Category Archives: News

Bitcoin Payments enabled

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Businesses enable Bitcoin payments to lower transaction costs, access global markets with faster, cheaper cross-border payments, attract new customers interested in digital currencies, and leverage enhanced security features that eliminate fraud and chargebacks. While there are risks associated with Bitcoin’s price volatility, these benefits can lead to improved cash flow, increased sales, and a competitive edge by offering a modern, convenient payment option. Benefits of Enabling Bitcoin Payments Reduced Costs: Bitcoin transactions can have lower fees compared to traditional methods like credit cards, saving businesses money, especially on international transactions. Global Accessibility: Bitcoin is decentralized and not tied to any national bank, making cross-border payments faster and less expensive than traditional banking. Enhanced Security: Bitcoin uses cryptographic algorithms to secure transactions, making them resistant to fraud and reducing the risk of chargebacks, which are a common problem with credit cards. Faster Settlements: Blockchain technology enables transactions to be processed quickly, improving cash flow and operational efficiency for businesses. New Customer Demographics: Businesses can attract tech-savvy and younger customers who prefer digital currencies and are interested in paying with Bitcoin. Increased Financial Control: Bitcoin allows businesses to maintain more direct control over their funds, as they are not reliant on intermediaries like banks or payment processors. Reduced Risk of Chargebacks: The final nature of Bitcoin transactions eliminates the risk of fraudulent chargebacks that can occur with credit card payments. Improved Privacy: Bitcoin transactions are pseudonymous, meaning user identities are not directly tied to their Bitcoin addresses, which appeals to privacy-conscious customers. Considerations Price Volatility: The value of Bitcoin can fluctuate significantly, which presents a risk for businesses if they hold it as an asset. Regulatory Compliance: Businesses need to stay informed about the evolving regulatory landscape for cryptocurrencies. Complexity of Adoption: While many third-party providers simplify the process, businesses still need to understand the mechanics of accepting and processing crypto payments. Try it out at our Shop

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List of Entry Ports into Germany for Animals

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Customs border points for the entry of animals into Germany (from EU countries at least) Zoll Grenzpunkte für die Einreise von Tieren nach Deutschland (aus EU Ländern zumindest) All Paperwork must of course be correct and be available for Inspection if need be. The animals must be properly vaccinated against rabies be clearly identified with a microchip or – on a transitional basis – with a legible tattoo that was applied before 3 July 2011 be accompanied by an EU pet passport in which the microchip number or tattoo is entered in case of ownership change must have the correct Intra Paper (Traces) and if applicable, be accompanied by the results of the blood test mentioned. Further Information

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There are many reasons not to drink milk

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No milk! Reasons against consuming cow’s milk There are many reasons not to drink milk . Milk is a product that comes from dark oppression. A product that is based on the suffering and exploitation of other living beings. But that’s not all. Not drinking milk makes you healthy! For many years, the industry has been spreading untruths about milk consumption. Colorful labels show happy animals and talk about healthy calcium and many nutrients. But a lot is kept secret. Tormenting living conditions for the animals, high levels of medication and pus. No wonder, milk is basically disgusting. And even worse: many milk products also contain parts of dead animals. Health reasons for not drinking milk Three quarters of all people cannot tolerate milk! That should be enough information. It causes allergies and digestive problems, and causes fatty deposits in the blood. Milk is not food for humans. The idea that the calcium in milk is important for bones and teeth has long been disproved. In fact, the opposite is the case. Consuming dairy products actually prevents the body from using calcium. And this calcium can be absorbed much better through vegetables. There is also now a connection between osteoporosis and milk consumption. Many cows in milk production suffer from purulent mastitis. Of course, some of this ends up in the milk. Enjoy your meal! Milk also contains hormones and antibiotic residues. If you care about the long-term well-being of our planet, you shouldn’t drink milk! The meat and dairy industries are among the biggest climate polluters there is. Ethical arguments against milk It’s the same with cows as with people. They give milk when they have a baby. Not to fill our bottles. What do you do? You just take the babies away from them, slaughter them or exploit them in some other way. And then you take away their milk too. And that’s not a friendly, flowery process, it’s a violent, painful procedure. And of course the cows and their babies don’t mind being separated at all. If milk production drops, the cows are artificially inseminated (which is a euphemism for “raped by a human forearm”) and the process starts again. If a cow can no longer produce milk, it is slaughtered. Male calves are almost always fattened and slaughtered. And be careful, even if it is actually clear that the dairy industry is the meat industry: many types of cheese also contain parts of slaughtered animals. More precisely: rennet. It is taken from calves slaughtered at a young age. Another ethical reason for not drinking milk is the dehorning of cows. The horns of calves, which are actually an … Continue reading →

Flying will become even more expensive from 2024

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In order to fill the budget gap, the federal government wants to increase the aviation tax from 2024. What this means specifically for passengers. Travelers will probably have to pay more for their flights from January. The traffic light coalition has buried the plans for a kerosene tax. However, the existing aviation tax should be increased. The problem: Details of the extent to which the tax will increase are not yet known. So far, all that is certain is that the federal government wants to raise a total of 580 million euros in additional funds in this way. This should help fill the budget gap . So far, the aviation tax has been staggered in three stages. For destinations up to 2,500 kilometers away, 12.77 euros per passenger and flight are charged; for routes up to 6,000 kilometers it is 32.35 euros and beyond that 58.23 euros. You have to pay for all commercial flights that take off from German airports . The decisive factor is the flight destination stated on the ticket. Pure connecting flights are excluded. Flight tickets: Taxes could increase by a good 50 percent on average It is unclear how much these individual amounts should now be increased. A simple calculation can provide a rough guide: So far, the state has collected a good one billion euros per year from the levy. If it is to be 580 million euros more in the future, the levy would have to increase by a good 50 percent. According to this calculation, the rate would rise to just over 19 euros for the shortest route and to around 88 euros for the longest route. But the new regulation probably won’t be that simple, as the number of flights is not evenly distributed across the three distance classes. Theoretically, for example, the government could increase the rate disproportionately for short distances of up to 2,500 kilometers. This would particularly affect the Lufthansa Group with its strong presence in Germany and Europe as well as the low-cost airlines Ryanair and Easyjet . The latter two fly predominantly within Europe. Lufthansa competitors such as Emirates , Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines would do better here. The question is therefore whether the traffic light government will opt for such a solution. However, one thing is already clear: the additional costs will be borne by the passengers. At Lufthansa, for example, it says: With 15 euros per passenger remaining as profit for the company after deducting all costs and fees, there is no scope to compensate for a larger increase in the tax. Other airlines such as Easyjet will probably pass on the additional costs. Uncertainty regarding tickets for the first half of the year: Do customers have to pay additional money? Another big problem: The airlines have already sold a lot of tickets for … Continue reading →

Finding the Right Crate Size for Your Dog (or Cat)

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One of the simplest ways to make your new puppy feel at home is with a safe, sturdy dog crate. The right crate not only creates a safe place to contain your pet when you can’t be there, but it also taps into a dog’s natural instinct to den. Most dogs love having a place of their own and may retreat to their crate anytime they need a little “me” time. As a bonus, crates usually make housetraining a lot easier by giving your dog a space in your home that is exclusively “theirs”! Additionally you will need a good right sized IATA Approved Crate when traveling with your Pet with an Airline. Not all Airlines accept Pets in Hold or Cabin but those who do, will want you to use an IATA Approved Crate. Guidance for Dimensions of Container To assist in determining the approximate size of the traveling container, the following formula may be useful. When calculating the minimum internal height of the container, the height of bedding should be added to the height of the animal. Animal measurements: A = length of animal from tip of nose to base/root of tail. B = height from ground to elbow joint. C = width across shoulders or widest point (whichever is the greater). D = height of animal in natural standing position from top of the head or the ear tip to the floor (whichever is higher). Note: Measurements A, B, C and D for determining the container dimensions must relate to the largest animal. Download the Container Requirements 1 in English (pdf) applicable to cats and dogs (CR1 LAR 2023) What Crate Size should be used for a large Dog? Large dogs need a minimum crate length of 90 centimeters. You can also find XL and XXL dog crates measuring up to 120 centimeters long. Measure your dog’s height and length, and then add 10 centimeter to each dimension to find the right size crate. As an Example SKUDO 6 – 92 x 63 x 70 cm – Plastic dog crate – Dog carrier SKUDO 7 – 105 x 73 x 76 cm – Plastic dog crate – Dog carrier

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Rent a Crate

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New Dog or Cat IATA approved Carriers are expensive. If you only need a Crate for a once off Journey it might be better to just rent one for the Day. I have various sized Crates available you could rent. ALL IATA approved so there won’t be any Issues with non acceptance at the Airport. Rental Charges vary because I need to bring them back as checked in luggage which of course costs and varies from Airline to Airline. Sometimes I also need to leave them at the Destination in the Overnight Luggage Storage Facility at the Airport. Rented Crates need to be brought back by on my Return Flight as booked in Luggage. Various Airlines charge different Prices for booked In Luggage, that is why the Rent Prices can be different depending on which Return Flight / Airline I have. As an Estimate it can be anything between € 25.00 to € 45.00 to Rent a Crate. Adopters need to come to the Destination Airport with their own Soft or Hard Crate (or Leash in case of a Dog) to transfer the Animal into (preferably in a closed environment such as Car or Disabled Toilets etc.) Should I rent or buy a cage to transport my animal by plane? A transport cage is essential to fly your pet, whether it is a dog or cat. Also be aware that the transport cage for your pet must be IATA certified. Recently IATA made some Changes to their specifications of the Travel Crates and some Crates we were able to use before are now NOT accepted anymore. Details here: Discover what is an IATA certified cage. An un-certified cage IATA will see the departure of your pet refused. Be careful not to buy or rent a cage in a hurry on the internet because many cages have the characteristics of cage standards for the transport of your pet plane but are not IATA certified. The pet must be able to turn around normally while standing, to stand, to sit erect and to lie in a natural position, while in the crate, otherwise the airline might not accept the pet in the crate. Also discover our tool to choose the right cage for your pet.

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Sweden: Movement of dogs, cats and ferrets from EU countries

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Movement of dogs, cats and ferrets from EU countries (incl. the Greek Part of Cyprus) The following rules apply if you have been traveling abroad with your dog, cat or ferret and are returning to Sweden, if you buy a dog, cat or ferret for yourself abroad or if you buy a dog, cat or ferret abroad and intend to sell the animal in Sweden. The following rules apply if you have been traveling abroad with your dog, cat or ferret and are returning to Sweden, if you buy a dog, cat or ferret for yourself abroad or if you buy a dog, cat or ferret abroad and intend to sell the animal in Sweden. Your animal must be ID-marked with a chip. The animal must be vaccinated against rabies. An animal that is brought into Sweden from another EU country must have an EU passport for pets. The EU passport must be issued by a veterinarian. If you are travelling from another EU country and have an animal with a European pet passport with you, you can give Swedish Customs notification of dogs and cats via the internet. More Details can be found here

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FYI: New Animal Check In Regulations at Gate 13 Larnaca Airport.

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New Regulations at Gate 13 Animal Check In at Larnaca Airport As from 1st of February 2023 new Regulations regarding the Animal Crates came into effect for Aegean (I am not sure if this applies to other Airlines as well from Larnaca). I only found this out this morning as I had a flight booked. On 01.March 2023 we had 5 normal IATA Approved Crates which we have always used (in fact only the day before on 28.February 2023 they were accepted) 3 of the Crates were not accepted and I could not fly. The very same Check In Lady had checked me in on previous February Flights with no Issues, so either she checked me in wrongly or did not know her Job. The Supervisor she phoned would not budge on the Issue and I had to come home again with 5 Cats. If you will have Flights leaving from Gate 13 (or from the Upstairs Check in Area) please make sure you supply the right kind of Crate otherwise boarding will be denied and you will loose your Ticket. Photo of the acceptable one with the Front Door Locking Pin protruding:   The Emphasis is on the LOCKING Pin which according that Potato Farmer Supervisor MUST protrude 1.6 cm (or more but not less) beyond the extrusion. So, better bring a Ruler to keep them happy :)   The other 3 Crates we had were totally acceptable yesterday (but not today) and looked like this or very similar. These are NOT going to be accepted anymore according to the Supervisor. (Note the absence of the Locking Pin) If I fly and the wrong Crates are supplied by the Shelter or Owner it is NOT my Responsibility and I might NOT be able to board and Money will be lost!

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Colloidal Silver For Cats

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Colloidal silver is a natural, safe and effective antibiotic for cats. It has been used for over 100 years in humans to fight infections of all kinds. Now it’s also being used by many people with cats because of its ability to kill bacteria that cause disease without harming the cat’s cells or organs. Colloidal silver can be taken orally or applied directly on wounds, burns, skin ulcers and other injuries. It is also an excellent way to disinfect surfaces such as floors, tables and counters where food is prepared or eaten. Colloidal silver kills bacteria like E-coli which causes diarrhea so it’s great for pets who are often exposed to these harmful bacteria when they go outside into the dirt and grasses. Colloidal silver can be used in combination with most medications and is compatible with all diets. It has no known side effects or interactions with other drugs, chemicals or herbs. Benefits of Colloidal Silver for Cats In terms of cat health care and treating cats with a natural material, colloidal silver has an insane amount of benefits. It kills a wide variety of bacteria, viruses, viral infection, and fungi. Because it is non toxic it helps promote healthy cells and organs. It’s safe for all animals and a natural alternative to prescription antibiotics with no known side effects or interactions with other drugs or chemicals. It’s an extremely effective treatment for a plethora of health issues and as far as a natural lifestyle goes, it’s one of the best and most powerful substances on the market. A few drops will work wonders on itchy skin or eye infections. How colloidal silver works on cats: The body recognizes the elemental silver as self because it is a natural substance found in water and soil. The smallest microorganisms cannot reproduce in the presence of oxygen when exposed to silver ions from colloidal silver because they are disrupted at a cellular level by this element which has unique properties that aren’t found in other substances. Conditions Colloidal Silver Can Help Treat Colloidal silver acts as a natural antibiotic for a plethora of infections and issues that cats face. If you are cat parents it’s a good idea to get an understanding of colloidal silver and it’s many benefits as it may come in handy. Some of the conditions it can treat are: Skin infections – such as ringworm, mange, fungal infections and hotspots. Eye Infection – will help with eye infections such as conjunctivitis, pink eye, feline herpes virus infection and other viral diseases of the eyes. Ear infections – including ear mites which are a common cause of itching in cats. Gastrointestinal infections … Continue reading →

Colloidal Silver and Benefits for your Cat & Dog

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How Colloidal Silver Works Colloidal Silver is a term used to describe tiny particles of silver suspended in a liquid and given their small size a normal filtering process would not remove them. The size can vary, with some being so tiny they are referred to as “nanoparticles” which means they are less than 100nm in size and invisible to the naked eye. Before modern antibiotics were developed, colloidal silver was used as an all-purpose remedy for various infections and illnesses. An increase in holistic health care has brought a revival in popularity, with people claiming it can replace medical therapies used to treat bacterial, viral and fungal infections. A small number of people also claim it can help treat illnesses such as Lyme disease, tuberculosis and even HIV/AIDs. Colloidal silver can be used to treat inflammation, wounds, fever, burns, eye infections, parasites, ringworm, digestive disorders and yeast infections in both cats and dogs. It is perfect for cleaning wounds and can be used as an antiseptic. If your dog has bandages it can be used to reduce the risk of developing infections by applying the recommended amount directly to the affected area three to four times a day. It is unknown how exactly colloidal silver works however research suggests that it attaches to the proteins found on the cell walls of bacteria, damaging their cell membranes. This then allows silver ions to pass into the cells, where they can damage the bacteria’s DNA and ultimately kill it. Depending on the size of the colloidal silver, which varies in size and shape, as well as the concentration of the solution, will impact the effectiveness of the colloidal silver. Colloidal Silver for Eye Problems Common Eye Issues If your dog or cat is prone to eye problems colloidal silver could be the solution you are looking for. For common eye problems soak a cotton pad in the solution and use to wipe eyes, ensuring you use a separate pad for each eye. Do this daily for prevention of eye infections if your dog is prone to these. Cataracts For cataract apply 1 drop of Colloidal Silver into each affected eye, twice daily for 2 weeks or longer. The cataract will start to fade in colour and once you can no longer see this treatment can stop. Colloidal Silver for Ear Problems Ears / Hearing Loss This can occur at any age for a variety of reasons. Use 1 drop of Colloidal Sliver in each ear twice daily, you should notice a hearing improvement after about 10 days. Try whistling or loudly calling the animals name. If the animal turns it’s head towards … Continue reading →

Helping Hands Cat Shop Paralimni

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Helping Hands Cat Shop Paralimni I am always surprised that there are still quite a few people who do not know this Charity Shop which does a lot of work for the local Stray Cat Population. They have some really nice Quality Stuff for Sale (got to be lucky sometimes to find a real Bargain there), Books, Toys, Bric-a-Bric, Puzzles, Clothing, etc. Everything to keep them busy. You can also lend Cat Cages there if you need a Cage to transport your Cat and do not want to buy one for just one Occasion All Proceed go to help with Cat Food or Neutering. You can go there and get a reduced Voucher for Male or Female Cat Sterilization for the Vet of your Choice (in Paralimni) Please ask current Prices but I think Voucher for Female is € 25.00 and Male is € 20.00 After the Operation I think you just need to pay € 10.00 for the Antibiotics at the Vet. Opening Times are: 9am until 12.45 Monday to Saturday You can find it on the Road from the Zorbas Bakery Round a bout in Pernera going up to the old Orphanides (Now Metro) on the right side BEFORE the Furry Friends Vet.(Google Map ) Give them a Call or better visit them.

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De Poezenboot / The Catboat

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The Catboat Amsterdam

poezenboot-amsterdamThe Catboat is a non-profit organization that is financially supported by donors. They do not receive grants from the Amsterdam municipality , a town district or any other government departments. It sounds cliché, but it’s true: without your donation and support we wouldn’t stay afloat! Thanks to a team of very caring volunteers who help in getting abandoned and owner surrender cats become healthy, sterile, vaccinated and chipped, we can do our job and find a suitable and loving home for them.
The Catboat regularly takes in stray cats and owner surrendered cats.
The owners and finders of these cats cannot afford to contribute financially which implies that all costs fall to the Catboat.

To learn more or contribute with a Donation please see their Website (both Dutch and English)

Are TRACES necessary?

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Are Traces really necessary? I get this Question asked all the time. I have flown a few times without Traces but it is the responsibility of the Sender in Cyprus to get the TRACES done. Flying without TRACES is a Risk! In Cyprus we have 5 different Veterinary Services, one for each Province. I emailed ALL 5 of them with the same Question: Are TRACES necessary to send a Stray Cat from Cyprus to an Adopter in Germany (for example) Here are their Answers: Limassol Thank you for your email. Please be advised that all animals traveling to another country for adoption need a Traces Certificate as they are changing ownership. An EU passport is a requirement along with Rabies Vaccination and a clinical examination within the last 48 hours prior to departure. I am attaching a declaration form, to be filled in and send back to us at least 5 working days prior to the flight. We shall then provide you with an appointment for the collection of the Traces Certificate after the animal’s clinical examination at your private vet. The fee for issuing the certificate is €34,17 per animal for individuals and €10,00 per animal for registered organizations. According the new EU animal law a registered or approved organizations has to be involved. Our office days and hours are Monday to Friday 07:30 – 15:00 – exceptionally and upon request and availability we may open on a Saturday and provide certificates, however the request has to be done before confirming a booking. Should you require any additional information or clarifications please do not hesitate to contact me. Nicosia Attached you will find the document that has to be completed in order for traces to be issued. In the link below you will find information about traveling with your companion animal. http://www.moa.gov.cy/moa/vs/vs.nsf/vs07_en/vs07_en?OpenDocument You can find our address in the link below. https://www.google.com/maps/place/%CE%9A%CF%84%CE%B7%CE%BD%CE%B9%CE%B1%CF%84%CF%81%CE%B9%CE%BA%CE%AD%CF%82+%CE%A5%CF%80%CE%B7%CF%81%CE%B5%CF%83%CE%AF%CE%B5%CF%82+%CE%9A%CF%8D%CF%80%CF%81%CE%BF%CF%85/@35.1445687,33.4026127,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x14de182601bf44c9:0xb7cc9abe19794862!8m2!3d35.1445643!4d33.4048014 The cost for the issuing of one traces for an animal is 34,17 Euro (VAT included). Working hours: Monday-Friday 7:30-15:00. Weekends we work on demand. Pafos Regarding your questions about this matter, please see the answers below: 1. If the cat travels alone to be adopted in Germany it needs a TRACES certificate. 2. Attached you can find a blank traces declaration form to fill out with all the information needed. You send this form at least 15 days before flight, to these three emails: dvs.paphos@vs.moa.gov.cy, aperdikos@vs.moa.gov.cy, operikenti@vs.moa.gov.cy. You collect the certificate from Pafos District Veterinary Office the date and time you state on the traces declaration form. 3. The certificate can be done by a private person or through an animal shelter organization. If done by … Continue reading →

On Escort Fees and Ticket Prices

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The Goal is always to find a reasonable priced Ticket WITH available Crate Space for Animals in Hold (AVIV) or Cabin Space for Animal in Cabin. Aegean only allows 8 Crate Spaces per Flight ( as far as I know) and only 5 per Ticket. For example if an Organization pre-booked 5 Crates, I would only be able to book/reserve 3 on that same Flight. If I book early enough and we’ll in advance, I can find affordable Tickets with (hopefully) Crate space. Once the cheaper priced Tickets are gone, Prices increase. I have seen Price Increases of up to €80.00 from 1 day to the next for the same Ticket-class and Flight. (Yesterday €104.00, today SAME Ticket €187.00). On average, if I book early enough, I can get away with a Ticket share Amount of €60.00 to €80.00, depending on the actual Ticket Price. If I book Short Notice, Ticket Price would be much higher and so would the Ticket share Price. Ticket share Price also needs to include some of my Expenses. I need to get to and from Airport (both in Cyprus and Germany), parking fees, and optional overnight stay IF no same day Return Flight is available.

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Holland: Adjusted regulations; what does that mean for you?

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This Information / Article was first published on VERHUISDIEREN.NL. All Credit to the Original Poster. As of November 1 2021, additional rules apply for importing dogs and cats from abroad. There is still much uncertainty about the new rules. Rules as they stand on the website of the RVO (Dutch government agency for Entrepreneurship). FOUNDATION & ORGANIZATIONS (In Dutch, Use Google Chrome Browser OR a Translation Plugin to switch to English) The rules that your foundation has to comply with are listed here. TIP: If you make use of host families, please check if your host families comply with the rules! HOSTFAMILY (In Dutch, Use Google Chrome Browser OR a Translation Plugin to switch to English) Here you will find all the regulations that host families have to comply with. TIP: A distinction is made between host families who provide childcare on a commercial basis and those who do it on a hobby basis. ADOPTERS (In Dutch, Use Google Chrome Browser OR a Translation Plugin to switch to English) For adopters, not much will change. Unless they adopt a dog or cat directly from abroad. Read here what you as a foundation need to know and check. RE-HOMING (In Dutch, Use Google Chrome Browser OR a Translation Plugin to switch to English) Sometimes a dog has to be re-homed. Again, not much changes, but a number of things must be in order. Check whether this is in order for your dogs. This Information / Article was first published on VERHUISDIEREN.NL. All Credit to the Original Poster.

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