Think twice before adopting a rescue dog from outside the UK.
 
That’s the warning from the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA), which says animals imported from the continent can have diseases that leave new owners facing high vets’ bills and heartache.
 
‘A well-chosen pet will reward you with years of pleasure. However, selecting an animal online without knowledge of its background is risky,’ said Richard Ashworth, Government Veterinary Officer.
 
‘Rescue dogs are now being moved across Europe under the Pet Travel Scheme. European rescue organisations advertise widely online, with tempting and captivating opportunities to re-home such dogs. Spain and Greece are especially common countries of origin.
 
To be allowed into Britain, dogs must be fully compliant with pet passport, micro-chipping, rabies vaccination and tapeworm treatments – and this can give purchasers comfort.
 
‘However, some dogs actually start life in rabies-infected countries and either stray across, or are unlawfully moved across, borders and are then abandoned and later re-homed,’ said Mr Ashworth.
 
‘Although rabies itself is rare, dogs can carry serious exotic diseases such as Leishmaniasis, Trypanosomes, Heartworm and other blood-borne diseases that do not occur naturally in the British Isles.
 
‘Because symptoms are not initially visible, the animal may not become ill until it reaches its new home, by which time treatment may be complicated and expensive.
 
‘Cases of all these diseases in imported dogs are recorded by vets’ practices and are rising.’
 
Mr Ashworth said owners who purchase dogs without first meeting them and assessing their temperament risk them escaping, posing a threat to livestock.
 
DEFA has been alerted to two such cases in recent months.
 
‘Owners should carefully consider how a dog from far afield will adapt to an urban environment, lead exercise, children, traffic and house-training,’ he said.
 
The Manx SPCA, based at Ard Jerkyll, Foxdale, supports DEFA’s warning.
 
‘If you decide a rescue dog is for you, the Manx SPCA is always looking to re-home dogs or you can consider visiting one of many UK rescue kennels,’ Mr Ashworth said. ‘Breed societies, too, always have a register of pedigree dogs that need re-homing. These locations will give you the opportunity to meet, handle and assess the suitability of your new pet, relative to your own lifestyle, family, and home environment.
 
‘Personal examination of any future pet is always recommended and is the best way to start a lifelong friendship.’