Lifelong Support Adoption Policy

Bliss Lifelong Support Adoption is a special programme offered by Bliss Cavalier Rescue for a small number of dogs adopted with significant pre-existing medical conditions. These are typically very senior dogs, or dogs with complex, multiple health issues that require ongoing veterinary care and careful management.

While these dogs become permanent and much-loved members of their adoptive families, Bliss Cavalier Rescue continues to offer limited support for specific, agreed-upon conditions diagnosed at the time of adoption.

This scheme is funded entirely by generous donations, and we work extremely hard to raise the money needed to provide this vital safety net. As such, we have strict eligibility criteria and clear guidelines to ensure the support is used fairly and responsibly, protecting the rescue’s ability to help other dogs in need.

It’s our way of saying yes to the most vulnerable dogs — and ensuring they get the happy retirement they so deserve.

This document outlines what is and isn’t covered, and the expectations of adopters under this scheme.

🏡 What the Lifelong Support Adoption Scheme Covers

  • Ongoing veterinary support for pre-existing conditions identified at the time of adoption and agreed in writing by Bliss Cavalier Rescue
  • Direct payment to the veterinary practice for pre-approved treatments or medications relating to those specific conditions
  • Contribution towards long-term medications when supplied via rescue-approved pharmacies or cost-effective sources

❌ What Isn’t Covered

To protect our limited charity funds and ensure fair use of support:

🚿 Routine & Everyday Costs

  • Annual vaccinations and boosters
  • Routine flea, tick, and worming treatments
  • Grooming (including nail trims, ear cleaning, bathing)
  • Food, including veterinary diets, treats, supplements, and dental chews

⚠️ Preventable or Non-Compliant Incidents

  • Pyometra in unspayed bitches where neutering had been advised
  • Pancreatitis or GI illness caused by feeding inappropriate foods or switching prescribed diets (e.g. hydrolysed, GI, renal) without approval
  • Poisoning from preventable exposure (e.g. human foods, medications, toxins)
  • Infectious diseases from lapsed or declined vaccinations
  • Injuries due to preventable accidents or poor supervision
  • Worsening of covered conditions due to weight gain or unsuitable diet/lifestyle

💊 Medication & Supplement Exclusions

  • Non-prescription medications (not classified as POM-V)
  • Topical treatments (e.g. shampoos, ear/eye drops) unless agreed
  • All supplements (joint care, herbal remedies, vitamins, etc.)
  • Medications purchased at a vet practice that could have been obtained more cheaply online (e.g. Pet Drugs Online) unless needed immediately as a one off
  • Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or alternative treatments (e.g. acupuncture, homeopathy, laser therapy)

🧠 Advanced Imaging Procedures (MRI/CT)

  • MRI or CT scans will only be considered for coverage when:
    • The procedure relates directly to a pre-existing condition noted at adoption and is likely to change the treatment outcome
    • Less expensive diagnostic alternatives (e.g. X-rays, ultrasound) have been explored and deemed insufficient
    • A written estimate is provided, and prior written approval is granted by Bliss Cavalier Rescue
  • Bliss will not authorise scans for CMSM where the dog has an existing diagnosis, such as Chiari Malformation and Syringomyelia (CMSM), and is already receiving appropriate medical management, as imaging would not change treatment
  • Bliss reserves the right to decline coverage for imaging that does not meet these criteria

🚑 Veterinary Access & Cost Control

  • All treatments must be pre-approved in writing via email by Bliss Cavalier Rescue, unless it is a genuinely life-saving emergency and contact cannot be made.

  • Any treatment or procedure over £200 requires prior agreement.

  • Failure to obtain approval prior to treatment will result in the costs becoming the responsibility of the adopter. This includes:

    • Booking appointments without prior permission

    • Paying a vet directly and then requesting reimbursement after the fact

  • Bliss Cavalier Rescue will only pay veterinary practices directly – we do not reimburse adopters under any circumstances.

  • The rescue must be named on the dog’s veterinary account so that we can access medical history and liaise with the practice when required.

  • Payment will only be made once an itemised invoice and the dog’s full medical history have been received – either from the adopter or directly from the practice.

  • Adopters must contribute a minimum of £25 per veterinary appointment, including medication reviews and follow-ups.

  • Before booking any appointments (excluding routine medication reviews), the adopter must contact the rescue by calling 07305 300347 or emailing [email protected] to obtain permission.

  • For routine prescriptions, please send details to [email protected] so medications can be sourced via our approved suppliers.

🚨 Emergency Treatment Authorisation

If a dog under the Bliss Lifelong Support Adoption scheme requires urgent veterinary care, the following rules apply:

  • Contact Requirement:
    The adopter must contact Bliss Cavalier Rescue before any treatment is authorised by calling 07305 300347. For routine matters (e.g. prescriptions), please email [email protected].

  • Out-of-Hours Emergencies:
    If the emergency occurs and the adopter cannot reach the rescue:

    • The dog may be stabilised only.

    • The adopter must request the vet to pause further treatment until a cost estimate is provided and the rescue can be contacted.

    • The adopter must notify the rescue as soon as possible once the dog is stable.

  • Post-Emergency Assessment:
    If treatment exceeds £200 without prior authorisation, the rescue may still contribute, but only if:

    • A vet certifies in writing that further treatment was essential to prevent serious suffering or death.

    • The rescue deems the treatment medically justified and within the scheme parameters.

  • Non-Emergency Cases:
    Where the treatment was not a true emergency (e.g. non-urgent vomiting, minor lameness), or no attempt was made to contact the rescue, the adopter may be responsible for some or all of the costs incurred.

📃 Scope of Cover

  • Only the condition(s) present and declared at the time of adoption are eligible for support
  • Bliss Cavalier Rescue strongly recommends adopters consider pet insurance to assist with any new conditions, injuries, or emergencies not covered by this Lifelong Support Adoption scheme