Rescued poodles find homes as adoption checks remain strict

More than 20 poodles taken into care in Päijät-Häme in June have found new homes, including six-year-old Papu, Yle reports. The dogs were in poor condition when they were taken into care, but almost all have now been adopted.

Papu, a small black toy poodle weighing about three kilograms, officially moved into a new home in Pennala, Orimattila, after its adoption papers were signed. The dog was previously called Risto.

Some of the seized poodles could barely walk because their coats had become severely matted. Papu has now spent about two months on a trial placement with Tiina and Timo Vaittinen, who have extensive experience with dogs.

“Papu adapted immediately. It is as if it had always been with us. It is a very energetic and happy dog,” Timo Vaittinen said.

The adoption process used by animal welfare associations varies from case to case. Papu’s process was more flexible because the new home was already familiar to one of the association’s volunteers. Normally, the process includes home visits and detailed interviews.

Sini Salmenniemi-Kuparinen, a volunteer responsible for dogs at the Päijät-Häme Animal Welfare Association, said confirming an adoption was one of the best parts of the work.

“It feels fantastic when the animals get new homes. You can see how happy they are and how much the new owners love them,” she said.

The number of dogs taken into care in Finland has doubled over the past two or three years. Last year, around 700 dogs came to associations belonging to SEY, with half taken into care by order of the authorities.

By the beginning of September this year, the Päijät-Häme association had received 86 dogs looking for new homes. Homes had been found for most of them, with six still waiting for new owners.

The Helsinki animal welfare association HESY had received 58 dogs this year. Of those, 50 had been taken into care or confiscated by the authorities, while eight were found dogs. Four dogs were still looking for homes.

Animal welfare associations have faced criticism on social media that their adoption process is too demanding. Salmenniemi-Kuparinen said some applicants felt they could not get a dog even when they believed they offered an experienced home.

The requirements are strict because a dog may have already lived in several homes before arriving at an animal welfare association.

“The association always aims for the next home to be the final home,” Salmenniemi-Kuparinen said.

Before an adoption, the association carefully assesses the home’s circumstances. Important criteria include the new owner’s experience with dogs, the type of housing and whether the dog is suitable for children or other animals. The Päijät-Häme association requires adopters to be at least 21, while HESY’s minimum age is 18. Päijät-Häme has no upper age limit, with each case assessed separately.