Mid-Atlantic Border Collie Rescue

Mid-Atlantic Border Collie Rescue
(formerly Kent County Border Collie Rescue)
Adoption Procedures
Revised December 18, 2008

Please read this document before submitting an application. It will help to answer the majority of your questions.

Please note: Applications must be received via e-mail. Please do not mail or fax applications, we are unable to process them. Please copy and paste the below application into the body of an email, or MS Word, save and complete. Please email the completed application either in the body of an email OR as an MS Word document. Submissions in any other format are not able to be processed.

MABCR's purpose is to match misplaced Border Collies with loving families. This match game is important because every Border Collie has a unique temperament and level of energy/activity. If one obtains a puppy, there are always questions about what traits this dog will have as it matures. Many dogs in rescue are adult dogs and there are many advantages to adopting an adult dog. It is already known if the dog likes children, has an instinct for herding, is a candidate for agility or obedience training, and most importantly, what he is like to live with! Past experience has shown that rescued dogs bond very closely with their adoptive families and many times adult dogs have an easier time adjusting to their new homes than pups! These dogs seem to understand when they have been placed into a loving and permanent home and their instincts lead them to have a desire to bond with their human family and to work for the new people in their lives.

All people desiring to adopt a dog from MABCR are asked to go through our adoption process and some say that it is easier to adopt a human child! I beg to differ. The questions that we ask and the procedures that we go through are solely to place the dog into the best home possible, as well as to protect the dog and his future family. We do ask that you be sure that you are serious about adopting a border collie before filling out the application to adopt and to be sure that you are prepared for a dog that may not be perfect, but will become the best dog you ever imagined!

Once an application has been completed and returned, an interview may be done in person or via telephone and home visits may be initiated. We will call non-relative references, and in some cases, the emergency contacts as well. We also require that you show a good veterinary history and that you take good care of all of your current pets. We do reserve the right to refuse any applicant for any reason.

After approval, potential adopters will meet the dog(s) that has been chosen as a suitable match and can then proceed with choosing their new companion! Once the 'right' dog is found, arrangements for placement in the new home will be made. Each dog is neutered and up to date on Rabies inoculations and DHLPP as well as heartworm preventative. Should an adopter wish to have x-rays or other tests performed to certify health or athletic ability prior to adoption, we will happily do so with the tests pre-paid by the adopter. Signing an adoption contract is required, we ask for an adoption donation of $300.00 and reimbursement of extraordinary medical expenses incurred by the individual dog (you would be advised of these costs at the time of offer). We do not transport or ship dogs. If you cannot travel to meet and pick up a dog, please apply to a facility closer to your home. Any special grooming or bathing or special medical procedures or tests requested by the adopter will also be billed to the adopter. We ask in our contract that basic health care will be given, special requirements for a particular dog may be asked for, and the dog must be returned to MABCR if the dog is given up for any reason.

MABCR has taken in dogs from as far away as Idaho, has placed dogs as far away as British Columbia, re-homed dogs as young as 2 months and as old as 16 years! And we have been very lucky, we are very good at making our ‘matches’ and have very few problems once the dogs are placed as we work very hard to ensure that the adopter have as much information as possible prior to adopting the dog. Because of our commitment to our dogs, we prefer to adopt with-in the geographical area in which we have volunteers, which currently includes the states of Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, the District of Columbia and West Virginia. We will only adopt outside of our geographical coverage area under special circumstances.

Please remember that our organization is comprised solely of volunteers and as such we have other jobs, families and commitments. Please excuse us if we are tired or irritable and if we do not return your calls or mail immediately. Forgive us if we are only human and not quite as superior as our dogs!

If you have applied with another rescue organization, please let us know as that may help the process go more quickly!

All in all we will strive to make the process as painless as possible. If you have any questions or concerns please ask and we will do our best to answer!

You may reach us at e-mail: slr@mabcr.org

Mid-Atlantic Border Collie Rescue is a not-for-profit group comprised of volunteers who give of their time, ability and their homes to help place rescue Border Collies where they will be well cared for and loved. Our primary goals are to protect the Border Collies already here, strive to prevent the over-breeding of Border Collies or the breeding of poor quality individuals, and owner education of any Border Collie owner who requests help.

Fundamentally, MABCR is a response to Border Collies that are abandoned, lost or mistreated and need a caring home. We also help, in extreme cases, those who have to give up their dogs. We feel that the responsibility for caring for lost, neglected and abused Border Collies must rest with those who know and love the breed. The individuals who comprise MABCR are current or former breeders, exhibitors or aficionados 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 Border Collies 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

1. FEES: A $300.00 donation is required when you adopt a rescue Border Collie. 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 also 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 and this expense is non-refundable.
2. SPAYING/NEUTERING: Any dog adopted from MABCR will have been neutered. Rescue Border Collies are generally not suitable for breeding. Rescue Border Collies 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 Border Collie with the idea of producing puppies, please contact a breeder who conducts genetic screening. Breeding Border Collies is a time-consuming and expensive endeavor, and one which should not be attempted without knowledge and understanding of this breed and of the many facets of breeding and nurturing puppies.
3. MEDICAL CARE: All dogs brought into rescue receive heart worm test/preventative when called for as well as rabies and DHLPP 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 with in the two week trial period for a general check up.
4. CONTRACTS: All adopters of rescued Border Collies will be asked 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.
5. MISCELLANEOUS: We recommend you follow a regular inoculation program established by your veterinarian to guarantee your dogs stays healthy. You will receive a complete medical history on your Border Collie (as best as can be determined or documented). Be fully aware that most dogs do not come with fully documented medical records. You must also have the dog licensed in accordance with the laws where you live. Since we do not know you personally, the information from the Adoption Request Questionnaire (which is required of anyone seeking a rescue Border Collie) will help us to match you with the right kind of Border Collie for your circumstances. We place Border Collies 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.
6. After an adoption is approved, the adopter is required to travel to the dog's location in order to take possession of the dog.
7. 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 can not 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 MABCR.
   Keep this cover information and the "Terms of Adoption" page for your reference. Please fill out the attached form and return it to us as soon as possible. By sending us the following application (electronically) you agree to the terms listed within this document.

Terms of Adoption

1. Return: The above-designated dog may be returned to Mid-Atlantic Border Collie Rescue at any time, for any reason. The dog may also be relinquished to Humane Society of Kent County Maryland with a note stating that the dog belongs to us.
2. Transfer of Ownership: The above-designated 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 Mid-Atlantic Border Collie Rescue.
3. Refund: There will be no refund or reimbursement for any expenses incurred by the adopter for the above-designated dog, even if it is returned to Mid-Atlantic Border Collie Rescue.
4. 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 MABCR to discuss and attempt to resolve any behavioral or health issues that have come to light. This trial period is not valid with puppies under 8 months of age unless there are health issues with the pup involved.
5. Health Program: The adopter agrees to take the dog to his personal veterinarian with in the two week trial period for a general check up. The above-designated 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 NOT TO BE FREE TO ROAM THE STREETS.
6. Reason for Adoption: The above-designated 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, and it shall not be used for breeding.
7. Loss: If the above-designated dog is lost or stolen, the adopter will notify MABCR within three (3) days.
8. Reservation of Rights: Mid-Atlantic Border Collie Rescue reserves the right to enforce this contract in order to protect the welfare of the above-designated dog. It is understood that Mid-Atlantic Border Collie Rescue may examine and may make inquiry about said dog at any time. If the terms and conditions of the Agreement are not upheld, Mid-Atlantic Border Collie Rescue reserves the right to terminate this Agreement and to reclaim the dog.
9. Return check charge: There will be a $20.00 charge on all returned checks submitted by the adopter.
10. During the trial period, the adopter may not 1.) change the dog's name or 2.) change the dog's appearance in any way (including trimming or other grooming other than bathing and nail clipping) and 3.) use any type of negative correction including prong collars, electrical correction collars or remote trainers. Use of such equipment or change of the dog&8217;s appearance will result in the loss of the adoption fee as payment for time loss in order to regain the dog&8217;s appearance and/or training in order for the dog to be re-homed.
11. With your adoption, your dog receives one month of pet health insurance available at http://www.sheltercare.com/. You must sign up within 10 days of your adoption in order to qualify.

Contact:

Every pet adopted through Mid-Atlantic Border Collie Rescue receives one free month of Pet Insurance! Click the link below for additional details regarding Pet Insurance.

Please note: Applications must be received via e-mail. Please do not mail or fax applications, we are unable to process them. Please copy and paste the below application into the body of an email, or MS Word, save and complete. Please email the completed application either in the body of an email OR as an MS Word document. Submissions in any other format are not able to be processed.

Name:
Partner’s name:
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 Border Collie?

Are there other breeds of dog that you are interested in?______ If so, what breeds??

For what purpose do you want to adopt this dog?

How do you intend to provide your new dog with the activity and stimulation he needs to be happy?

2. Have you ever owned a Border Collie or a dog from the herding or working breeds before?

3. Do you still have that dog?

What are the qualities that you liked the most about that dog?

And what are the qualities that you liked the least about that dog?

4. Please list past owned pets and what has happened with those pets that they are no longer with you:

Have you lost a pet (not through death)?
Please explain.

5. Have you 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?_______________
What are your hobbies?
Are you planning to include your new dog in those hobbies? ___ If so, how? ____________

6. Do you presently have any other animals? ________List type, age and sex:

7. Do you have children at home? ________ Age(s) ____________________
if you have no children, are you planning a family in the future?_____

8. Is anyone in your house allergic to animals?__________ What type of animals?__________________

9. Do all family adults work? ________ Is someone home during the day? ________________________

10. Are all other members of your household aware that you are considering adopting a dog?_________

11. Do you live in a house? ____ Row or Town home_____ Apartment? ____ Condo? ___ Trailer? ____

12. Do you rent or own? _______ Are you planning to move in the near future?____________________

13. 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.

14. Do you have a yard? _____ Is it fenced? _____ What type of fencing? ________________________

15. 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?_______
Where will your new dog sleep? ___________ Please elaborate:

What provisions do you have for your dog if you away from home for extended periods of time?

16. 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?

17. Do you have a sex preference? Male: ________ Female: ________ No: ________

18. Do you have a preference of: Coat: ________Color: ___________________________

19. 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 border collie mixed breed? _______
Are you flexible with any of the above options? _________________
If so, to what extent? Please elaborate:

20. What size dog do you prefer? (height/pounds)

21. 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.?________
Are you familiar with Heartworm disease? ___________
Are your present (or past) dogs on preventative? ______________

22. Are you familiar with the animal regulations in your area? ________

23. Is the dog to be a gift? ____ If so, for whom? ____ Do they know they are getting the gift? ______

24. Do you understand that any rescue dog that you may adopt through Border Collie Rescue will be
spayed/neutered? _____________

25. 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?

26. Are you willing to allow an MABCR Representative member to visit your home by appointment? ____

27. Do you understand that there will be a $300.00 donation for the adopted dog? __________________

28. Do you understand and agree that if you ever decide to relinquish the dog that said dog must be returned to Mid-Atlantic Border Collie Rescue at your expense?________

29. 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 with Rabies and distemper inoculations (we do accept titers). This is not optional and must include all in-home domestic animals being cared for by the applicant. (cats and dogs)

Please have your vet e-mail or mail the records to us at the address below. Failure to supply veterinary records will delay or prevent your application from being completed.

30. 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 may 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:

31. 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_____________

32. How did you hear about Border Collie Rescue?

I am in full agreement with the Border Collie Rescue 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 Border Collie.

Typing your name in electronic form is readily accepted.

Signature

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 Border Collie Rescue. If you have any questions, or if we can be of assistance, please do not hesitate to call.

We reserve the right to refuse any applicant for any reason.

Please e-mail application to: SLR@mabcr.org

Sarah Ruckelshaus
Mid-Atlantic Border Collie Rescue
24420 Chestertown Road
Chestertown, MD 21620
410-778-4669