the dog leaves the Rescue Organisation’s custody;

  • any misstatements or omissions in behavioural or medical history provided in good faith by the Rescue Organisation.

3.3 This indemnification is binding, irrevocable, and continues for the entire lifetime of the dog.


4. Ownership, Return, and Rehoming Restrictions

4.1 Upon adoption, legal ownership transfers to the Adopter, subject to the conditions of this Agreement.

4.2 If at any time the Adopter becomes unable or unwilling to keep the dog, the Adopter must contact the Rescue Organisation immediately.

  • Hope4Paws UK & Spain is not a boarding facility.

  • Rescue Back-Up will be provided in the form of attempting to find a new suitable home, which may take several weeks.

4.3 The Adopter may not, under any circumstances:

  • rehome, sell, or give the dog to any third party;

  • abandon the dog or surrender it to any other rescue, charity, pound, or organisation, including the RSPCA;

  • euthanise the dog except on veterinary recommendation for medical reasons and with prior written notification to the Rescue Organisation.

4.4 Violation of Clause 4.3 will result in a contractual penalty of £1,000, payable immediately to the Rescue Organisation.

4.5 All adoption fees, donations, transportation costs, and veterinary fees paid prior to or during the adoption process are strictly non-refundable, regardless of whether the dog is later returned.




 

Adopter Confirmation & Agreement

By proceeding, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to follow the policies outlined by Hope4Paws UK & Spain. These policies are mandatory for all adopters and form part of the Adoption Agreement.

Policies Included

  • Policy 1: Rehoming and Support – Policy One

  • Policy 2: Dogs, Cats & Small Animals – Policy Two

  • Policy 3: Canine Compatibility – Policy Three

  • Policy 4: Dangers of Dogs With Children – Policy Four