Collie Rescue Foundation, Inc.
Policy Governing Purebred Collie Rescue

The Rescue organizations/individuals recognized or listed by the Collie Rescue Foundation (CRF) agree with the following policy:

GENERAL

  1. All Rescue organizations/individuals understand that the CRF and its Board of Directors are neither affiliated with nor responsible for private adoptions.
  2. All Rescue organizations/individuals must provide, along with their CRF application, one veterinary reference and copies of their policies/guidelines/code of ethics; adoption applications; adoption agreements; and any other applicable agreements or documents.
  3. No individual rescuer either on their own or within an organization or the rescue organization as a whole shall have been charged with violating the animal cruelty statutes of any local or state government, or have had their AKC privileges revoked.
  4. Rescue organizations/individuals must comply with local ordinances and state laws regarding the care requirements of the foster dogs.
  5. Rescue organizations/individuals may contract with local animal control authorities to release a dog into their care. Such contracts are the personal responsibility of the Rescue organizations/individuals.
  6. 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.
  7. Prior to placement in a new home all dogs shall be subject to no less than a two- week period of temperament/behavior assessment and evaluation. No Rescue organization/individual will place a dog that they feel is physically unsafe to humans in temperament or behavior.
  8. Reports of fear biting, aggression to animals or humans, behavioral disorders, or any situation that could make adoption problematic, must be carefully evaluated and consultation made with an animal behaviorist, if necessary.
  9. After careful evaluation, placement is ultimately up to the rescue organization/individual with the understanding that there could be liability if dog with a history of biting is placed. The CRF does not recommend placing a dog in an adoptive home with a known history of biting
  10. Rescue organizations/individuals should set placement fees that will cover the cost of routine veterinary care i.e., vaccinations, spay/neuter, heartworm testing or preventative, other parasite testing; and overhead expenses when the dog is placed.
  11. Under no circumstances, will the CRF support or endorse the purchase of Collies from any auction, raffle or lottery.
  12. The CRF Board will not endorse the “long distance” rescue or placement of a dog without the active involvement of the closest rescue organization/individual
  13. Outreach or referral placements are at the discretion of the rescue organization/individual.

HEALTH CARE

  1. Each dog taken into a rescue program must receive necessary medical care within a reasonable time period. Necessary medical care would be up to the local rescue organization/individual i.e., routine vaccination, spay/neuter, HW test, intestinal parasite tests, other routine care
  2. In the event of serious illness or injury, any dog brought into a rescue program will be given prompt emergency veterinary care. Treatment of expensive illnesses, catastrophic injuries or humane euthanasia is determined at the discretion of the rescue organization/individual.
  3. Without fail, rescue organizations/individuals will provide any available medical history belonging to the dog to the new adoptive owner, including full disclosure of any known health or medical problems.
  4. Rescue organizations/individuals understand and agree that not every dog can be rehabilitated, or will be deemed adoptable due to health or temperament reasons.
  5. Quality of life will always be of utmost importance. If a dog is suffering from an ongoing or terminal illness that prevents responsible placement, the foster may make the decision to euthanize a dog in their care. Rescue organizations/individuals further agree that in cases of incurable cancer or injuries so severe or pain so intense that the dog cannot enjoy a good quality of life, euthanasia may be the most humane service available.

STERILIZATION

  1. If a dog is not already spayed or neutered before coming into a rescue program, it will be spayed or neutered within a “reasonable time”, prior to adoption. While sterilization may be delayed due to other health considerations or exempted in some geriatric dogs as determined by a veterinarian, the dog will be sterilized after the recuperation period. Sterilization deposits may be taken for puppies under six (6) months, sterilization follow-up is the responsibility of the rescue organization/individual.
  2. No dog brought into a rescue program will be bred or allowed to breed for any reason prior to being sterilized.
  3. A pregnant bitch brought into a rescue program will be spayed immediately unless a veterinarian determines the pregnancy advanced and/or surgery would prove life threatening to the bitch, in which case she will be spayed after the weaning of the puppies.

PLACEMENT

  1. Rescue and placement of mixed-breed collies is at the discretion of the rescue organization/individual. However, CRF will not pay for reimbursement of mix- breed expenses.
  2. Rescue organizations/individuals will not place dogs in homes that are believed to be unsuitable or incompatible to that particular rescue dog.
  3. All dogs coming into a rescue program will be placed as family members and companion dogs.
  4. All rescue organizations/individuals will use an adoption application that requires veterinary and personal references. Whenever possible, Rescue organizations/individuals will perform or arrange a home visit with the applicants by an experienced rescue volunteer prior to adoption.
  5. No rescue organization/individual will place a dog without the execution of an adoption contract stating care requirements for the dog, instructions for the dog’s safe transport and a mandatory return to rescue clause if the adopter cannot keep the dog for any reason.
  6. Rescue organizations/individuals will not place a dog or cause a dog to be adopted as an outside or kennel dog.
  7. No rescue organization/individual will give, sell or transfer ownership of any dog to a laboratory, breeding operation, or corporation of any type.

RECORDKEEPING

  1. Every rescue organization/individual must be able to furnish the basic paperwork used in the daily operation of their rescue including, but not limited to Owner Surrender form, Adoption Application and Adoption Contract.
  2. Adoption contracts will be kept on file by the rescue organization/individual.
  3. If a dog comes into the rescue organizations/individuals care with AKC papers or a breeder’s microchip is discovered, the rescue organization/individual will make a reasonable attempt to contact the breeder to inquire about return of the dog, and/or assistance in placing the dog. If the breeder requests it, the dog will be returned to the breeder intact.
  4. If the breeder does not claim the dog then the dog will be adopted without AKC papers. AKC papers will be kept on file or returned to AKC
  5. Rescue organizations/individuals will maintain full records on each dog including veterinary and final disposition (adoption, transfer, euthanasia).
  6. Rescue organizations/individuals shall furnish an annual report to the CRF providing the following information: Number of dogs rescued; Number of dogs that are rescued intact, and number of dogs that are rescued sterilized; Number of dogs currently available for adoption.

FINANCIAL AID

    1. Monies may be requested from the CRF general fund to assist with medical expenses. Rescues are responsible for routine veterinary care such as vaccinations, spay/neuter, heartworm testing or preventative, and other parasite testing. It is understood that requests for funding for individual dogs must follow CRF guidelines previously stated, but each request is also considered on a case-by-case basis. Because of the financial burden that a large scale/multiple dog rescue would have on a rescue group, CRF will consider financial aid (for routine care) in those situations.
    2. All requests for funding must be submitted with documentation supporting the financial need including, but not limited to, veterinary receipts or estimates and emergency travel or care receipts (in case of a multi-dog rescue). Requests for financial aid should be submitted to the person whose name is on the form, via email or snail mail, with appropriate copies of bills or estimates attached. Requests are then submitted to the board and acted upon in a timely manner. If a request is approved, the rescue will be contacted and the treasurer will issue a check to the designated payee. Requests can be paid to the rescue or the veterinary practice directly.
    3. Along with the required documentation for funding, a photograph of the dog (or a sampling of pictures in cases that involve multiple dogs), will be provided to the CRF. This photo is primarily for documentation purposes, but it is also provided with the express agreement that the photograph, the story of the dog, its history and adoption may be used for publicity and fund raising by the CRF.
    4. Requests for funding must be received by CRF within 6 (six) months from the time that the medical expense/s were incurred.
    5. CRF covers cheek swab DNA testing for Heartworm and Demodectic Mange-positive rescue collies. http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/depts-VCPL/test.aspx