Pawprints to Freedom Reviews

I fostered a dog through Pawprints to Freedom. The experience was deeply distressing — and has raised serious concerns about how this charity is run. I was told — both by kennel staff and as reflected in the charity’s own agreement — that this would be a two-week foster placement with a view to adopt. I agreed on that basis, with the understanding that if it wasn’t a suitable match, the dog would be moved on after that trial period. But when safety issues arose, I was told I would need to continue housing the dog indefinitely, with no clear timeline or plan in place. The dog displayed severe behavioural issues that had clearly been ongoing in her previous home — including fear-based aggression, intense resource guarding (of spaces, objects, and people), and multiple attempts to bite. None of this was properly disclosed. Her profile used watered-down language like “vocal” instead of aggressive, prolonged barking and snarling, and “nipping” instead of attempted biting. After connecting with her previous owner — whose review I came across online — I learned there had been multiple attempted attacks, which were entirely omitted from her history. He also told me he had felt bullied into keeping her longer than he felt safe, which exactly mirrored my own experience. Despite raising repeated concerns, I was told the only alternative was to put her into private boarding at my own expense — £200 per week, with no end date. This was not only unaffordable, but unable to, private boardings wouldn’t take her own due to her behaviour. It became clear that unless I pushed for a final deadline, the charity would continue to leave me in an unsafe and unsupported situation. I eventually gave them a firm date — a week’s notice — letting them know I would be returning her directly to the kennels myself. Only then did they finally act. One volunteer in particular was especially unprofessional and harsh throughout. Rather than listening to my concerns or helping find a solution, they pushed their own emotional agenda and made me feel judged and blamed. It became increasingly clear that the wellbeing of both dogs and fosterers takes a backseat to procedure and internal biases within the team. I also contacted the Pawprints complaints team. Their website says they will respond within three days — in reality, it took ten days, and the response I eventually received took no accountability for what had happened. Now, four weeks on, I’ve received no further reply at all. Even more concerning is that the dog has since been re-advertised using the same misleading and diluted description — with no mention of the serious behavioural issues or safety concerns I and the previous owner both experienced. This is not only irresponsible, it’s dangerous — setting up other people to walk blindly into a situation they’re not prepared for. The dog was only with me a short time, but by the end of week one, I knew this was not a suitable or safe long-term match, at week 3 I passed her back over to the kennels. This dog is a sweet loving girl at her core, but sadly will be unable to settle and learn if PPTF are not honest about her needs and behaviour. While one staff member was kind and helpful, the wider experience showed a deeply concerning pattern of poor communication, lack of responsibility, and misplaced priorities. I found the previous owner’s review by chance, and it helped me understand what I was dealing with — which is why I believe it’s so important to share mine. Based on my experience, I strongly recommend you steer clear of Pawprints to Freedom.

I've had two dogs from pawprints....five years apart, and both from Romania. Each time, I found the people friendly and helpful and the whole experience, following my dogs journey across, was amazing. They're people who are dedicated to dogs and any that come under their care are very lucky. The best charity, in dog rescue, I've come across.