A DORSET animal shelter is urging pet owners to make sure they have the correct paperwork.

Following a recent report published by The Dogs Trust, Purbeck-based animal charity Margaret Green Animal Rescue is calling on new pet owners to make sure they have the correct and legal paperwork when adopting a new dog or puppy.

The report investigated the illegal entry of dogs into Great Britain under the Pet Travel Scheme.

The report serves as a reminder about the importance of making sure that all new pets entered the country legally.

Organisations that rescue dogs from countries other than the UK, such as Ireland and Eastern European countries, must abide by strict regulations.

The dogs must have a pet passport, a microchip, vaccination against rabies, have waited 21 days after the rabies vaccination and be treated for tapeworm.

Dogs entering the UK for commercial import, including charities bringing dogs in, should have also come from a holding in the EU country of origin and must have a health certificate for each group of more than five dogs.

Each animal must be listed and a vet must have carried out a clinical examination of each animal ensuring that they are fit to travel.

Matt Devereux, trustee at Margaret Green Animal Rescue, said: “Alarmingly, these regulations are not always met which leads to huge welfare and health risks both for the dogs involved and also the people.

“Imported dogs adopted through any rescue organisation should be fully legal and adopters should demand copies of the relevant paperwork prior to adoption.”

A spokesman for the Dorset animal shelter said that adopting a dog or a puppy is a huge commitment and taking on a new animal is not a decision to be taken lightly.

However, anyone interested in rehoming can call 01929 471340 or visit margaret greenanimalrescue.org.uk