Is it safe to adopt a street animal from Turkey through a rescue association?

Giving a street animal from Turkey a home is a wonderful decision. But alongside well-meaning associations, there are also intermediaries who place animals quickly without taking responsibility. Veterinary offices and animal welfare organisations in Germany recommend checking the following:

• An address in Germany: The organisation placing the animal should have an address in Germany.
• §11 permit: To bring animals from abroad and place them, the organisation needs a permit under section 11 of the Animal Welfare Act (§11-Erlaubnis) from the veterinary office where it's based. Ask to see it.
• Legal entry: The animal must be microchipped and vaccinated against rabies, have had an antibody test, and have waited 3 months after the blood sample. That's why very young animals can't come legally.
• Meet the animal: Good associations keep the animal in a foster home in Germany first, where possible, and let you meet it. Adopting based only on photos and videos is risky.
• Contract and take-back: There should be a written contract and a promise to take the animal back if there are problems. Good associations will also want to see your home first.
• Beware of pressure: Stay away from intermediaries who use urgency and emotional pressure or ask for payment before you've seen the animal.

Health: Dogs from Mediterranean countries may have diseases that are rare in Germany (such as leishmaniasis). Have your vet run tests after the animal arrives, and ask the association which tests have been done.

Behaviour: Animals that have lived on the street can take time to adjust to city and home life. If you have little time or experience, adopting an animal you've met at a Berlin shelter is also a good option.