At Priory Vets, we deeply respect the compassion that drives many adopters to welcome rescue dogs from overseas. These animals often come from difficult backgrounds, and the desire to offer them a better life is admirable. However, recent coverage — including a BBC investigation and commentary from the RSPCA — has highlighted growing concerns around the health and behavioural risks associated with imported dogs.
🧾 Legal Entry: Balai vs. PETS
Dogs imported for rehoming should be brought in under the Balai Directive—a system designed to ensure safe and regulated commercial and rescue transfers. Balai includes veterinary checks, rabies vaccination, microchipping, and an Intra Trade Animal Health Certificate (ITAHC).
If a rescue organisation is using the PETS Travel Scheme for rehoming, that’s a red flag. It may be easier and cheaper, but it’s not appropriate—and raises concerns about what other corners might be cut.
Health Risks: More Than Rabies
Many people assume imported rescue dogs undergo rigorous health screening. Unfortunately, current UK legislation only requires rabies vaccination and worming for entry. That leaves significant gaps when it comes to diseases such as Brucella canis, Leishmaniasis, and Ehrlichia—conditions that aren’t just serious, but can have lifelong implications.
Some are zoonotic, meaning they can be transmitted to humans. Brucella, for example, may not show outward symptoms in dogs but can pose real risks to people. At Priory Vets, we require all imported dogs to be tested for Brucella before undergoing any procedures, to protect our team and the wider community.
The importing charity should ensure that dogs test negative for Brucella canis using APHA-approved blood tests prior to travel. To ensure accurate results, a second test should be carried out at least three months after arrival in the UK—or following a strict quarantine period.
Behavioural Challenges: Trauma and Mismatch
Many imported dogs come from street environments or overcrowded shelters. They may have experienced early trauma, long transport journeys, and minimal socialisation. While some adapt beautifully with time and support, dogs who’ve lived in street or shelter environments often carry behavioural traits shaped by survival. This can result in them displaying fear-based behaviours, including aggression or severe separation issues. They’re not “bad dogs”—but it’s important to understand that they may be cautious, independent, or reactive in ways unfamiliar to some owners.
That’s why, before adoption, a responsible rescue should:
- House dogs in UK-based foster care for at least a few weeks, ideally a few months. This allows the dog to properly decompress and settle with an experienced carer, and be fully assessed to ensure they are suitably able to adapt to living in a UK home.
- Provide comprehensive behavioural assessments to help find their perfect family setup.
- Be clear about any long-term support needs.
“Deliveroo for Dogs”: A System in Need of Reform
RSPCA spokesperson David Bowles recently described the current import system as a “Deliveroo for dogs”—with animals arriving at people’s doors with little to no assessment or preparation. It’s a powerful image, and one that reflects our own concerns. While many rescue organisations are reputable and responsible, the sector remains poorly regulated. Misinformation is rife, and adopters may not discover health or behavioural issues until after the dog has arrived.
Our Advice
At Priory Vets, we’re not here to discourage compassion—we simply want to help you make a safe, informed choice for both you and your future pet.
If you’re considering adopting an imported dog, we urge you to:
- Work only with legitimate, licensed charities
- Ensure full health screening, including Brucella testing
- Be prepared for long-term behavioural support and enquire as to the rescues provision for ongoing support beyond adoption- do they work with trainers/ behaviourists?
- Above all, ask whether there is the option to return the dog if it’s not working out. Good rescues build in this safety net from the start and understand that it isn’t about giving up—it’s about making the kindest decision for everyone involved, dog included.
A Worthy Alternative: The Case for UK Rescue
There are thousands of dogs in UK shelters in need of homes. Choosing to adopt locally offers a chance to make a real, lasting difference—through a system built with safety, transparency, and support at its core. UK-based rescue charities typically provide thorough behavioural assessments, clear medical history, and ongoing guidance to help ensure the right fit for both dog and adopter.
It’s not the easier route—but it’s one rooted in responsibility, compassion, and care that extends beyond the adoption day.