At Dogsnhomes Rescue, we understand that many adopters are feeling increasingly worried and confused by the conflicting advice currently surrounding Canine Brucellosis (Brucella canis), particularly regarding imported rescue dogs.
Over recent months, we have seen some adopters being advised by veterinary practices to carry out repeat testing in the UK, often at significant expense and sometimes using differing testing methods.
We want to reassure our adopters that we take this issue extremely seriously.
Our Current Testing Protocols
Every dog rehomed by Dogsnhomes Rescue is already tested for Canine Brucellosis prior to travel from Portugal.
The disease remains extremely rare in Portugal, particularly in the Algarve region where many of our dogs originate.
In addition, puppies born to a Brucella canis positive mother would typically be expected to show serious health complications, stillbirths, or fail to thrive at a very young age.
As with all diagnostic testing, there are situations where false positive results can occur, and this is one of the reasons there has been increasing controversy and concern surrounding testing recommendations in the UK.
Supporting Our Adopters
Although we remain highly confident in the health screening protocols already in place for our dogs, we also understand that some adopters may still wish to arrange further testing for their own reassurance, or following advice from their veterinary practice.
To help support our adopters, we are currently exploring the possibility of organising a reduced-cost Canine Brucellosis testing day exclusively for Dogsnhomes Rescue adopters.
The plan would involve a mobile veterinary team carrying out blood sampling in an efficient “conveyor belt” style system, helping to keep costs as low as possible.
All samples would then be personally delivered by Dogsnhomes Rescue directly to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) laboratory in Weybridge.
The Proposed Testing
Importantly, these would NOT be rapid SNAP tests.
The testing would consist of:
- Brucella canis SAT TC1032
- Brucella canis iELISA TC0116
This combination is widely considered the gold standard approach and mirrors the APHA-recommended testing pathway.
Our Commitment
We want adopters to feel reassured that we stand fully behind the health screening procedures we have in place.
So much so that:
- If a result came back positive, Dogsnhomes Rescue would pay for the additional confirmatory testing.
- If two positive tests were ultimately confirmed, we would refund 100% of the original adoption donation.
That is how confident we are in the dogs we rehome.
Initial Rollout
Initially, we are looking to offer this to the first 30 adopters who express interest. This is simply so that we can trial the logistics and procedures on a smaller scale before potentially expanding the programme further.
At this stage, we are simply gauging interest.
If this is something you may wish to take part in, please contact us via the website or send us a message through our Facebook page.
Important Note
Dogsnhomes Rescue is not suggesting that routine retesting is legally required for adopters.
This initiative is being explored purely as an optional service for adopters who would like additional reassurance or who have been advised by their own veterinary practice to pursue further testing.
As always, adopters should seek advice from their own veterinary surgeon regarding the health and care of their dog.
Gary & Michelle
Dogsnhomes Rescue
