The All Border Collie Rescue Adoption Process:
In most cases, an application, phone-interview, and a virtual home visit must be completed prior to meeting our dogs. However, we take great pride in the fact that this time is well utilized ensuring that we have a very good dog/family match. Thank you for understanding that our process may take some time, but that we make it work for the benefit of both the family and the dog!
Step 1: Online Application
While filling out your application, please provide enough information so that we can assess what characteristics in our dogs may be a good match for you (e.g., temperament, activity level, and types of activities you enjoy). Even though you are interested in a specific dog, there may be others that more closely meet your needs. Remember that we take in dogs frequently and some newer dogs are not yet available or on our website. The best thing to do is to begin the application process by completing our application online (even if you don’t yet see a dog of interest on our site). Please feel free to e-mail to be sure your application is received.
Step 2: Phone Interview
Be sure your application has the phone numbers where we can reach you most easily. Usually within 10-14 days after submitting your application, someone will contact you to discuss your application.
Step 3: Virtual Home Visit
After we have talked with you and decided that we can help you to find a dog, we will arrange for a home visit (typically virtual via FaceTime, WhatsApp, or Zoom). The purpose of this visit is two-fold: to ensure a healthy, safe environment for our dogs, and to ensure that we match you with a dog that fits your living style.
Step 4: Meet the Dogs
After the home visit, the fun begins: meeting the dogs. Please remember that you may not have been the only family that put in an application for a particular dog. Our dogs will be placed with the best match for that individual dog (and not necessarily the first family to apply.) The goal is to see how the dog gets along with your family and any other pets and to be sure the activity level matches your life style.
Step 5: Adoption
The last step in the process is for you to adopt one of the dogs. We believe that adopting a dog is a lifetime commitment. We work hard to help you select the best possible match for you and the dog. Please stay in touch with us following your adoption. We are always happy to provide additional advice regarding training, nutrition and activities that border collies enjoy. We also plan to follow up with you to see how your new dog is adjusting. Please remember that a new home is a big adjustment for the dog. Being patient while providing consistency and basic training will help your dog feel secure and prepare both of you for many happy years together.
Step 6: A Happy Life Together
Please don’t forget us once you and your dog are happily adjusted to life together. Some of our past adopters decide they want to volunteer (even become a foster home), or want to support the rescue via tax deductible donation. We love to hear stories about our dogs, especially the foster families who loved and cared for your dog while on its journey to meet you. Photos of happy border collies enjoying their lives are particularly welcomed. And we’re here for you too…for help with training challenges, advice on ongoing care, how to get involved in dog sports and other activities that border collies enjoy.
Below are some articles to help you better understand the adoption process (click on the article):
Those darn dog rescues with all of their rules and questions.