Adoption Information

Table of Contents

1. What kind of shelties are available?
2. What do I need to do to adopt one of these dogs?
3. Will my sheltie come with papers?
4. Can I breed my Sheltie?
5. What will my dog need after adoption?
6. What happens if I can't keep the dog?
7. What can I do to help other Shelties?

What kind of shelties are available?

You would be amazed at the lovely shelties who end up homeless--we constantly are!  Shelties of every age and color variation, with temperments ranging from sweet and gentle to outgoing and athletic.  We've even rescued show-quality shelties.  Most of our Shelties are young, beautiful, healthy dogs abandoned through no fault of their own and looking for a second chance.  

What do I need to do to adopt one of these dogs?

The first step in the adoption process is to complete an Application for Adoptive Home.   The application must then be approved by the Club Committee.  Then it is our goal to match your needs and characteristics with the dog that will fit into your family.  Perfect matches are those in which the people understand the years of commitment and expense that go into caring for a dog.  Because we want this to work for all concerned, we will be asking some questions that may seem intrusive, and we may wish to visit your home.  Please realize we are not trying to be nosey, but we need to be as sure as we can that the match will succeed.

We prefer our Shelties to be "indoor pets," with access to a fully fenced yard.  Although we have occasionally placed dogs with people who live in apartments, or keep their pets outside, the Sheltie prefers, as a general rule, to be part of the family and be inside.  

If you are renting your home, we will need a letter from your landlord authorizing you to keep a dog.  We will also require an adoption donation to help offset our costs.  We typically ask for a minimum of $125.00 to adopt a dog from us.  

Will my Sheltie come with papers?

Most of our dogs were long ago separated from their pedigree records and AKC registration papers.  Occasionally we will get a dog with both, and we are happy to share all we know of your new pet's history.  

Can I breed my Sheltie?

Sheltie Rescue makes every effort to see the dog is spayed or neutered before placing it in a new home.  Because animal overpopulation problems can result in the death of more than 13 million dogs and cats nationwide each year, it just makes good sense.

What will my dog need after adoption? 

Wherever possible, our dogs are checked out by a vet, vaccinated and checked for any major problems.  The majority are housebroken (although like many dogs, they may need one or two reminders of this in a new home).  Most know a little obedience.  We recommend a follow up visit to your own vet, obedience classes, and most important, love and commitment to proper care.

What happens if I can't keep the dog? 

We ask that you return the animal to us for placement in a new home.  All of our dogs are placed in a home on a 30-day trial period, during which time you can return the dog and receive a refund of any adoption fee less a $25 administration cost.  After that period, we cannot return the fees, but will, of course, find another home for your pet.  

If you are considering returning the dog because of behavior problems, please consult with us first.  We will be happy to advise you, or recommend an appropriate trainer.  

What can I do to help other Shelties? 

We are always in need of both donations and volunteers.  Most beginning volunteers can help by agreeing to foster.  Since Shelties are generally gentle, easy going dogs, they are fun to foster.  You can commit to help as much or as little as you want...even caring for a single animal over a weekend once a year could turn out to be a lifesaver for a dog who hasn't any other place to go.  Other volunteers interview prospective adopters or follow up on reports of Shelties in local shelters.  If you are interested in fostering a sheltie, contact Susan Robbins (704) 537-7838.  

Rescue work is far more heartwarming than heartbreaking...although there are some difficult situations from time to time.

Last Revised: Feb 12, 2000