Adopting a rescue dog from Romania: what you need to know

Yes, a dog from Romania can become a wonderful companion – if you choose a reputable rescue, know the rules and give the dog time. Many of these dogs have never lived in a home, some carry diseases without visible signs, and not every go-between has good intentions. Here's what matters – honestly, even where it's uncomfortable.

Should you adopt a dog from Romania?

We think: yes – if it's the right fit. A few honest questions to ask yourself:

• Do you have the time? A dog that has lived on the street or in a shelter often only gets to know stairs, cars, vacuum cleaners and leads once it's with you.
• Do you have the patience? Some dogs take weeks before they let you touch them. Others are cuddly from day one.
• Do you have support? A good rescue, a vet, perhaps a dog trainer – you don't have to do it all on your own.

And: adopting a dog from abroad saves a life. Supporting the helpers on the ground – with food, vet care and neutering – means that far fewer dogs are born on the street in the first place. Both count.

How do I recognise a reputable rescue?

The rules in Austria

Austria has clear rules – they protect the animals and you:

• No offering animals for sale in public (§ 8a (1) of the Animal Protection Act, Tierschutzgesetz): animals may not be offered in publicly accessible places or by travelling sellers.
• Who may advertise animals for adoption (§ 8a (2)): licensed animal shelters and facilities, registered breeders, and owners or authorised associations for individual animals older than 6 months. Dogs must have been registered in the pet database for at least 16 weeks (in force since 31.05.2025, online too).
• Anyone who acquires an animal that is recognisably being offered illegally is also breaking the law (§ 8a (3)).
• Microchip and registration (§ 24a): every dog must be microchipped and registered in the official pet database (Heimtierdatenbank) within one month of entering the country or changing hands – that's heimtierdatenbank.ehealth.gv.at, not the private site heimtierdatenbank.at.

The journey under EU law

When a dog from Romania, Bulgaria or Hungary moves to a new home, this doesn't count as private pet travel. Among other things, the EU then requires:

• a registered establishment of origin or an officially approved animal shelter,
• a microchip and rabies vaccination (from 12 weeks, valid 21 days after the primary vaccination),
• a veterinary examination no more than 48 hours before departure,
• an official health certificate and notification in the EU's TRACES system.

For buying pets from abroad, Austria's Ministry of Social Affairs (Sozialministerium) sets a minimum age of 15 weeks. The rule "with a pet passport, no more than five animals" only applies when your own pets travel with you – not to animals being rehomed.

Mediterranean diseases: which tests make sense?

Dogs from southern and south-eastern Europe can bring diseases transmitted by mosquitoes, sandflies and ticks – often without anything showing. How common this is was shown by a Freie Universität Berlin study (Schäfer et al. 2019) of 345 imported dogs:

The main diseases in brief:

• Leishmaniasis (sandfly): many dogs show no signs for a long time. Later: swollen lymph nodes, weight loss, non-itchy skin changes, hair loss, overgrown claws, nosebleeds, kidney damage. Can also be passed on to humans.
• Ehrlichiosis (tick): lethargy, fever, a tendency to bleed, such as nosebleeds.
• Babesiosis (tick): fever, jaundice, dark "rust-brown" urine, anaemia – if untreated, it can lead to kidney failure.
• Heartworm (mosquito): chronic cough, breathing difficulties, poor stamina.

How to tell when your new dog urgently needs a vet is covered in our guide Dog or cat not eating: when to see a vet

The first weeks: time to settle in

Every dog is different – but these principles have proved their worth:

• Calm, not a busy schedule. Spend the first few days at home, with few visitors and short walks. Everything is new.
• Keep them secure. Many rescue dogs startle easily. A well-fitting escape-proof harness and a lead you never let go of stop a frightened dog from bolting in a panic.
• Provide a retreat – a quiet spot where nobody disturbs them.
• Fixed routines. Feeding, walks, rest – always roughly the same. Predictability builds trust.
• Let them come to you, don't reach for them. Anxious dogs in particular build trust when they're allowed to decide for themselves.
• A vet check in the first few weeks – with a testing plan and vaccination status.
• Get help early if you're unsure: from your rescue, or from a trainer experienced with fearful dogs.

If it doesn't work out

It happens – and there's no shame in it. The only important thing is: contact your rescue before you decide anything. Often a conversation or a trainer can help. And if not, a reputable rescue will work with you to find a better home. That's what the return clause in the contract is for.

Helping without adopting

Not everyone can take in a dog. You can still make a big difference: the people rescuing street animals in Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary and Türkiye often work alone and without money. Neutering stops more and more puppies from being born on the street. Food and vet care help the animals that are already there.

That's exactly what we do at Save Our Animals: we help the helpers. Follow our WhatsApp channel and see for yourself where the help goes – or support the work on the ground.

Frequently asked questions

Sources