Montenegro, a country known for its scenic coastlines and mountainous landscapes, is also home to a large population of stray dogs. Fortunately, there are many dedicated shelters and rescue organisations working to find these animals loving homes. Whether you’re a Montenegrin resident or a foreigner hoping to adopt and export a dog abroad, this guide will walk you through the entire process—step by step.
Why Adopt in Montenegro?
Montenegro’s stray dog population is high relative to shelter capacity, but its animal welfare laws are progressive. Municipalities are legally obligated to handle stray populations through micro-chipping, sterilisation, and rehoming rather than euthanasia. This makes adoption both a humane and accessible option for those looking to welcome a new companion.
Step 1: Choose the Right Shelter or Rescue
Montenegro hosts a mix of municipal shelters and volunteer-led rescue networks. Below are some of the most reputable options. However, if you form a bond with a dog on the street, you can take it in—adoption doesn’t always have to happen through a shelter.
| Region | Organisation | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Kotor / Tivat | Azil Kotor | A government-run shelter with over 200 dogs. Open to visitors on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 11:00–13:00. Staff assist with dog selection. |
| Bar | Stray Aid Montenegro (SAM) | A UK-registered non-profit operating through foster homes. Over 400 dogs rehomed since 2018. English-speaking volunteers available. |
| Podgorica | Friends of Dogs / NVO Ruka Sapi | Local rescues focused on street dog rehabilitation. They regularly post adoptable dogs online. |
| Nationwide | NVO SPAS | A network of rescuers operating in the central regions of Montenegro. |
Most shelters allow you to visit and meet dogs by appointment or during specified hours. Don’t hesitate to contact more than one—Montenegro is small, and many people travel across regions to find the right fit.
Step 2: Meet and Reserve Your Dog
Once you’ve identified a shelter:
- Schedule a visit or reach out via WhatsApp/Facebook.
- Meet potential matches and discuss compatibility with your lifestyle (children, other pets, apartment vs. house, etc.).
- Reserve your chosen dog, often by filling out a short form. This allows the shelter to begin preparing the animal for adoption.
Step 3: Legal and Medical Requirements
Before a dog can legally be adopted from a shelter in Montenegro, the following requirements must be met:
✅ Microchipping and Registration
Every adopted dog must be microchipped. This chip is registered to you as the new owner in the local municipal database.
✅ Vaccinations
Rabies and core vaccines (distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, etc.) are mandatory. The dog will receive a stamped veterinary booklet, known as a pasoš ljubimca (pet passport).
✅ Sterilisation
Shelters are required by law to sterilise dogs before adoption or have you sign a commitment to do so when the dog is old enough.
✅ Adoption Contract and Donation
You’ll sign a contract outlining your obligations as the dog’s new caretaker. A donation fee (typically €30–€70) is standard and goes toward veterinary expenses.
Step 4: After Adoption (For Residents)
If you’re staying in Montenegro:
- Register the dog at your local veterinary station within 10 days.
- Keep up with annual vaccinations, especially rabies and DHPPi/L (distemper combo).
- Pay municipal dog tax, if applicable in your town (usually less than €10/year).
Step 5: Exporting a Dog Abroad
Many foreign adopters bring dogs from Montenegro to their home countries. Here’s how to do it:
Key Steps
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| Microchip | Must be inserted before rabies vaccination. |
| Rabies Vaccine + 21-Day Wait | Required by EU, UK, and other destinations. |
| EU Annex IV Health Certificate | Issued by a state-approved vet within 48 hours of departure. |
| Transport | Most adopters fly via Tivat, Podgorica, or Dubrovnik. Check airline crate size and in-cabin pet policy. |
Note: Puppies under 16 weeks generally cannot travel abroad due to rabies vaccination age and waiting period.
Some countries, such as the UK and Ireland, require tapeworm treatment 24–120 hours before entry. A rabies titre test may also be needed depending on your destination and the dog’s age.
Step 6: Timeline Overview
| Day | Action |
|---|---|
| Day 0 | Visit shelter, choose dog, sign reservation. |
| Days 1–7 | Dog gets microchip, vaccines, blood check. |
| Day 22 | (21 days post-rabies) – eligible to travel. |
| Days 23–30 | Final vet check and export certificate. |
Shelters like Azil Kotor and SAM often assist with all these steps, especially for international adoptions.
Step 7: Budget Breakdown
Here’s what you can expect to spend:
Local Adoption (within Montenegro)
| Item | Cost (€) |
|---|---|
| Adoption donation | 30–70 |
| Vaccines + chip + passport | Included (or ~€25 if paid separately) |
| Leash, collar, bed, bowls | 20–40 |
| Total | €50–110 |
International Adoption
| Item | Cost (€) |
|---|---|
| Health certificate | 40–60 |
| Crate | 30-50 |
| Rabies titre (if needed) | 90 |
| Total | €100-200 |
Extra Tips
- Try a trial foster if you’re unsure—many rescues allow this.
- Use Facebook groups for community advice and transport options.
- Keep all vet documents, including originals, as customs may request full records.
Adopting a dog in Montenegro is a rewarding and straightforward process. Whether you’re settling in the Balkans or taking your new companion abroad, the key is to work with a reputable shelter and follow the legal checklist carefully. With a little preparation—and a lot of heart—you’ll be giving a homeless dog a second chance at life.
Let the tail-wagging begin. 🐶