FAQ's
Many people ask us, “Why help dogs in another country when there are so many in need closer to home?” The truth is, their need is urgent, and their suffering is unimaginable.
Every day, countless dogs wander the streets, facing dangers most of us could never imagine. They risk being hit by speeding cars, and if they’re caught, they often face cruelty at the hands of dog catchers. Pounds overflow with frightened, hungry, and injured dogs—each one fighting for survival, many left without food, water, or even a moment of kindness.
At A Better Life Dog Rescue, we believe that every dog—no matter where they are—deserves a chance at happiness. No dog should live in fear or pain. That’s why we work tirelessly alongside compassionate partners in Portugal and Romania, rescuing as many dogs as we can and offering them the love, care, and safe homes they so desperately deserve.
By supporting us, you’re helping give these innocent souls a second chance—a life filled not with fear, but with hope, love, and joy. Together, we can change their story.
Each of our dogs waits in Romania or Portugal for the perfect family, and they are only brought to the UK once their new life of love and care is ready to begin.
Please consider donating a small amount to support them.
Here are some of the questions we’re frequently asked, along with our answers,
to help guide you in finding the perfect dog to welcome into your home.
How do I apply to adopt a Romanian or Portuguese dog?
Simple. You fill out an adoption application and one of our Adoption Co-ordinators will review your application and will contact you.
Will I have to go through being home checked?
Yes. We home check every potential adopter to make sure that we are placing our dogs in the right homes. There are no exceptions to this rule.
Do you re-home to people living in flats??
Every application is taken on it’s own merits. For some the answer would be no, however this is not always the case. Your Adoption Coordinator will help you once she has received your adoption application.
Do you re-home to families with children?
We only re-home to families with children over 8 years of age.
Can i reserve a particular dog?
Your choice of dog may be held for you until you have had your homecheck at the discretion of the Adoption Coordinator. If you have passed your homecheck a reservation letter will be sent to you and transport to the UK will be arranged by ABLDR.
All dogs have to have a rabies injection (puppies at 12 weeks old) and then have to wait a further 21 days before they can travel. Therefore the youngest a dog can be to travel to the UK is 15 weeks.
What breed are the dogs?
All of our dogs are Cross Breed dogs of one form or another. Sometimes we do get some specific breed dogs however we always advertise them as Cross Breed due to the fact that we do not know their parentage.
How big will my puppy grow?
This is a difficult one to answer unless we have seen both parents with the puppy, which is very very rare. In most cases we make an estimate on the possible size, but please bear in mind, a puppy can have a spout of growth around 8 months old that can surprise even the most educated dog specialist.
Some of our recent additions for adoption
LOCATION - Portugal
AVAILABILITY - For Adoption
GENDER - Adult Female
SIZE - Medium (41-50cm)
Amy
D.O.B. - 01/12/2022
LOCATION - Portugal
AVAILABILITY - For Adoption
GENDER - Adult Male
SIZE - Medium (41-50cm)
DOGS - Dog Friendly
CATS - Cat Friendly
Jacinto
D.O.B. - 01/04/2019
LOCATION - Romania - Ineu
AVAILABILITY - For Adoption
GENDER - Puppy Male
SIZE - Medium (41-50cm)
DOGS - Dog Friendly
Larry
D.O.B. - 15/09/2025
LOCATION - Portugal
AVAILABILITY - For Adoption
GENDER - Adult Male
SIZE - Medium (41-50cm)
DOGS - Dog Friendly
Albert
D.O.B. - 01/06/2016