Adopting or rehoming a dog: what to consider
Adopting or taking on a rehomed dog brings many benefits, offering a deserving canine a safe, loving home. Dogs are often rehomed due to changes in family circumstances or living arrangements. Many organisations work tirelessly to find new homes for dogs, especially in areas with a high population of homeless animals.
When you adopt or rehome a dog, here are a few important things to think about:
Find out the facts about the dog
To give both you and the dog the best possible start, try to gather as much information as you can about their history and personality. This helps you avoid surprises and set realistic expectations. Here are some questions to ask the previous owner or rescue organisation:
Is the dog healthy?
How does the dog get on with other dogs?
Is the dog afraid of anything?
Is the dog house-trained?
What's the reason for the rehoming?
InsuranceYour dog doesn't need a veterinary examination to be insured with us. However, please note that our insurance doesn't cover injuries or illnesses that occurred within the last 24 months. Knowing as much as possible about the dog’s health when you take them over is therefore extra important. If the dog is already insured with us, both you and the previous owner must contact us to confirm the transfer of the insurance.
Registering a change of ownershipYou must register your dog with the Swedish Board of Agriculture before they are 4 months old. If you buy a dog older than 3 months, you need to register them within 4 weeks. If the dog is already microchipped and registered, you must report the change of ownership within 4 weeks. You’ll need the previous owner’s personal identity number and the dog’s ID number to complete the registration.Adopting a dog from abroadIf you adopt a dog from abroad, you need to follow the Swedish Board of Agriculture’s rules on importing dogs.Hereyou can find information about what applies when bringing a dog home to Sweden, in the section “Adopting a dog”. To take out insurance for an imported dog with us, you need to wait until the dog has arrived in Sweden, and you also need a Swedish personal identity number. You can buy insurance from us without a veterinary certificate; the waiting period is then 14 days for illness. For accidents, cover starts immediately. The insurance does not cover illness caused by parasites and/or infection that the dog brought with it when it was brought to Sweden. The insurance also does not cover injuries and/or problems that the dog already had when it was brought to Sweden.
Give your new family member timeRemember that it can take time for your dog to adjust to their new surroundings and to you. Patience is key, especially if the dog has had a difficult past or is coming from another country. With time, calm routines, and kind guidance, most dogs will settle in and feel secure in their new home.
