Animal rescue

Responsible adoption: preparing well before adopting an animal

Adopting means committing for 10 to 20 years. A thoughtful adoption is the best weapon against abandonment. We support adopters and fund the preparation of animals for adoption: care, identification, neutering.

Updated on · Première Moisson, non-profit association · Reading time: 5 min

Key points in 30 seconds

  • A dog or cat often lives 12 to 18 years: it is a long-term commitment.
  • Since 2022, every new owner in France signs a certificate of commitment and knowledge, with a 7-day cooling-off period.
  • Identification (microchip or tattoo) is mandatory for dogs and cats in France.
  • Adopting from a shelter means giving a second chance to an animal that is already cared for and identified.

Questions to ask yourself before adopting

  • Do I have the time to look after it every day (walks, play, care)?
  • Is my home suitable (size, garden, building rules)?
  • What budget can I devote each year to food and vet bills?
  • Who will look after it during holidays or absences?
  • Does the whole household agree, including in case of allergies?

The steps of a responsible adoption

  1. Meet the animal several times and talk to the shelter or foster family about its character.
  2. Sign the certificate of commitment and knowledge, then respect the 7-day period.
  3. Check the identification is registered in the new adopter's name in the national I-CAD register.
  4. Prepare your home: bed, bowls, toys, secured windows and balconies.
  5. Book a vet appointment in the first few weeks.

Our work for adoption

  1. Preparing animals: vet check, vaccines, identification and neutering before adoption.
  2. Advice for adopters: choosing an animal suited to their lifestyle.
  3. Post-adoption follow-up to prevent returns and abandonment.
  4. Promoting shelter adoption rather than impulse buying.

Frequently asked questions

What is the certificate of commitment and knowledge?
It is a document required by the French law of 2021, signed by anyone acquiring a dog or cat for the first time. It sets out the animal's needs and the owner's obligations. Seven days must pass between signing it and the animal's arrival.
Is identification mandatory for a cat?
Yes. In France, dogs and cats must be identified by microchip or tattoo and registered in the national I-CAD register.
Why adopt from a shelter?
Animals there are usually already treated, vaccinated, identified and neutered, and adopting frees up a place for another animal in distress.

Official sources

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