Ask us anything

We want you to feel comfortable adopting a new dog, so ask us anything.

Why adopt a dog from Serbia?

Animal welfare is a very emotive issue in Serbia. Countless strays roam the streets of towns and cities across the country, with an estimated 20,000 stray dogs in Belgrade alone. To date on average a thousand dogs are thrown out and abused every day in Serbia.

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Everything you need to know about adopting with us

Why should I adopt a dog?

Adopting a dog can be a rewarding experience for a number of reasons. We could name a thousand, but we settled for top 5 reasons we think you should adopt a dog.

  1. Saving a life: Adopting a dog from a shelter or rescue organisation can literally save a life. Many dogs are surrendered to shelters every year due to reasons beyond their control, such as changes in their owner’s circumstances. Adopting a dog gives them a second chance at life and a loving home.
  2. Companionship: Dogs are known for their loyalty and companionship. They can be great friends and provide emotional support. They can also encourage you to be more active, as they require regular exercise and playtime.
  3. Health benefits: Studies have shown that owning a dog can have physical and mental health benefits. For example, dog owners may have lower blood pressure, decreased stress levels, and increased social interaction.
  4. Cost-effective: Adopting a dog from a shelter or rescue organisation is less expensive (or in our case free we just ask you to help with transport costs) than purchasing a dog from a breeder or pet store. Our adoption covers the cost of vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and other basic medical care. We also send you home with enough food for a few days so you don’t have to rush to buy more.
  5. Helping the community: Adopting a dog from a shelter or rescue organisation helps support animal welfare in your community. It also helps reduce the number of animals that are euthanized due to overcrowding in shelters.

Overall, adopting a dog can be a fulfilling experience that not only benefits you, but also helps animals in need. If you are still not convinced check out our success stories, and how these dogs have changed their owners lives.

Can a dog help me if I am lonely?

Yes, dogs make great friends. Read more about it here.

What information do you ask when adopting a dog?

We have a quick questionnaire that we ask everyone enquiring about a dog to fill out. You can learn more about it here.

How does Ravno Štit afford to run their operations?

Ravno Štit relies on donations from those who support the cause, and both Jasmina and her daughter invest every penny into making sure all the rescues are well fed and warm.

How much can my donation help the dogs

Every little helps. On average it costs us between 50-100 euros per dog per month. This helps make sure the dog is fed, the vet bills are covered, and the dog has shelter.

If I donate where does my money go?

All of the money goes directly to the dogs. This website is maintained by our personal accounts and the organisation founders work full time, so 100% of the money is meant for dog food, shelter and veterinary bills.

How to welcome my new rescue dog?

The most important thing when welcoming a new dog into your home is to provide a stable environment for your new family member. Make sure to give the dog time to get acquainted with his or her new home at their own pace. It is a good idea to decide before your new dog arrives, where to place a dog bed and dog bowls so that once your new dog has learned where to find these essential items, they are not moved.

Of course, you should make sure to always have water available for your dog and for the first few days you should take the dog outside often. We house train all of our dogs but even older and perfectly house trained dogs can have accidents because of the stress of moving to a new home

What kind of training has the dog received?

When considering adopting a dog, it’s important to know what kind of training the dog has received. Here are some basic training areas we make sure we cover with all our dogs:

  1. Basic obedience training: This includes commands such as sit, stay, come, and heel. A dog that has received basic obedience training is typically easier to manage and more well-behaved.
  2. House training: This refers to the process of teaching a dog to eliminate in the appropriate location, such as outside or on a designated puppy pad.
  3. Socialization: This involves exposing the dog to a variety of people, animals, and situations to help them become more comfortable and confident in different environments.
  4. Leash training: This involves teaching the dog to walk calmly on a leash without pulling or jumping.
  5. Behavioral training: This may include addressing specific problem behaviors, such as aggression, anxiety, or excessive barking.

When considering adopting a dog, it’s important to ask the shelter or rescue organisation about the dog’s training history. A dog that has received training is typically easier to manage and more well-behaved, but it’s also possible to train a dog if it has not received much training. If you are adopting a dog that needs more training, it’s essential to work with a professional dog trainer or behaviourist to ensure that you are using the right techniques and addressing any specific issues. Ask us more, we can tell you about each of our dogs.

Is my dog child friendly?

All our dogs that are child friendly are marked, so you can easily see if we believe that they are. In the individual dog descriptions you can see “family friendly” .

Our child friendly dogs are well-socialized, have a friendly and gentle temperament, and have been trained to interact appropriately with children. It’s essential to supervise any interactions between dogs and children to ensure everyone’s safety. Children should be taught how to approach and interact with dogs properly, and dogs should be given plenty of space and time to rest if they feel uncomfortable or overwhelmed.

Before you meet your dog, we can have a chat and ensure that the dog you selected is child friendly.

Is my dog house trained?

We spend time making sure our grown dogs are house trained. If you are adopting a puppy from us, you can expect to have to do some house training yourselves, but we can advise you. If you adopt a grown dog (1+ years), you can rest assured we have done the work to make sure they are house trained.

Is my dog travel ready?

All of our dogs are car trained, and we aim to complete Titer tests for all of them that allows them to travel internationally. They come with passports and vaccinations. We try and make sure that all dogs feel comfortable in a car and are happy to come on vacation with you. When looking at our dogs you will see we have tagged all the dogs that are both travel and car ready. Here is an article about one of our dogs that has travelled through Europe.

To learn more about what a titer test is – check out this quick article.

What breed is my dog?

There are hundreds of breeds, and most of our dogs are a mix of at least a few. While we find each one of them beautiful, you can take a look and decide what you like. The most important thing is that the breed matches your lifestyle. Are you active, and are looking for a high activity dog? Do you have children and want to make sure they are child friendly? Or, maybe you want a small dog you can travel with easily.

What we have done is tagged our dogs by weight, activity level, colour and coat length, which will tell you a lot about what you are looking for in a dog. Each breed has its own unique characteristics, including size, temperament, coat type, energy level, and grooming requirements. When considering adding a dog to your family, it’s important to research different breeds and choose one that fits your lifestyle and personality.

What size of dog is best for my living situation?

When considering what size of dog is best for your living situation, there are a few factors to keep in mind:

  1. Living space: The size of your living space is an essential factor to consider when choosing a dog. If you live in a small apartment, a smaller dog might be a better fit. However, if you have a larger home with plenty of outdoor space, a larger dog may be more appropriate.
  2. Energy level: The energy level of the dog breed is also an important factor to consider. Smaller breeds like Chihuahuas and Pomeranians can have a lot of energy and require regular exercise, while larger breeds like Great Danes may have a more relaxed temperament.
  3. Lifestyle: Your lifestyle is also a crucial factor to consider when choosing a dog. If you’re an active person who enjoys hiking and running, a larger, more active dog may be a good fit. On the other hand, if you have a more sedentary lifestyle, a smaller dog that requires less exercise may be more appropriate.
  4. Other pets: If you have other pets in your home, such as cats or small animals, a smaller dog may be a better fit to avoid potential conflicts.

Overall, the best size of dog for your living situation depends on your lifestyle, living space, and preferences. It’s essential to research different breeds and consider your own needs and living situation to find a dog that fits well into your home.