Healing Paws Animal Rescue is a small UK-registered charity helping stray and abandoned animals on the Greek island of Zakynthos (Zante). Our dogs remain with us in Zakynthos until they have found their families, before travelling to the UK on one of our regular transports.

We do our very best to match each dog with the right home, so please have a read through the information below before applying.

A few things to know before you apply

OUR DOGS ❤

Most of our dogs and puppies are well socialised with other dogs, and many are also used to cats and children unless otherwise stated in their individual description. All dogs will need time, patience and training as they adjust to a completely new life, and puppies will need to be neutered when they are old enough.

CHILDREN ❤


Our policy regarding children is slightly different from that of some other rescue organisations. Rather than having one blanket rule, we consider applications involving children on a case-by-case basis.

Most of our dogs have grown up around children at the rescue and are very fond of them, but every dog and every family is different. We therefore consider applications from families with children on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the individual dog, the ages of the children, previous dog experience and any other pets in the home


YOUR HOME ❤

A private garden is not essential for every dog, and we are happy to consider flats and homes without gardens for suitable small and medium-sized dogs.

If you do not have a private garden, you must have safe, reasonably calm and easily accessible outdoor space nearby for toilet breaks, and the dog you are applying for must be suitable for a home without a garden.

For dogs that do require a garden, it will need to be secure with suitable fencing. Requirements vary depending on the individual dog.

HOME CHECK ❤

Before an adoption is approved, we carry out a home check by video call. This is simply a friendly conversation to learn a little more about you, your home and lifestyle, answer any questions you have, and make sure the dog you're applying for is a good match for your family.

ADOPTION COST ❤

The adoption cost is approximately £680-£700 in total

This covers the costs involved in preparing your dog and bringing them safely from Zakynthos to the UK:

- £190 veterinary preparation – including vaccinations, rabies vaccination, microchip, flea and worm treatment and travel documentation.
- Adult dogs also receive relevant blood tests.
- £60 health certificate & customs fees
- Approximately £430 transport to the UK

The £190 veterinary fee is due when you reserve your dog following a successful home check. The transport cost is paid approximately one week before your dog travels.

WHEN CAN THEY TRAVEL? ❤

Puppies must be at least 12 weeks old before receiving their rabies vaccination and must then wait the legally required 21 days before travelling. Once your dog is ready, they will be booked onto the next suitable transport.

As our dogs travel overland from Greece, transport dates can occasionally change due to ferries, weather, border delays or Eurotunnel arrangements, so we ask adopters for a little flexibility.

READY TO APPLY? ❤

Please only submit an application if everyone in your household is ready and committed to adopting, you have read the dog's description carefully, and you are in a position to proceed should your application be successful.

We know adopting a rescue dog is a big decision, and we are always happy to answer questions along the way. Most importantly, we want to find the right match for both you and the dog.

Thank you for considering giving one of our Healing Paws dogs the home they've been waiting for. ?

P.S. Please add adoption@healingpawsanimalrescue.com to your safe senders/contact list after applying so that our reply doesn't end up in your junk or spam folder!