How to adopt a pet
How to choose, meet, and safely transfer a pet from a shelter
How to adopt a pet
From choosing a card to a safe transfer of the animal
Choose a pet
Browse Qaz.pet cards and filter pets by species, city, and size. Compare the pet's temperament and needs with your household.
Find a petContact the shelter
Use the Apply button or call the shelter directly. Tell them about your home, pet experience, and other animals.
Meet the pet
Arrange to meet the pet in person. If you need a trial foster period, agree its terms and duration with the shelter beforehand.
Sign the transfer agreement
Sign an agreement for the free transfer of the pet. It protects both you and the animal.
Transfer the microchip
Ask the shelter and a veterinary professional about transferring identification and records. The process depends on the region and service used.
Welcome the pet home
Prepare a quiet place at home and ask the shelter about the pet’s habits. Agree whom to contact with questions after the move.
Official sources: Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan · Model walking rules · Gov.kz microchipping guide
What adopters should be ready for
What to consider before deciding to adopt
Housing
Owned or rented housing with the landlord's consent. For large dogs, a yard or a nearby park is preferable.
Finances
Estimate food, litter, equipment and veterinary costs for the pet you have chosen. Set aside a reserve for unexpected treatment.
Time
A dog needs at least two walks a day. A cat needs attention and play. A pet cannot be left alone for long periods.
Other animals
Tell us about other pets. This helps find a compatible match and plan a safe introduction.
Responsibility
Agree who will feed the pet, walk it and arrange veterinary care. Decide in advance who will care for it while you are away.
Microchipping
Requirements depend on national and regional rules. Confirm them with the veterinary service before the procedure.
Legal framework
The law and model rules regulate the registration and identification of domestic animals. Confirm the current process against the official version and with your local veterinary service.
TANBA database
The official information system for pet registration. Before a transfer, verify the microchip number and record status together with the shelter or veterinary organization.
Check TANBA →When transferring a pet through Qaz.pet
Microchipping and ownership-transfer terms depend on the shelter and the individual pet. Before transfer, confirm who pays for the procedure and who updates the registry record.
Health and prevention
The owner and veterinarian should decide together on prevention and treatment.
Sterilisation
Sterilization status should be backed by veterinary records. Compare the card status with the pet passport before transfer.
Vaccination
Check vaccination and booster dates in the veterinary passport. A card status is useful orientation, but it does not replace the document.
Planned veterinary visits
The frequency of checkups is individual. If behaviour, appetite, or wellbeing changes, visit a clinic sooner than planned.
Walking rules
Model rules apply alongside local rules. Check your city's requirements before a walk.
A leash is required
In public places, dogs must be on a leash up to 2 metres; near roads and when crossing streets, use a short leash up to 1.5 metres.
Clean up after your pet
Owners must clean up after their dogs during walks. Always carry bags.
Leash and muzzle
Animals that require extra owner responsibility may be subject to stricter rules. A muzzle is also required where local rules and signs say so.
Walking after dark
Use reflective collars and vests. They make walks safer for you and your pet.
What to do after a bite
After an animal bite or scratch, wash the wound immediately and seek medical care.
A dog has bitten you
- Immediately wash the wound with soap and water for at least 15 minutes.
- Seek medical care immediately. A clinician will assess rabies risk and the need for preventive treatment; do not wait for symptoms.
- Tell the clinician how the bite happened and what you know about the animal. Do not try to capture it if doing so would be dangerous.
Your dog has bitten someone
- Do not run away. Help the injured person give first aid.
- Exchange contact details with the injured person.
- Provide the dog's vaccination documents and veterinary passport.
- Contact the veterinary service immediately to arrange examination and observation. A ten-day observation period does not mean that the first examination can wait.
- If the dog is not vaccinated against rabies, tell the injured person and the veterinary service immediately.
Frequently asked questions
Agree the transfer terms, possible costs, and support format with the specific shelter in advance. Ask for a clear written confirmation of the arrangements.
The veterinary passport and vaccination history must be checked with the specific shelter before transfer. If records are missing or inconsistent, ask the organization to verify the status with a veterinarian.
Agree any trial foster period, its duration, return arrangements and responsibilities with the shelter before taking the pet home.
Contact the shelter and explain what is happening. Discuss help with settling in and any return arrangements in your agreement. Do not abandon the animal.
The process for updating records depends on the regional service and veterinary clinic. Ask the shelter which documents and confirmations you will need.
Discuss the individual pet’s needs, daily activity and support from family or friends with the shelter. The organisation sets its adoption terms.
Ready to choose a pet?
Open a card, check its status and contact the organization.