Collie Rescue Foundation, Inc. (CRF) – Code of Ethics

The Collie Rescue Foundation (CRF) Board of Directors has established this Code. It is intended to set forth guiding principles and  standards of practice by Collie Rescue organizations and individuals.

Every rescue organization/individual applying for financial aid, directory listing (website address), or any other services with the Collie Rescue Foundation must complete and sign the Collie Rescue Code of Ethics (and return with the Affiliate Rescue Application).

As a Collie Rescuer (organization/individual), I pledge:

1. To perform Collie Rescue as a non-profit endeavor. Rescue work will be voluntary, not performed to profit any organization or individual.
2. To assure that rescued Collies are spayed or neutered before adoption to new owners unless there is a compelling medical reason not to spay/neuter. If a dog must be placed intact due to a medical reason or age, the adopter will be thoroughly educated on the risks of accidental breeding. A written agreement signed by the adopter will outline precautions and actions taken to prevent the accidental or intentional breeding of the dog. It will also require the adopter to spay/neuter the dog as soon as the medical condition is resolved, or at the agreed upon age (typically six to eight months). Every effort will be made to stay in contact with the adopter to ensure the agreement is fulfilled.
3. If I breed Collies (in addition to handling rescued Collies), I will do so in accordance with the CRF Code of Ethics and I will not use my rescue program activities to sell puppies/adults I breed.
4. To house rescued Collies in safe, humane, sanitary conditions, which meet or exceed all minimum standards as defined by local health, animal control and sanitation authorities, and to provide rescued Collies with appropriate food, clean water, and shelter. I will assess and care for the emotional needs of the Collies I receive into my Rescue Program. I will provide a secure, stable environment for the dogs and will interact one-on-one with them as much as possible; in order to properly evaluate their temperament and special needs for placement.
5. To provide necessary veterinary care and appropriate routine veterinarian care for rescued Collies including, as appropriate; routine vaccinations, heartworm testing, administration of heartworm preventative, treatment for intestinal parasites, and emergency care. To the best of my abilities and resources, I will provide appropriate medical care and training towards the goal of putting each dog in the best possible condition for a permanent adoption.
6. To not knowingly place a vicious or otherwise seriously temperamentally unsound dog in an adoptive home.
7. If a Collie is turned in with AKC papers or if a microchip is discovered, the Collie Rescue Foundation encourages the rescue group to contact the listed breeder or owner to determine if the breeder or owner wishes to reclaim the dog. CRF recognizes that there are occasions when this may not be in the best interest of the Collie, and we support the rescue group’s judgment should that situation arise. We also recommend that rescue groups not alter the Collie if an attempt is being made to locate the owner or breeder.
8. I will humanely euthanize rescued Collies who are determined to be unadoptable due to serious health (which impairs the dog’s quality of life) or temperament problems. Rescued Collies, when it is necessary, will be humanely euthanized by a veterinarian or certified euthanasia technician and properly disposed of. Rescued Collies that are deemed unadoptable due to serious health conditions may be placed with a humane and knowledgeable hospice care provider, when available.
9. To thoroughly evaluate potential adopters utilizing a combination of written applications, home visits, checking veterinary references, telephone interviews, face-to-face interviews, and personal reference checks, as appropriate. The goal is to place all rescued Collies in homes that are appropriate to the Collie breed and specifically appropriate to each individual rescued Collie’s needs.
10. To utilize a written adoption contract for each rescued Collie and to keep each contract on file. A copy of the rescue organization/individual adoption contract should be on file with the CRF.
11. To fully disclose to the prospective adopter all relevant information that is known at the time of placement or adoption regarding the health and temperament of each rescued Collie.
12. To provide each adopter with information on the Collie Breed, common diseases, crate training, housebreaking, basic obedience, and appropriate standard of care. Follow up advice and assistance will be provided to adopters.
13. To require every adopter to return the adopted Collie if he/she can no longer keep it. I will always accept the return of a dog that has been adopted from the rescuer or rescue group who signs below.
14. To adhere to the following simple professional courtesies: This includes, but is not limited to, being respectful of other CRF Affiliates. We expect you to conduct the business of your rescue in a professional and ethical manner. Professionalism is synonymous with common courtesy, civility, and the Golden Rule. If you are looking to pull a dog that is not in your main area, even though may be listed as being available to pull from there, you are required to contact the rescue in that dog’s immediate area to see if that rescue would like your assistance. If there is no in-state rescue group where a dog needs assistance, it is suggested that those groups listed as being available to pull from there coordinate among the other rescues as to what is the best option for the dog.
15. To refrain from making public personal attacks on other rescues, breeders, or owners who are surrendering their dogs.
    By signing the Collie Rescue Code of Ethics, it is understood that the rescue organization/individual agrees to and understands the CRF Code of Ethics, Policy and Guidelines.