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ADOPTION APPLICATION |
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Dogwood Sheltie Rescue Inc. is a not-for-profit group comprised of volunteers who give of their time, ability and their homes to help place rescued Shetland Sheepdogs where they will be well cared for and loved. Our primary goals are to protect the Shetland Sheepdogs already here, strive to prevent the over-breeding of Shetland Sheepdogs or the breeding of poor-quality individuals, and owner education of any Shetland Sheepdog owner who requests help. Fundamentally, DSR is a response to the needs of Shetland Sheepdogs that are abandoned, lost or mistreated and need a caring home. We help in extreme cases where someone must to give up their dogs. We feel that the responsibility for caring for lost, neglected and abused Shetland Sheepdogs must rest with those who know and love the breed. The individuals who comprise DSR are current or former breeders, handlers and lovers of these dogs who have many years of experience with the breed and understand the needs of the dogs. What better reward could there be than knowing that hundreds of Shetland Sheepdogs which otherwise might have been euthanized, left out to starve or to run loose in the streets to be crippled or killed in traffic, are instead placed into loving and caring homes.
POINTS TO REMEMBER FEES: A $300.00 donation fee is required when you adopt a rescue Shetland Sheepdog. Some of these dogs require extra medical care or special rehabilitation, which will entail greater expense; we may ask for an additional donation to help cover these extra expenses. Bathing and grooming prior to delivery (at the request of the adopter) is an extra charge. Should an adopter wish further tests or x-rays, we are happy to provide these, also at the expense of the adopter; this expense is non-refundable. SPAYING/NEUTERING: Any dog adopted from DSR will have been neutered unless Veterinarian deems the dog would be put at risk, such as a young puppy. Rescue Shetland Sheepdogs are generally not suitable for breeding. Rescue Shetland Sheepdogs make marvelous friends, and placing them in a devoted supportive environment is the only goal we will pursue. If you would like to acquire a Shetland Sheepdog with the idea of producing puppies, please contact a breeder who conducts genetic screening. The Breeding Shetland Sheepdogs is a time-consuming and expensive endeavor, one which should not be attempted without knowledge, and understanding of this breed, and of the many facets of breeding and nurturing puppies. MEDICAL CARE: All dogs brought into rescue receive heartworm test/preventative when called for, as well as rabies, and DHPP (No L) inoculations. All dogs are treated for parasites and are given a general health screening. X-rays, teeth cleanings and other non-emergency medical tests and services are not provided for unless requested by the adopter, and pre-paid for as a donation to rescue. As part of our placement contract, we require that once you have adopted a dog that you take it to your personal vet within the two-week trial period for a general check up. CONTRACTS: All adopters of rescued Shetland Sheepdogs will be required to sign an Adoption Agreement. This contract is legal and binding. Please read it carefully prior to applying to adopt. We will not alter our contract in order to make placement of a dog. MISCELLANEOUS: We recommend you follow a regular inoculation program established by your veterinarian to guarantee your dog stays healthy. You will receive a medical history on your Shetland Sheepdog (as best as can be determined or documented). Be fully aware that most dogs do not come with fully documented medical records. We ask that you have the dog licensed in accordance with the laws where you live. Since we do not know you personally, the information from the Adoption Application will help us to match you with the right kind of Shetland Sheepdog for your circumstances. We place Shetland Sheepdogs only into good, loving homes, and we screen prospective adopters thoroughly. Please know that this information is reviewed by a select few volunteers and is never made available to the general public. Please be sure that you are ready for the commitment it takes to own a dog before you send us this application. Owning a dog or adding another dog to your pack will change your life, we can help you prepare, but we cannot be sure that you are ready, only you can determine that. If you have applied with other rescue organizations or are considering another breed of dog, please let us know at the time of application, as this will help facilitate the application process with DSR. Keep this cover information and the "Terms of Adoption" page for your reference. Please fill out the form below and return it to us via e-mail. By sending us the following application (electronically) you agree to the terms listed within this document. Note that we can only accept this application via e-mail.
Terms of Adoption Return: The adopted dog may be returned to Dogwood Sheltie Rescue Inc. at any time, for any reason. The dog may not be relinquished to a Humane Society, another rescue, or another shelter. Transfer of Ownership: The adopted dog may not be transferred to any other person for any reason. If the undersigned adopter is forced to relinquish custody of the dog at any time, said dog will be relinquished only to Dogwood Sheltie Rescue Inc. Refund: There will be no refund or reimbursement for any expenses incurred by the adopter for the adopted dog, even if it is returned to Dogwood Sheltie Rescue Inc. Trial Period: There will be a two-week 'trial' period in which you may return the dog for a full refund of the adoption fee. Within that time, it is the adopter's responsibility to contact DSR to discuss and attempt to resolve any behavioral or health issues that have become known. This trial period is not valid with puppies under 10 months of age unless there are health issues with the pup involved. Health Program: The adopter agrees to take the dog to his personal veterinarian within the two-week trial period for a general check up. The adopted dog will be cared for humanely, including adequate food, shelter, water and veterinary care and will be licensed in accordance with the laws of the jurisdiction in which he resides. The dog is to be exercised in a fenced yard or on a leash and is not to be free to roam the streets. Reason for Adoption: The adopted dog is to be kept as a house pet; it shall not be used for medical or any other experimental purpose; it shall not be chained or tied. Loss: If the adopted dog is lost or stolen, the adopter will notify DSR immediately, so we can help with our resources, within three (3) hours. Reservation of Rights: Dogwood Sheltie Rescue Inc. reserves the right to enforce this contract in order to protect the welfare of the adopted dog. It is understood that Dogwood Sheltie Rescue may examine and may make inquiry about said dog at any time. If the terms and conditions of the Agreement are not upheld, Dogwood Sheltie Rescue Inc. reserves the right to terminate this Agreement and to reclaim the dog. Return check charge: There will be a $30.00 charge on any returned checks. During the trial period: the adopter may not: Change the dog’s name Change the dog’s appearance in any way (including trimming or other grooming other than bathing and nail clipping) Use any type of negative correction including prong collars, electrical correction collars or remote trainers. Use of such equipment or change of the dog’s appearance will result in the loss of the adoption fee as payment for time loss in order to regain the dog’s appearance and/or training in order for the dog to be re-homed.
Dogwood Sheltie Rescue Inc. Application (please load this form into Microsoft word, fill out and e-mail it as a Word document OR cut and paste into the body of an e-mail and fill out and send. Omitting answers to questions will cause a delay in the adoption process Email to Dogwood@vadsr.org
Adopter Name: Birth year: Co Adopter Name: Birth year: Address: City: State: Zip: Home Phone: Cell phone: Fax number: E-mail address: Do you check mail often? _____ (This is the most expedient way for us to communicate with you.) Occupation: Work phone: Partner's Occupation: Work phone: Cell phone: e-mail address:
Best way to reach you: Best time to contact: Hours spent at home: Hours spent away from home:
1. Why do you want a Shetland Sheepdog?
2. Are there other breeds of dog that you are interested in? ______ If so, what breeds?
3. For what purpose do you want to adopt this dog? 4. How do you intend to provide your new dog with the activity and stimulation he/she needs to be happy?
5. Have you ever owned a Shetland Sheepdog or a dog from the herding or working breeds before? 6. Do you still have that dog? What are the qualities that you liked the most about that dog?
What are the qualities that you liked the least about that dog?
8. Are you aware that Shelties are "barkers"? (doorbell, UPS man, mail carrier, strangers, etc.) 11. Are you aware that because of their shyness, Shelties are a high runaway risk during the first month? 12. Please list past owned pets and what has happened with those pets that they are no longer with you: 13. Have you lost a pet (not through death)? Please explain. 14. Have you ever had a pet poisoned?__________ Have you had an animal killed by a vehicle? ___________ Would you allow a dog to ride loose in the bed of a truck?_______________ 15. What are your hobbies? Are you planning to include your new dog in those hobbies? ___ If so, how? ____________ 16. Do you presently have any other animals? ________ List type, age and sex:
17. Do you have children at home? ________ Age(s) ____________________ if you have no children, are you planning a family in the future? _____ Do you have any grandchildren or other children that visit frequently? _____ 18. Is anyone in your house allergic to animals?__________ What type of animals?___________ 19. Do all family adults work? ________ Is someone home during the day? _________________ 20. Are all other members of your household aware that you are considering adopting a dog?___ 21. Do you live in a house? ___ Row or Town home_____ Apartment? ____ Condo? ___ Trailer? ____ 22. Do you rent or own? _______ Are you planning to move in the near future?____________ If you rent, do you have the landlord's permission to keep a dog? ________ Please enclose or fax a copy of your rental agreement that states you may have a dog. This is a requirement for adoption and the adoption will be denied without the rental agreement. 23. Do you have a yard? _____ Is it fenced? _____ What type of fencing? _______________ 24. What provisions will be made for your dog(s) when you are not at home? _________Are you familiar with the crate training method?_______ Are you willing to crate your new dog when you first bring them to your home?_______ 25. Where will your new dog sleep? ___________ Please elaborate: 26. What provisions do you have for your dog if you away from home for extended periods of time? 27. Do you intend to keep this dog primarily indoors or outdoors? ________________ When outdoors, how will the dog be contained and will the dog have companionship? 28. Do you have a sex preference? Male: ________ Female: ________ No: ________ 29. Do you have a preference of: Coat Color: ___________________________ 30. Would you consider: The opposite sex? ________ a different color/coat?___________ A puppy?______ An older dog? ______ A senior dog? __________. What age range of dog would you prefer to adopt? _____________ Would you consider adopting a Shetland Sheepdog mixed or other herding breed? _______ Are you flexible with any of the above options?_________________ If so, to what extent? Please elaborate:
31. What size dog do you prefer? (height / pounds) 32. Are you prepared to assume the financial responsibilities of caring for an animal, including inoculations, veterinarian care, emergency vet care, good quality food, licensing, etc.?________ 33. Are you familiar with Heartworm disease? ___________ Are your present (or past) dogs on preventative? ______________ 34. Are you familiar with the animal regulations in your area? ________ 35. Is the dog to be a gift? ____ If so, for whom? ____ Do they know they are getting the gift?______ 36. Do you understand that any rescue dog that you may adopt through Dogwood Sheltie Rescue Inc. will be spayed / neutered? _____________ 37. What circumstances, in your mind, justify getting rid of a dog? What experience do you have with 'behavioral' problems in dogs? Do you have access to professional trainer to help with training problems if they arise? 38. Are you willing to allow a DSR Representative member to visit your home by appointment? ____ 39. Do you understand that there will be a Donation Fee for the adopted dog? _____ 40. Do you understand and agree that if you ever decide to relinquish the dog that said dog must be returned to Dogwood Sheltie Rescue Inc. at your expense?________
Please list name and address and phone number of your family vet.
Name: Address: Phone Number: Contact person:
Please include copies of shot records of all presently owned animals. All animals living inside of the home must be current on Rabies and distemper inoculations (we do accept titers). This is not optional and must include all domestic animals being cared for by the applicant. (cats and dogs) Please have your vet fax the records to me at 703-406-3304. This is a dedicated line. Failure to supply veterinary records will delay or prevent your application from being completed.
Please list name address and phone numbers of references (at least two, non-family members) that are familiar with your lifestyle and ability to take care of animals.
Name: Phone number: best time to call: e-mail address:
Name: Phone number: best time to call: e-mail address:
We request the contact information of two people who would know how to contact you in the event of an emergency. These contacts should be relatives, and may be called as references as well.
Name: Phone number: Best time to call: e-mail address:
Name: Phone number: Best time to call: e-mail address:
41. Have you applied with any other rescue leagues or shelters? ___ If so, with whom? _______________ Who is your contact with them? _____________; phone number or e-mail address_____________ 42. How did you hear about Dogwood Sheltie Rescue Inc.?
I am in full agreement with the Dogwood Sheltie Rescue Inc. Terms of Adoption (above). By signing below I am attesting to the truthfulness of my answers. I understand that falsification of any of the above information will be grounds to disallow the adoption of a rescue Shetland Sheepdog. Typing your name in electronic form is readily accepted.
Signature of Adopter
Signature of Co-adopter Date:
NOTE: If you are under 18 years of age, a parent or guardian must also sign this application. Thank you for considering a dog from Dogwood Sheltie Rescue Inc. If you have any questions, or if we can be of assistance, please do not hesitate to call. 703 406-8920 We reserve the right to refuse any applicant for any reason. Email application to Dogwood@vadsr.org We would like to publicly thank all of the organizations that we contacted and used as research in developing this form. No part of this document can be used without permission from Lynne Dunham. Contact; dogwood@vadsr.org Revised 2008 Lynne Dunham This form may be copied and/or adapted for use by other rescue groups after obtaining permission from the author. |
