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  • ALBERTA HERDING DOG RESCUE

    ADOPTION APPLICATION

    Please fill this out this form & submit before arranging a Meet n Greet with the dog of choice.  If more than one application is received for the same dog, they will be processed in the order received.  Please understand, only one application can be approved at any given time & we aim for the best match for that dog.

    The form works best from a desk top or laptop computer.  It may not work as expected on a phone.

  • CONTACT INFORMATION

    Applicants must be at least 18 years old or older. If not, your parent or guardian must fill in the application and agree to it by signing for you.

  • FAMILY INFORMATION


  • Please understand, a crate or secure dog run is NOT meant to be a punishment but a SAFE place to stay when the dog cannot be supervised.  

    We do not recommend that it be used ONLY when the family leaves the dog at home, as that can create separation or isolation anxiety behaviours that the dog did not exibit before.

  • HOME INFORMATION



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  • NOTE:  A fence is not a deal breaker if the dog will always be with the adopters or always supervised when outside. However, if the dogs are to be staked/tethered outside or if they are expected to hang around an un-fenced acreage/farm yard unsupervised - especially breeds that are prone to finding cars or livestock to chase when bored - we will not put our dogs in what could be a potentially dangerous or fatal environment.

  • ADOPTION PREFERENCES

    Although we will work with dogs with reactivity issues, we do not knowingly take in dogs that are aggressive towards people or other animals. By aggressive we mean the dog's first reaction to new people or animals is to charge and attack and/or mutilate.  We do not have the resources to work with those dogs and will not put them up for adoption, as they are too much of a risk to the general public. We will work with dogs that often have fear reactions to certain stimuli but they would rather run and avoid (or would only snap/bite if cornered or trapped) and their reactivity can be managed with appropriate training.  

    NOTE:  Our foster homes always have the option of adopting the dog(s) in their care before we will consider any other application.





  • We believe in reward based training.  This does not mean permissive.  Corrections, if used sparingly and timed well, can stop an unwanted behaviour.  However, rewarding the behaviours we do want is far more productive if done often and consistently.

    Our primary goal is to help these dogs become good family pets first, working/sport dogs if needed.  If requested, we are more than happy to provide training advice based on what we know of the dog or direct adopters to behaviour specialists or trainers if a more in depth assessment of an issue is required.

  • HOME VISIT

    Once we can line up a volunteer to do the home visit, we will introduce you to them by email so that you can arrange a time convenient to you both. Generally, except during high vacation seasons (summer & Christmas) or if distance is logistically difficult, this step can be done within a week of receiving your application.

    • If there are specific requirements for some dogs (for ex: deaf dogs will require a secure, fenced yard), they are there for a reason and the home visit is primarily to ensure us that you can provide what the dogs need and will keep them safe.

    If a volunteer cannot be found in your area, we will be happy to do a virtual home visit as long as you are comfortable emailing pictures of the living space and yard areas.

    Once your references have been received and the home visit is complete, arrangements are then made with the foster home for a Meet'n'Greet. At that point, if it goes well, we transfer the dog over to you for the 30-day trial adoption period.

  • ADOPTION FEES

    Adoption fees are due upon the transfer of the dog to the adopter for the 30-day trial period.  This is usually done the day of the Meet n Greet if everything goes well.

    If the adopter requests a delay in the transfer to a later date of their convenience, a $100 deposit is required, to keep the "Adoption Pending" status on the dog & halting any further applications. 

    • The deposit will be forfeited if the adopter abandons the process prior to the trial adoption period. 
    • If, during the 30 day trial adoption period, the dog is not a good match, the entire adoption fee will be returned upon the dog's return to our rescue or put towards the adoption of an alternate available dog.

    If, for any reason, the adopter can no longer keep or care for the dog they adopted from us, we will ALWAYS take them back as long as we continue to operate.

    All dogs, regardless of pedigree, are spayed or neutered prior to adoption.  All dogs are vaccinated, as per current veterinary protocols, and microchipped.

    Puppies (≤ 1 year old)                                      $425.00

    Young Adult dogs (> 1 year, ≤ 4 years)              $375.00

    Mature Adult dogs (> 4 years, ≤ 8 years)           $325.00

    Senior dogs (> 8 years)                                    $250.00*

    **The average cost of a health exam, full suite of vaccines & microchip for a senior dog.

    E-transfers to HerdingDogRescue@telus.net are the easiest payment method for us.  However, we still take cheques (made out to AB Herding Dog Rescue) and cash still works as well.

    NOTE:  We operate as a not-for-profit but we cannot help dogs in need if we are operating in the negative.  If extensive veterinary care is required, fees may increase to help defray our costs.  If one of our dogs has the talent & work ethic to be working livestock, the cost of training that dog will be added to the adoption fee as we have to pay the trainer.  Any additional fees to those listed above will be disclosed upon receipt of the application.

  • REFERENCES

    Please provide 3 references (at least one should be a non-family member).  We are looking for information &/or observations from friends, neighbors, family, trainers, veterinarians that know you & your current or former pets.  That may include, but is not limited to, such things as your knowledge of the breed of interest, style of training techniques you use, the time & activities you are known to enjoy & how the dog would be integrated into such activities, the daily care and/or veterinary care you provide, etc.  
     
    Please have them email us at swineyc@xplornet.ca or forward their email or word document to us so we can add it to your file.

  • I/We hereby attest to the truthfulness of my/our answers and I/We understand that any falsification of any of the above information, or an incomplete application, will be grounds for refusing my/our application.

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  • ALBERTA HERDING DOG RESCUE

    ADOPTION AGREEMENT (SAMPLE ONLY)


    I/We hereby acknowledge that I/we am/are 18 years of age or older OR have completed this application with the permission and assistance of a parent or legal guardian.  I/We understand and agree that submitting this application form does not automatically approve my/our application to adopt from Alberta (AB) Herding Dog Rescue, and that there are certain processes to complete, such as the Home Visit and the Meet n Greet with the dog(s) of interest, before I/we am/are approved.

    I/We acknowledge and understand that if my/our application is approved, I/we shall be entitled to a one month trial period (minimum) with the dog(s), to determine the suitability of the dog(s) to my/our family and lifestyle. At any time during this trial period should I/we determine the dog(s) is not a suitable match, the I/we shall immediately notify AB-HDR and arrange to return the dog(s) to AB-HDR, and the adoption fee shall be returned to me/us. Other than the adoption fee, I/we shall not be entitled to reimbursement for any expenses incurred by me/us on behalf of the dog during the trial period, including, but not limited to food, medical expenses, training class fees, licensing, etc.

    I/We agree to abide by any and all local bylaws with respect to dog ownership, including, but not limited, to all licensing and kennelling requirements as well as provide adequate food, water, shelter and exercise necessary to maintain the proper health of the dog.  At no time shall I/we allow the dog to roam at will, keep the dog tied/chained outside on a permanent basis or leave the dog outside, unsupervised, during my/our absence. I/We further agree that the dog shall not be allowed to ride loose in the back of any open truck bed.

    I/We agree to ensure that the dog receives the appropriate vaccinations or titres, including but not limited to Rabies, Distemper, Hepatitis/Adenovirus, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus as recommended by my/our veterinarian.  In the event of injury or sickness, I/we shall have the dog(s) checked by a Veterinarian. In the event the injury or sickness is life threatening or the dog(s) requires extensive/cost prohibitive treatment, I/we shall contact AB-HDR, if only to inform AB-HDR of a decision to euthanize. 

    In the event that I/we, for whatever reason, am/are unable to keep the dog at any time, I/we agree to return the dog to AB Herding Dog Rescue at my/our expense. Alternatively, in the event that a Third Party has expressed an interest in owning the dog, written approval from AB Herding Dog Rescue is required before Ownership of the dog shall be transferred to the Third Party. Such approval from AB Herding Dog Rescue shall not unreasonably be withheld.

    I/We acknowledge that I/we will be (or have been) advised of any physical or mental limitations/problems or behaviour problems, should they exist, either in written or verbal communication through out the application process and that AB Herding Dog Rescue (Cindy Swiney) makes no warranty as to the future conduct of the dog(s). In addition, it does not make any warranty that the dog(s) is/are free from any genetic health problems.

    I/We agree to assume sole responsibility and liability for the dog. In doing so, I/we agree to indemnify and save harmless AB-HDR – its members, officers, and directors - from any and all losses and expenses (including legal fees) by reason of the liability imposed by law or claims of any other nature whatsoever related to the actions of the dog.

    In the event that I/we am/are in breach of any of the conditions of this contract, AB Herding Dog Rescue shall have the right to remove the dog from my/our care and control and, if necessary, authorize the appropriate authority to seize the dog and return the dog to the care and control of AB Herding Dog Rescue.

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