THIS INFORMATION IS BASED ON ADOPTIONS WITHIN TÜRKIYE.

Wishing to adopt from Türkiye to another country, please click here. 

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The best thing we can do for our street animals is to find them a home. A place of safety, shelter and care where they never need to worry about where their next meal will come from or how to find shelter from bad weather. Pets provide companionship, emotional support and joy. The bond you form with them through daily care, shared experiences and unconditional love is strong and they can provide physical and mental health benefits, such as reducing stress levels and increasing your physical activity.

Q: What type of animals do you rescue?

A: PAWS Üzümlü is dedicated to helping dogs and cats living on the village streets that are injured, sick, in need of help or in danger.

Q: Where are the dogs and cats currently available for adoption, and can I visit them?

A: These animals will either be with a local foster or at one of our animal parks. We have assessed all our park animals to ensure they are suitable for adoption. The street animals are also desperate for homes and we are happy to assess them too. Our parks are not open to the public but you can contact us to arrange to meet the animals, get to know them and allow them to get to know you.

Q: What kind of dogs and cats do you rescue?

A: All the animals are individuals and only a small percentage of their genetics dictate their physical appearance. We do our best to identify which breed we believe an animal may be, but as we generally don't know either parent we cannot guarantee their ancestry.

Q: I will be ready to adopt next month, should I put in an application now?

A: Yes, we encourage you to register your interest and start the adoption process as soon as possible. Please bear in mind we may not be able to hold an animal pending adoption, unless you are willing/able to place it into a foster/kennel facility, so they're safe until you are ready to adopt.

Q: Can I meet the dog/cat prior to adoption?

A: Yes, we strongly recommend this. It is good to meet your chosen furry friend to ensure they are a good fit for you, and you for them. You get the chance to get to know them before making a commitment to offering them a home. Building trust and a relationship before adopting an animal is very important and taking some time at the beginning means an adoption is more likely to be successful. 

Q: What breed are your dogs and how big will this puppy be?

A: We rescue abandoned or at-risk animals so we generally don’t get to know either parent. However, many adopters will tell you Turkish street rescues are the best dogs they've ever had. The fully grown size of any of our puppies is an estimate based on a visual assessment of their breed mix and age vs. weight when rescued. We do quite often also have pedigree dogs and cats dumped in the village.

Q: What are the requirements to adopt?

A: The first step is to complete our adoption application. Each application is dealt with on an individual basis - it's not 'first come, first served'. We will always look to match an animal with the most suitable application.

Q: How long does the application process take?

A: Applications are processed by our volunteers. Depending on the volume of applications and volunteer availability, this could start immediately but is likely to take a few days. It also depends on whether meet and greets, assessments and home checks are needed. Generally, the process could be completed in around a week.

Q: Will you let me know when you receive my application and if I am in the running?

A: Yes. We acknowledge all applications and, once reviewed, will contact you to let you know the outcome. If we feel the animal you've applied for isn't the best match, we can discuss alternative options. We are just as keen and excited for you to adopt an animal as you are.

Q: What would prevent me from successfully adopting one of your rescues?

A: It’s very important that you have enough time for your furry friend. Many of our animals need plenty of time, patience and love. If you are adopting a dog, you need to be sure you will not leave it alone for longer than it can cope with.

• It’s important that animals have access to a suitable outside space for exercise and toilet breaks.

• We won’t re-home a dog to a family which will chain or tether it for excessive periods of time.

• We won’t re-home an unvaccinated animal to a home which already has unvaccinated animals.

• We won’t re-home an un-neutered animal to a home which already has un-neutered animals.

• We ask that if you rent your home, you obtain your landlord’s permission before adopting.

• We do not agree to someone adopting an animal as a gift for someone else.

• You must agree to continue with any behavioural rehabilitation or training we recommend.

Q: Is there an adoption fee?

A: No. PAWS Üzümlü is a non-profit organisation run by a small team of volunteers. We help injured and vulnerable street cats and dogs in our village, ensuring their health and wellbeing is monitored. We do not make money on adoptions, neither do we want to hinder the chance of them finding a new home by asking for a fee. We are just pleased the animals under our care are offered a better chance in life. If you would like to make a donation, however, this will be gratefully received.

Q. What if there’s a problem after I adopt?

A. There can be challenges with an adopted street animal and overcoming them can take time and patience. We are here to support you with whatever you face, so please get in touch. We have some trained volunteers who can offer behavioural advice and support.

Q. Would you take back an animal which has been adopted from you?

A. We’ll always try and work with you to try and eliminate the need for an animal to be returned. We will work with you, offering telephone and/or in-person support. We do ask that you give your new friend at least three months to settle into their new life - remember, most have never known a home environment. We will always listen without judgment and, after receiving guidance and support, if you still wish to return your animal, we will offer support to try and find an alternative solution. We are unable to take back animals that have been used to a home environment – returning them to street/park life would be extremely detrimental to their wellbeing.

Q. What basic things will my new dog need? 

A. As well as regular exercise and mental stimulation, your dog will need food and water bowls, regular nutritious meals and constant access to clean, fresh water. They will need a collar and a lead for walking and a calm, comfortable place to relax and sleep. Outside, a shelter or kennel will be required to protect them from the weather. A selection of toys is recommended to keep them engaged and stimulated - even old socks tied into knots can provide hours of enjoyment. And don't forget to buy appropriate cleaning products, and a brush for grooming. 

Q. How can I prepare my house for their arrival?

A. Your rescue animal might feel anxious on arrival, so planning ahead is important to help them settle.

Prepare a safe, quiet space where they can rest and sleep. They will soon learn this is somewhere they can go to spend time alone, observing their surroundings while they get used to them. This will help build their confidence.

• If there are areas of your home you want them to stay away from, consider getting a baby gate and/or moving items you're concerned they will chew, choke on or swallow. This includes things like cables, wires, children's toys and jewellery. Tie up trailing curtain or blind cords.

• Secure bins and keep kitchen sides clear so your furry friend can’t get hold of anything that could be bad for them. Many have had to fend for themselves and won't understand they can't eat any food they find.

• Check for hazards around the home such as cleaning chemicals, wires, medicines and poisonous houseplants. Keep them somewhere your pet can’t get to — think about putting a latch on cupboards or closing areas off with a baby gate.

Q. How can I secure my garden for their arrival?

A. If you believe your new pet might be an escape artist, monitor them while in your garden.

With dogs, we recommend securing your boundaries, as most have been free to roam and will not understand they are safe and secure. It will take time for them to adjust.

·    Make sure there are sturdy locks on doors and gates.

·    Check your fences are secure and free of broken panels and gaps.

·    Ensure none of your plants are hazardous to cats or dogs.

·    Providing a kennel outside for dogs to sleep in is a good idea - they may not be comfortable inside a house to start with. 

Q. What should I expect for the first few days with my adult rescue dog?

A. The first few days can be hard. It might be quite some time since they have lived in a home, if ever.

Here are some hints and tips:

• Let them settle at their own pace and don't have any visitors for a while. Adult dogs might be nervous and want to hide at first. Don't worry if they don't want to interact with you to start with - this is normal.

• Allow them some quiet time, without disruptions, so they can familiarise themselves with their new surroundings in peace. This will help them relax and feel more confident around you.

• Don't fuss them too much as this can be overwhelming. Let them come to you, when they are ready - let them look at you, sniff your hand or sit nearby.

• Over the first few days, keep walks short and in the same location to let them get their bearings. Some dogs will never have been taken for a walk, so keep this in mind. This will be discussed with you, prior to adoption, by one of our team so you know what to expect.  

• Be patient and understanding. You are unlikely to know what they have been through or learnt/taught to do previously. They might never have been house-trained, and will need your help to learn new rules.

Q. How can I introduce them to other pets?

A. It’s important you do this slowly and carefully. Our team can offer advice to ensure this goes as smoothly as possible.

Q. What should I expect on the first night?

A. A street animal’s first night in their new home can be very daunting. Most will have spent cold and/or wet nights on the streets and will never have been inside before. These are all things our team will discuss with you prior to adopting. 

Some ideas to keep things calm and peaceful:

• If your new pet has separation anxiety you may want to sleep nearby at first. Then slowly move yourself (or their bed) further away.

• Make sure they have a warm, comfortable place, large enough for them to stretch out and with water nearby.

• Consider where you will place their bed, or if they will continue to sleep outside. Either way, make it somewhere they can relax - so not near a window with people or traffic going past late at night. Outside, they'll need a shelter or kennel to keep them warm, safe and secure while their confidence grows. 

• Introduce them to their bed/safe space during the day, so they know where it is and can get used to it. Then you can settle them in it before going to bed yourself.