How to Adopt

Current international adoption destinations

Most of ShiHe’s international adoptions are currently to Europe. Canada may also be considered case by case, depending on the animal, available routes and the import requirements in force at the time.

Because transport costs for dogs to the United States are currently very high, placements in the United States are generally considered for cats only at this stage. Supported destinations and arrangements may change as routes, transport costs and import requirements change.

Dogs entering the EU from China generally need to complete microchipping, rabies vaccination, antibody testing and the required waiting period. In practice, this usually means that travel cannot take place until the dog is around seven months old or older. Exact requirements and timing are confirmed for each destination and animal.

Arrangements for Great Britain are more complex. We do not currently offer a routine direct adoption route from China to Great Britain. Some cases may involve arrival in mainland Europe followed by a separately compliant onward journey. Feasibility must be assessed individually according to the lawful route, veterinary certification, border requirements and available transport arrangements at the time.

Every destination and travel plan is assessed individually according to the animal’s age and health, available routes and the import requirements in force at the time.

Adoption contribution

For adoptions to Europe, the current suggested adoption contribution is:

• Dog: €350
• Cat: €300

This is not a purchase price and is not charged for profit. The contribution helps cover part of the actual costs involved in preparing and transporting the animal, including air travel, an airline crate, health checks, blood tests, sterilisation, quarantine requirements, official veterinary documentation, and import and export formalities.

The actual preparation and transport costs are usually higher than the suggested contribution, with the remaining amount covered by the rescue, volunteers and supporters.

Arrangements may vary depending on the animal, destination, available route, airline policies and the import requirements in force at the time. Any significantly different animal-specific or route-specific costs will be explained before arrangements are made.

Cost information last updated in March 2026.

Adoption conditions

• Adopters need stable housing, stable income, long-term residence status and a plan to remain in the country/region.
• Adopters must follow local animal welfare laws and commit not to abandon, resell, abuse, breed from or casually transfer the animal.
• Adopters need to cover daily care costs, including food, vaccination, worming treatment, basic veterinary care, grooming and emergencies.
• Cat homes need secure windows. Dogs must be walked on lead and live in a safe, stable environment.
• All household members should agree to the adoption and understand the long-term responsibility.

Adoption process

1. Step 1

   Choose and contact

   Browse animal profiles, photos, videos, temperament notes, health information and behaviour assessments. Interested adopters can then complete the Adoption Enquiry Form.

2. Step 2

   Online discussion

   We speak by video or phone to explain the animal's current situation and understand the adopter's home, routine, household members and animal care experience.

3. Step 3

   Confirming the adoption and travel arrangements

   Once a suitable match has been agreed, we discuss the animal’s travel preparation, expected timeline and adoption contribution. Each arrangement is confirmed individually according to the animal, destination and available route.

4. Step 4

   Travel preparation

   According to the destination requirements, we help coordinate vaccinations, worming treatment, health checks, blood tests, quarantine requirements, official veterinary documentation, the airline crate, flights, and arrival handover. Many journeys are supported by flight volunteers, who may help with accompaniment, handover and travel coordination. Every movement is still arranged individually according to the animal, available route and the import requirements in force at the time.

5. Step 5

   Settling-in period

   Animals need time to adjust after arriving home. The 3-3-3 rule can be a useful guide to common settling-in stages: an animal may be nervous and cautious during the first three days, begin to understand the new environment over the first three weeks, and gradually build a more secure relationship with the household over the first three months. Every animal adjusts at a different pace.

Support We Provide

1. Travel preparation and documentation

   We help prepare the medical, documentation and transport arrangements required for the destination at the time. This may include vaccinations, worming treatment, health checks, blood tests, quarantine requirements, official veterinary documents, an airline crate, flights and arrival handover.

2. Arrival and handover support

   Volunteers help with airport pick-up, document handover and practical guidance for the first settling-in period, including food, environment setup, safety precautions and behaviour observation.

3. Long-term support and safety-net arrangements

   Adoption is not a one-time handover. We stay in contact after adoption and remain available for questions. If an adopter can no longer care for the animal for serious reasons, they must contact the rescue organisation promptly so a responsible plan can be made.

4. Overseas community network

   We invite overseas adopters to join our volunteer and adopter community, where they can exchange experience with families who have already adopted and with foster volunteers, and get additional help when needed.