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Sleeping Cat

FAQ

1. Who are Paws of Hope Rescue Turkey?


Paws of Hope Rescue Turkey is a small, independent animal rescue dedicated to saving cats and dogs from harsh conditions across Turkey — including municipal shelters, abandonment cases, and life on the streets. We provide medical care, safe boarding, and rehabilitation, then carefully match our rescues with loving homes abroad, where they have a real chance at a safe and happy life.
We carry out all legal procedures for international adoption and, through our network of flight volunteers, ensure that their second lives safely begin in their new homes.

2. Where are the animals located?


Most of our rescued animals are located in Istanbul and Gebze, Turkey. Once ready with their paperwork and waiting durations legally required, they travel to adopters in Europe, Switzerland, the UK, USA, and Canada.

3. How does the adoption process work?


The process usually includes: Application and discussion, Matching with the right animal, adoption contract, legal paperwork preparation (vaccines, microchip, paperwork), Travel arrangement by flight volunteers, airport pickup by the adopters. We guide adopters through every step.

4. Are the animals vaccinated and checked by a vet?


Yes. Before travel, animals receive microchip, rabies vaccination, required vaccinations (age dependent), parasite treatments, health check, rabies titer test, pet passport, and export documents. 

5. How long does adoption take?


This depends on destination and age. Typical timelines: Europe / Switzerland: 3–4 months. USA (cats): 4–6 weeks. USA (dogs): longer due to CDC rules. We always provide an estimate.

6. What does the adoption fee include?


The adoption contribution covers rabies vaccination, microchip, parasite treatments, sterilization (if age appropriate), pet passport, veterinary health certificate, boarding, and care. Flight ticket and some country-specific fees are not included.

7. Which countries do you adopt to?


We regularly arrange adoptions to Switzerland, EU countries, UK, USA, and Canada. Other destinations may be possible.

8. Do you offer trial adoptions?


Because animals travel internationally, trial adoptions are not possible. However, we carefully match animals and provide detailed videos and information before adoption.Trial adoptions are possible only within Turkey.

9. How can I help if I cannot adopt?


You can support us by virtual adoption, membership, donation, flight volunteering, being a foster home, or sharing our posts. Every form of support saves lives.

10. Why international adoption?


Many animals we rescue have no chance locally. International adoption gives them a real future and allows us to rescue more animals in urgent need.

11. What is virtual adoption?


Virtual adoption allows you to support one of our rescued animals monthly, even if you cannot adopt. Your support helps cover food, boarding, and daily care while the animal waits for a home. As a virtual adopter, you receive regular updates, photos, and videos.

12. Can I foster one of your animals?


Yes. Fosters are extremely important for us. Fostering helps animals adjust to home life and increases their chances of adoption. We guide you and support you throughout the fostering period.

13. What is a flight volunteer?


A flight volunteer is someone already traveling from Turkey to another country who agrees to accompany one of our rescued animals on their journey to their new home. We handle all paperwork and arrangements. The process is simple and fully guided.

14. Why is there an adoption fee?


The adoption fee is not a purchase price. It is a contribution toward the significant costs involved in preparing an animal for international adoption. These include vaccinations, microchip, rabies vaccination, parasite treatments, sterilization, pet passport, veterinary checks, export paperwork, boarding, and daily care. The fee covers only part of the expenses.

"What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make."

– Jane Goodall

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