ALL OUR ANIMALS ARE BASED IN TÜRKIYE. THE BELOW INFORMATION IS BASED ON ADOPTIONS IN TÜRKIYE.

For adoptions to other countries outside of Türkiye, please click here. 

The most valuable thing we can do for a street animals is to find them a home. A place of safety, shelter and care. Never having to worry about where their next meal will come from or how to shelter from bad weather. Having a pet provides companionship, emotional support, and joy. The bond formed through daily care, shared experiences, and unconditional love contributes to strong attachments. Animals can provide physical & mental health benefits, such as reduced stress and increased physical activity.

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Q: What type of animals do you rescue?

A: PAWS Üzümlü is dedicated to helping dogs and cats living on the streets of Üzümlü that are either 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: The animals available for adoption will either be with a local foster or at one of our animal parks in Üzümlü, Türkiye. We have assessed all of our park animals ready for adoption. All the street animals are also desperate to find homes. We are happy to complete assessments on them for home interests also.  Our parks are not open to the public on a daily basis but you are more then welcome to come along to meet the animals, get to know them and allow them to get to know you. We can arrange for a volunteer to take you down.

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. Here at PAWS we do our best to identify which breed we believe an animal may be based on the breeds they most resemble. However, as we generally won’t know either parent of an animal, we cannot guarantee the breeds of our animals up for adoption.

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 with us to start the adoption process but please bear in mind we may not be able to hold animals pending adoption, unless you are willing/able to place the animal 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 suggest this. It is good for you to meet your chosen furry friend, prior to adoption to ensure they are a good fit for you, you are for them and that you’re building a bond too. You get the chance to get to know them better before making a commitment to give them a new home. Building trust and a relationship before taking an animal home for adoption is very important and by taking some time at the beginning to make sure everyone’s comfortable, means an adoption is more likely to be successful.  

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

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

Q: What are the requirements to adopt?

A: The first step in the Adoption Process is the completion of our adoption application. Each application is dealt with on an individual basis. We do not adopt on a first come, first serve basis but on who is most suitable for each animal.

Q: How long does the application process take?

A: Our applications are processed by our volunteers. Depending on the volume of applications at any given time and the availability of the volunteers, the process could start immediately but it is likely to take a few days. Depending on whether assessments are needed, arranging a meet and greet and a home check - the process could be completed within about a week

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

A: Yes, we will acknowledge all applications and, once reviewed, will contact you to let you know the outcome. It may be that if it's not felt the animal you've applied for is a match, we can talk to you about alternative, more suitable 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 time for your furry friend. Many of our animals need time, patience and love dedicated to them. If you are adopting a dog, you should not leave it alone for longer than they can cope with.

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

• We won’t re-home a dog to a family who plan to chain or tether it.

• 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 you get your landlord’s permission before adopting an animal

• We do not agree to someone adopting an animal as a gift. The adopter should choose the animal themselves.

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

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​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 a new home by asking for a fee. As a Charity we are just pleased the animals under our care are offered a better chance in life. If you would like to make a donation to the charity however, this will be greatly received.

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

A. There can be many challenges that you might face with your new furry friend and it can take time and patience. We are here to support with any struggle with your dog so please get in touch. We have some high trained volunteers who can offer behaviour advice and support.

Q. Would you take back a dog adopted from you?

A. We’ll always try and work with you to try and eliminate the need for your furry friend to be returned to us. We will work with you offering over the phone support and if local, in person. We do ask that you give your new furry friend at least 3 weeks to settle in to their new life style and to learn new ways of life. We must remember some of these poor souls have never been in a home environment so they will need training and patience. We will always listen without judgment and after receiving guidance, and support from us, if you’d still like us to take your dog, we’ll talk you through the next steps.  

Q. What are the basic things my new furry friend will need? (Dogs) 

A. As well as regular exercise, mental stimulation your new furry friend will also food and water bowls with nutritious foods and constant access to clean, fresh water. They will need a collar and a lead for walking and a place to sleep that’s a calm place where they know they can go to relax. If the dog will be sleeping outside, a shelter or kennel will be required to protect them from the weather. Another idea is a selection of toys to try and keep them stimulated and appropriate cleaning products. (Toys don’t need to be expensive, old socks tied into knots can offer hours of enjoyment) 

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

A. Planning for your furry friends arrival is very important and will help them settle in. Your rescue dog may feel anxious when they first arrive.

Plan where your dog will rest, sleep and eat etc. They will need a quiet space away from the main, busy thoroughfares. They will learn that it is a quiet, safe space where they can go to spend time on their own. They can relax here and simply observe while they get used to the new household. They won’t feel exposed, and this will help to build their confidence.

• If there are parts of your home you wish for them to stay away from, consider getting a baby gate and/or moving anything you don’t want them to get hold of that your dog could chew, choke on or swallow. This includes things like cables, wires, lego and jewellery. Tie up things like curtain cords or blind strings to prevent your dog from getting caught.

• Secure bins and keep kitchen sides clear so that your furry friend can’t access anything that could be bad for them. Many of our furry friends have had to find food for themselves so they wont understand its not theirs to begin with.

• Check for hazards around the home such as cleaning chemicals, wires, medicines and poisonous houseplants. - Keep these in a secure place your dog can’t get to — you could put a latch on cupboards or use a baby gate to make sure your dog can’t get to them.

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

A. If you believe your new furry friend might be an escape artist, monitor them in the garden to ensure they don’t jump over any low fences. 

We would recommend securing your garden as most of these dogs have been street dogs, free to roam and they won’t understand they are safe and secure to begin with so will take them some time to adjust and understand they don’t need to escape as all their needs will now be met. 

• Make sure you’ve got sturdy locks on doors and gates.

• Check your fences are secure and free of broken panels and gaps so your furry friend cant sneak out.

• Ensure none of your plants are hazardous for dogs.

• Providing a kennel outside for them to sleep in if they choose to remain outside to begin with is also a good idea. 

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

A. The first few days after you bring your furry friend home can be the hardest for both you and them. It may well have been quite some time since they have lived in a home, if they ever have.

Here are some hints and tips:

• Let them settle at their own pace without any visitors during this time. Adult dogs may be nervous when they arrive at their new home. You may find they hide at first and don’t seem to want to interact with you. This is very normal.

• Allow them some quiet time without disruptions. Make sure it is calm and quiet, so they can get familiar with their new surroundings in peace, allowing them time to relax and feel more confident around you.

• You don’t want to fuss your dog too much as this can be overwhelming for them. Let them come to you when they are ready. They may come over and look at you, sniff your hand or sit nearby.

• Over the first few days you want to keep walks short and in the same location. This will give your new furry friend time to get used to their new area and get their bearings. Again, some dogs won’t have been on assisted walks before 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 however. 

• Create a routine and stick as closely to it as possible. This will help your dog get used to their new home and start to know what to expect and when.

• You must remain understanding and patient. You are unlikely to know what your new furry friend has been through, or taught to do previously. Despite being an adult, they may never have been house trained and so they will need your help to learn these new steps and rules.

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Q. How can I introduce them to other pets?

A. It’s important to ensure that your furry friend is introduced slowly and carefully to any other animals that live in your home. Our team can offer advice on this to ensure a smooth as possible process.

Q. What should I expect on the first night settling a rescue dog?

A. A dog’s first night in a new home can be very daunting and completely different to what they are used too. Many have spent cold nights on the streets, in the cold and wet and others may never have been inside before. These are all things our team will discuss with you prior to adopting. 

Here’s are some ideas to help ensure it is calm and peaceful for your new furry friend.

• If your furry friend has separation anxiety, then you may want to sleep nearby (perhaps downstairs with them.) Then slowly move yourself (or their bed) further away.

• Make sure they have a warm and comfortable place to sleep so it’s an attractive space to them. It should be large enough for your dog to stretch out with their water nearby.

• Consider which room to place their bed in of if they will continue to sleep outside as they have done previously. But it must be somewhere the dog can relax. So not, for example, near a ground floor window where cars or people may be heard going past at night.

If they are to sleep outside they will require a shelter or kennel. It might be that slowly they move into your home as their confidence builds. 

• Ensure you introduce them to their quiet area/safe space/ bed during the day, so they know where it is. Then you can settle them in it before going to bed yourself.