Fuming with the local rescue

A
Aurora78noxy Icon representing the flag French
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Hi everyone, I wanted to come on here and share the awful experience I had at a rescue centre four days ago. We lost our dog two months ago now. After a few chats with the kids, we decided that a rescue was the best place to find our next companion. We headed over to a local shelter, having a rough idea of the dog we wanted. We met one, and it went really well; he was a bit timid, but that’s to be expected. Me and the kids absolutely fell in love with him, and the feeling seemed mutual. So, we went into the office to sort out the adoption. That’s where it all went pear-shaped. They asked for the adoption paperwork, including proof of income. I’m a childminder and I’m on a low wage, and my partner does agency work – also on a low wage. And then the manager informs us that we don't earn enough!! I was gobsmacked. I asked her what sort of salary you need to adopt a dog? But she wouldn't give a straight answer, just kept saying we didn’t earn enough! You can imagine how gutted the kids were, and us too. Just as I was – if you’ll excuse the expression – giving the manager a piece of my mind, another family came in to finalise an adoption, and the manager said, really loudly so we wouldn't miss a word, "Oh brilliant, you have decent salaries!!!!!" I felt truly humiliated. If there’s anyone from a rescue on this forum, could you tell me what a "decent salary" for adoption actually is? Because I have no idea. Anyway, I don’t think I’ll be setting foot in a rescue centre again. Thanks for reading to the end.

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    • Bobkat
    Bobkat Icon representing the flag French
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    I saw on the RSPCA's website that they were asking for proof of income.

    I don't remember having to provide anything like that over 10 years ago; what's more, I was only on a fixed-term contract at the time, and so was my ex.

    Maybe they've had a lot of people surrendering pets because they can't afford them anymore? For some, they're just looking for an excuse to give them up, but for others, there really is a genuine lack of money.

    Dogs are expensive, that's for sure, but in your case, you stayed by your dog's side and looked after them until the very end—they really should take that into account too.

    To be honest, some rescue centres can be a bit difficult—if it's not your income, then you work too much, or you haven't got a garden so it's an automatic "no", and so on... but that’s just down to the people working there.

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    M
    Mel1 Icon representing the flag French
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    You really should report your experience to the RSPCA head office; that’s pretty shocking behaviour from a shelter manager! I get them asking for proof of income – there’s no denying that dogs are expensive. But to decide that a couple with two salaries doesn’t earn enough to adopt a dog... That’s totally out of order! What kind of shelter is this, some posh rescue only for the wealthy? Lol.
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    ?
    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Oh 😳

    I'm so sorry to hear that! It’s awful when people are being so ridiculous!

    Try not to let it get to you, although I do understand how disappointed you and the kids must be... But not all rescues are the same, thankfully...

    Best of luck with everything going forward 😉

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    ?
    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Don't go back there, but do report the incident. Otherwise, they’ll likely just carry on with their picky vetting process based on completely ridiculous criteria for a long time to come.
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    A
    Aurora78noxy Icon representing the flag French
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    Thanks for your feedback. Well, in our case, they definitely asked us for proof of income for a one-year-old dog that was neutered and had no health issues. To be honest, I can't see myself going back to that rescue centre.
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    ?
    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    It’s absolutely appalling, and I’m biting my tongue to avoid saying what I really think of the person who dealt with you! I feel so sorry for your children, who had already found their new best friend, and for this poor pup who came so close to finding his forever home! As @Jador suggested, you could try contacting the RSPCA head office, or perhaps look into other rescues that aren’t quite so narrow-minded and strict. There are also charities that rehome dogs from abroad, like those from Spain or the Caribbean. Have a look at the adoption section on Wamiz...
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    Jador
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    Here are the adoption requirements listed in the RSPCA's rules.

    "ADOPTING FROM US

    The RSPCA advocates responsible adoption. An application form will need to be filled out at reception when adopting from the rescue centre.

    Documents you’ll need to provide:

    •Proof of identity

    •Original proof of address (dated within the last 3 months)

    Other documents may be requested depending on the animal:

    •To adopt a dog or a puppy under 6 months old => your latest proof of income (payslip or business registration documents)."

    Proof of income is only requested in specific cases (the age of the puppy, or for a dog that may require ongoing care due to illness or behavioural issues needing training classes or a session with a behaviourist).

    It’s worth checking if the dog falls into a specific category... as there is absolutely no mention of a minimum income requirement. It sounds like the person you spoke to might just be being a bit over-zealous. You should take it up with the head office if you’ve got your heart set on this adoption.

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    A
    Aurora78noxy Icon representing the flag French
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    I can definitely confirm that, it was at a rescue centre!! And my partner refuses to set foot in there ever again!!
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    Jador
    Jador Icon representing the flag French
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    Was it actually at an RSPCA centre or just a local rescue?

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    Kikaah
    Kikaah Icon representing the flag French
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    Some of these rescue centre managers are clearly total arseholes, especially considering there are charity clinics (funded by RSPCA donations) specifically for people on low incomes when they're in need.

    Translated from French

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