What to expect from a responsible breed rescue

Disclaimer: Every breed rescue has a different way of operating. Since breed rescues are normally on a volunteer basis, each person/rescue may have different policies or guidelines that assist them in finding and placing pets into permanent homes .These below descriptions are basic generalities. This was written to give a prospective adopter a general idea of what to expect from Breed Rescue. Click here for copyright and linking info.

While there are many ways that people acquire their pets - shelter, friend, newspapers (of which can include one time breeders, backyard breeders, lost/found, free to good home, very small hobby breeder, and even puppy-mill breeders), some will even dig a little deeper and discover a responsible and reputable breeder that can provide a pet/show quality animal with a written guarantee and continuing educational support. 

However, there is another option to get a pet called Breed Rescue. Most Breed Clubs will have a rescue chairperson that can refer interested people to those that participate in that breeds rescue effort. Usually there is a network of individuals across most of the states dedicating their time, energy, love and money into helping many displaced pets. Contacting the AKC, online  rescue sites , or your local humane society or vet can get you on the road to discovering the many wonderful purebreds that are in rescue situations for various reasons. 

Pets in breed rescue are usually not defective in any way. They usually come into rescue through no fault of their own. An owner may become ill and can no longer care for the pet or may have passed away, a new baby arrives in the family and the previous owners feel they must give the pet up, a move overseas that does not allow pets or has very lengthy quarantine restrictions , and very commonly -- people who got a pet without thinking about the lifetime commitment that pet ownership requires or the requirements of certain breeds (just because SPOT is cute, doesn't necessarily mean he will be compatible with your lifestyle). There are times when a pet is placed because of an abuse situation-rehabilitation is of course done prior to placement. 

There are usually procedures that are followed prior to placing any rescue pet. The pets should always be evaluated for adaptability and watched closely to get a feel of their general personality and likes/dislikes. Known biters & aggressive pets are generally recommended to be put down. This is one of the sad aspects of rescue work, however - there are countless numbers of well tempered pets that it is difficult to constantly find qualified homes for. That isn't to say that individuals don't often take the time to give these types of pets a second chance, but it can be few and far between finding homes willing to take on the serious liability that these pets pose. If you are considering taking on such a case, be cautious and utilize professional help. Some pets are offered for adoption within strict guidelines such as no children, no other pets, or fenced yards only (many adopted with an "indoor only" clause). 

Pets are vaccinated and receive a general physical before adoption. Except where a medical consideration precludes it - ALL RESCUES SHOULD BE SPAYED/NEUTERED BEFORE BEING ADOPTED. This is extremely important due to the numbers of unwanted pets across the US. Another important thing to remember is that vet care for these pets is not free, therefore there is generally an adoption fee to help defray the costs provided to the rescues. The fee can vary from breed to breed, and rescue to rescue , so ask about this up front. 

Are there advantages to adopting juveniles and adults as opposed to babies? YES !! Adults are generally past the chewing stage, housebroke /crate-trained and generally more sedate. They may even come already trained. You would also know exactly how big the pet would get (no growth surprises :), and would have a good idea of the individual personality. The term "second hand" does not mean second rate !! 

   Rescues have tons of love to give. 

What should you expect when adopting a rescue pet? Most rescues will have a pre-adoption form or questionnaire that asks things like whether you own/rent, type of housing, number of family members, other pets, why you want to adopt....... this is not done to offend you. The rescue person is merely trying to match you to the most suitable pet, and to make sure that your home is an appropriate one for the breed you want. 

Often people want a breed solely because of its looks, not aware that its personality is completely opposite from what they want or can provide ! A rescue pet has already lost its previous family and all that is familiar to it, and breed rescue is doing all they can to make sure that it never needs to go through that again. Without sounding condescending, remember that most breed rescue volunteers are there for the animals - not as someone's personal dog shopper whose duty it is to place a pet with you. Their first commitment is to the pets in their care and they are prepared to keep them in their homes if no suitable home is found. 

A home visit is almost always done - in this day and age of the computer, it is possible to say you have a mini farm, yet live in an apartment. Your landlord may also be contacted to verify that they do indeed allow certain pets. Breed rescue will sometimes not allow placement to students, or anyone else without a permanent address. All of this is to make sure that each pet is given every chance at a stable, loving, permanent home. (If you are a student - this is not meant to reflect on you personally, but is a result of the experience of breed rescue workers, shelter workers, and others who have had to take in many animals each spring when school ends for the summer, roommates split up, and no one wants the pet, or housing becomes too difficult to find.) Sometime the initial home visit may require timing, as you will have to coordinate your schedule with that of an equally busy volunteer. 

So , you've had the home visit, filled out the application, now what? Usually, at this point, you wait. If you do not hear back from the rescuer right away, you may want to touch base to let them know you are still interested and didn't change your mind. Read books about your particular breed & try to be patient - it will be worth it !! 

When you finally get to bring your new family member home, take it slowly. It might take several weeks before everyone settles into a routine. Keep in mind that the rescue has been through a whole lot of stress, and needs time to adjust to its new environment and humans, and maybe other pets. Most people who have adopted previously highly recommend it. While it may not be right for everyone, it is a wonderful opportunity to give a home to a pet that really needs you !!! 

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