Below are some frequently asked questions:

 

Why are there so many stray and abandoned dogs in Portugal?
There are many reasons why people give up dogs, most of these seem more like excuses to anyone who loves their dog like any other family member. Some reasons people give for abandoning their dogs include moving to smaller accommodation, emigrating, getting married or divorced, pregnancy or childbirth, bad behaviour of dog and pregnancy of dog. Unfortunatly there is an inherent belief amongst a lot of Portuguese, particually the older generation that animals do not have feelings. Also the financial crisis in Portugal, as in many parts of the world means pets are often the first to suffer.

How can we solve the stray and abandoned dog problem?
Encourage everyone to sterilize their dog or cat. Educating people, particually the younger generation in animal welfare.

Why are dogs neglected and abused?
Unfortunatly there is an inherent belief amongst a lot of Portuguese, particually the older generation that animals do not have feelings. Also the financial crisis in Portugal, as in many parts of the world means pets are often the first to suffer.

How can we stop dogs being neglected and abused?
If you suspect any animal is being abused you can try aproaching the owner and talking to them about the welfare of the animal. If this does not work or you feel unable to speak with them inform the police immediately or a local animal welfare charity. No one wants to be policed, but there is a responsability that comes with any living being, a duty of care. There are many charities dedicated to animal welfare. See our links page for a few of them.

How can I help abandoned and neglected dogs in my area?
Find local dog rescue centres and donate money or become a volunteer. See our links page for some rescue centres.

What should I do if I find a stray dog?
Inform the police who will try and find the owner. Contact a local rescue centre if an owner can not be found.

I want a dog, how do I choose one?
Have a think about how much time and space you have. Dogs need good regular exercise and they need space to run and play. If you only have limited time to walk and care for them, perhaps another pet would suit your situation better. A large dog will need alot of space, and a lot of food but will be a great companion on those walks through the hills and mountains! See our links section for websites that give help and advice on choosing a dog.

I want a dog, how do I look after one?
See our links section for websites that offer help and advice in dog care.

I want a dog, how do I train one?
See our links section for websites that offer help and advice in dog training.

What is the centres adoption process?

Cantinho da Lili adoption procedure:

Prospective owner visits Cantinho da Lili to meet dogs. We assess needs of prospective owner.

Prospective owner chooses dog.

Prospective owner meets dog at Serra da Estrela Veterinary Clinic where health check is given. Worming, Flea and Tick treatment are given if necesarry at no cost.

Prospective owner to sign to accept terms and conditions of rehoming.

Prospective owner takes over ownership of dog from Cantiho da Lili.

Owner takes dog home.

Owner to send photos to Cantinho da Lili and keep in contact with Cantinho da Lili for first year.

 

What are the centre's terms and conditions of rehoming?

Terms and conditions of rehoming:

New owner agrees to keep dog safe and healthy.

New owner agrees to have dog sterilized if not done already.

New owner agrees not to use dog for breeding, hunting or fighting.

New owner agrees not to chain up dog for long periods of time, not to house dog in cramped conditions and not to let dog run loose on the streets.

New owner agrees to get dog vaccinated and microchipped if not done already.

New owner agrees to obtain licence from junta de freguesia.

Why can some dogs not be rehomed?
There are many reasons why some dogs can not be rehomed but it is not always a permanent situation. We have a small number of dogs that have bitten people in the past and although they are generally good with people at the centre they can not be rehomed. Some of our dogs have behavior problems which makes them difficult to rehome and some of our dogs have medical conditions that need treating before they are rehomed. Some of these dogs could be rehomed with someone experienced in dealing with dogs with these issues.

Why does the centre not rehome dogs with people who will use them for hunting, fighting and breeding?
We believe hunting and dog fighting are both cruel sports and do not want to promote them. We believe there are too many unwanted dogs in the world and to bring more puppies into existence is wrong.

Why does the centre not rehome dogs with people who will keep them chained up?
We believe that it is cruel to keep a dog chained up all the time. It is a sad fact that here in Portugal, particularly in the countryside and mountains, it is common to keep dogs chained up 24 hours a day.

I adopted a dog but am finding it hard work, what should I do?
Please be patient, it will take time to build a relationship with your dog. Training is hard work but will pay off in the end. See our links section for websites that offer help and advice in dog care and training.

I adopted a dog but now I don't want it, will you take it?
If you adopted the dog from us we will take it back if things don't work out. However we hope that never happens! If you adopted a dog from another rehoming centre please contact them.

Can I visit the centre?
Yes! Visitors are most welcome by appointment only. Please contact us.

Why is the address of the centre not on the website?
Due to the huge amount of stray and unwanted dogs here in Portugal we can not put our address on the website as we will be inundated with dogs abandoned at our centre.

I can not keep my dog any more, will you take it?
No, we rescue abandoned and neglected dogs, as an owner you must rehome your dog responsibly. We can give you help and advice on rehoming, please email us.

My dog has had puppies, can you take them?
No, we rescue abandoned and neglected dogs, as an owner you must be responsible for rehoming the puppies. We can give you help and advice on rehoming, please email us.

What are the municipal kennels?

The municipal kennels are council run kennels here in Portugal where stray and abandoned dogs are taken when found on the streets or taken by the police.

Why has the centre rescued dogs from the municipal kennels?

In some locations it just serves as a 'holding centre' and it is the worst kind of holding centre, dogs can be left for days with no food or water. Dogs can be left in their own urine and feces for weeks on end in cramped conditions. Not all municipal kennels are terrible but most are not that nice.

What is vaccination?
Vaccination is a series of injections to protect your dog from various diseases that could be fatal. Most of our dogs are vaccinated against rabies. Most veterinary clinics would recommend vaccinating your dog against distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, leptospirosis and kennel cough, ALL of these diseases can be fatal. There are also some other vaccinations worth considering depending on where in the world you intend to live or travel to with your dog. See our links section for websites with more information on vaccination.

Why should I vaccinate my dog?
To protect it from various diseases that could be fatal. If you want to travel and take your canine friend with you it is important that it is protected from diseases. Also you will need to show that it has been vaccinated against Rabies to enter the UK. Vaccination against Rabies is compulsory in Portugal to obtain a licence from the junta de freguesia.

What is a microchip?
A microchip is a small device about the size of a grain of rice that is implanted into your dog usually behind the ears or around the back of the neck. The microchip carries details of the dog and owner. Anyone with a microchip reader, usually a vet in this case can read the microchip.

Why should my dog have a microchip?
If a dog gets lost and is taken to the police or a rescue centre their microchip can be read and the owner contacted immediately. Microchipping is compulsory in Portugal to obtain a licence from the junta de freguesia. It will soon be compulsory for all dog owners in England and will be compulsory for all dogs in Wales by 1st March 2015.

What is sterilization?
For females, the ovaries, uterus and most of the cervix are removed through an incision in the abdomen. For male castration, the vet makes an incision in or near the scrotum and removes the testes.

Why should I sterilize my dog?
There are too many abandoned, neglected and stray dogs all over the world. Sterilization will prevent more unwanted dogs being brought into the world. Many responsible dog owners have been caught out thinking their girl dog is safe and secure inside and in an instant a door is left ajar and there she goes! An average first litter is anything from 3 to 8 puppies. Sterilization can also prolong the life expectancy of your companion and calm down aggressive dogs or dogs prone to running away.

Why should my dog have regular worm, flea and tick treatment?
Ticks and fleas are not just huge irritants to your dog, causing itching and rashes, ticks can cause Lyme disease, this can also affect humans. In southern Europe there is also a risk of Lychmaniososis, this disease is carried by mosquitoes and causes very painful illness, an attack on the immune system and advanced deterioration of internal organs. It is easily transmitted not only through mosquitos but via dog to dog. Roundworms and tapeworms, absorb nutrients through their skin and do not normally injure your pet’s intestine. Others, however, like hookworms, chew and erode the lining of your pet’s intestine. Strongyloides tunnels through the lining causing inflammation. Single-celled Giardia block nutrient absorption and is thought to produce a mild toxin while coccidia enter and destroy the cells of the finger-like projections that allow nutrient absorption from your dog’s intestine. Heartworms which are transmitted by mosquitos can cause major health issues, the first is due to the damage the worms cause to the arteries in the lungs. The second is the mechanical obstruction of blood flow that results from the inflammation and the number of heartworms present.

My dog is sick, what should I do?
If you are worried about your dogs state of health take it to a veterinary clinic straight away. We are unable to give advice on individual dogs health. See our links page for websites that offer help and advice on dogs health.

How can I find out more about Gouveia?
There is more information about Gouveia on the town website at www.cm-gouveia.pt

How can I find out more about the Serra da Estrela?
There is a brilliant resource in Seia, the Centro de Interpretação da Serra da Estrela, Rua Visconde de Molelos, Seia. Tel: 00351 238320300. It has up to date info on weather conditions, local flora and fauna, maps and guides to the area. It is a unique area, with glacial valleys and rock formations that need to be seen to be believed. Tourist centres are also able to offer local info. See www.cise.pt.

How can I find out more about the area around Gouveia?
See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centro_Region,_Portugal

My company would like to be a patron of a dog, will you put a link for our business on this website?
Yes, we will add your company name and web link to the picture of the dog you sponsor and add you to our links page.