Houston Sheltie Sanctuary, Inc.
Rescue Program
Adoption Application
Houston Sheltie Sanctuary, Inc.
PO Box 840235
Houston, TX 77284-0235
SHELTIE LINE & FAX:
(281)-859-0146
www.houstonsheltiesanctuary.com
E-Mail: Connie /
Linda /
Joan
Description and Instructions
Please Save and Read Carefully
[Please also read the program description]
Houston Sheltie Sanctuary, Inc. Rescue Program is a non-profit 501(C3) charity comprised of volunteers who give their time, talents, and homes to help save and place abandoned and abused Shelties where they will be well cared for and loved. We also take in Shelties from owners who can no longer care for their dogs. Our main goals are the protection of Shelties already here, the prevention of further over-breeding, and the education of any Sheltie owner who requests it.
Houston Sheltie Sanctuary feels that the responsibility of caring for lost, neglected, and abused Shelties must rest with those who know and love the breed. The volunteers in our program have many years of experience with this breed and understand the needs of the dogs. There are few better rewards than knowing that hundreds of beautiful Shelties which otherwise might have been put to sleep, left out to starve or to run loose in the streets to become sick, crippled, or killed in traffic, are instead now safe and adored in loving homes.
All
Houston Sheltie Sanctuary
Shelties have received necessary medical/surgical treatment, have
been spayed or neutered, vaccinated, treated for heartworms/hookworms, fleas and other parasites,
and have been tagged with our own ID Tag, recorded by name and rescue number in our
files. Because of the often deplorable conditions they have come from; their
intelligent, sensitive dispositions; double coats; and the Texas heat and humidity,
we require that our
rescued Shelties be indoor dogs, except for exercise and
pleasant days outside with their families. Upon the dog's adoption, we recommend keeping our tag on the
collar, and to further protect your beloved new Sheltie we urge you to make
another tag with your name and phone number as well as have your
Vet./Clinic tattoo and/or or microchip him or her. Be sure to keep collar
and tags on your beloved dog at all times. Always keep your Sheltie indoors
or behind a locked gate in a fenced yard when exercising, and on leash with a
light choke or greyhound collar when walking. And for increased pleasure in your Sheltie's company, we strongly recommend obedience
training soon after adoption, especially in classes where you both receive the guidance of professionals and
the opportunity for the dog's continuing socialization. Most Shelties are
outstanding obedience dogs and are also excellent in agility: working in these sports with
your Sheltie can provide years of fun together and help your Sheltie to be in top form as
well as become the enjoyable, well-behaved dog he or she is meant to be.
POINTS TO REMEMBER
Potential Adopters: Must be 18 years
of age, have verifiable identification (Driver’s License or other picture ID),
provide written proof of authorization to have a pet if you rent your home
or apartment.
Fees: The only fee involved is to help cover our medical expenses. A minimum of $240.00 for adults ages 1-9; $275.00 for puppies under 1 year; $150 for dogs age 10+ is required when you adopt a Sheltie and due immediately upon transfer of our dog to the new owner.
Spaying/Neutering: Any dog
or puppy adopted
from Houston Sheltie Sanctuary will have been spayed or
neutered prior to release.
Contract: All adopters
of Rescue Dogs will be asked to sign a Final Adoption Agreement on the day of
adoption.
Health and Protection of Your
Sheltie: We
require you to follow a regular inoculation program established by your
veterinarian to guarantee your dog stays healthy, as well as monthly heartworm
and flea preventative. You will receive a complete medical history on your
Sheltie, as can be determined or documented. If your Sheltie went through
heartworm treatment in our program or tested negative initially, still have a
re-test done in 4-6 months to be on the safe side. You must also have the dog
licensed in accordance with the laws where you live, keep your dog indoors or
on leash when being walked. To help protect against the dog's loss, the
adopter also agrees to keep our HSS tag on the dog's collar and to provide a
personal ID tag. We strongly recommend tattooing or micro-chipping your new Sheltie.
Adoption Process:
Since we do not know you personally, the information from the Adoption Request
Questionnaire (which is requested of anyone seeking a rescued Sheltie) will
help us to match the right Sheltie for your family. The adoption application puts the adoptive home in the 'hat' for one of our
rescues, but since our first concern is a good match between family and dog, we do not
adopt on a 'first come' basis, but on the best match for all concerned. If your
application is not selected for the Sheltie of your choice, rest assured there will be
more rescues in our program for you to consider, and upon request we will also refer you
to our sister rescue organizations around the state. Please remember that we are a group
of busy volunteers who depend on our adoptive homes to bookmark the web site
and let us know which Shelties they are interested in adopting. Families who actively pursue a particular Sheltie through the
application, home visit, and phone calls/e-mail are most successful in
getting their first choice, given the appropriateness of the adoption for
both family and dog.
Additional Adoption Requirements: If at any time in the life of the dog the match does not work, or if for any reason the family must relinquish the dog, then the adoptive home returns the Sheltie to Houston Sheltie Sanctuary. Under no circumstances is our dog to be transferred to another party. If the family plans to move after adoption, the family must let us know the new address, telephone number, and e-mail if available. If one of our adopted Shelties is being considered for euthanization by the family and their vet for any reason, Houston Sheltie Sanctuary must be contacted about the dog's condition: see further explanation on the description page. If the adoptive home violates ANY section of the Program Description, the Adoption Application, or the Final Adoption Agreement, Houston Sheltie Sanctuary will take legal steps to reclaim the dog.
TERMS OF ADOPTION
1. Care of Our Rescues: Our dogs are adopted to loving homes who want a Sheltie for the intelligence, charm, and companionship they offer. As rescued Shelties, our dogs have already been through enough heartache in their lives. Dogs adopted from Houston Sheltie Sanctuary will not be used for animal research or experiments, breeding, attack training, or dog fighting; they will not be tied up or chained, confined exclusively outdoors, abused, neglected, given to another owner, or abandoned to the streets. Obedience training will be reward based; shock collars will never be used on our dogs. Houston Sheltie Sanctuary reserves the right to check on the status of our rescued Sheltie and to request updates, removing our rescued Sheltie if we discover these terms are violated by the adopter; there will be no refund of the donation.
2. Return: The adopted dog may be returned to Houston Sheltie Sanctuary within two weeks of the date of adoption for full refund of payment if the adopter is not satisfied with any aspect of the adoption. We will accept return of our dog at any point in the dog's life; however, after two weeks from the adoption date, no refund will be given.
3. Transfer of Ownership: The adopted 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 Houston Sheltie Sanctuary, Inc. Rescue Program.
4. Refund: There will be no refund or reimbursement for any expenses incurred by the adopter for the adopted dog, even if it is returned to Houston Sheltie Sanctuary.
5. Health Program: The adopted dog will be cared for humanely, including adequate food, shelter, water, heartworm preventative, flea medication, vaccinations, and any other necessary veterinary care and will be licensed in accordance with the laws in the jurisdiction in which he resides. The dog is to be exercised in a fenced yard or on a leash and shall NOT BE FREE TO ROAM THE STREETS.
6. Loss: If the adopted dog is lost or stolen, the adopter will notify Houston Sheltie Sanctuary immediately so we can use our resources to help locate the dog as soon as possible.
7. Reservation of Rights: Houston Sheltie Sanctuary reserves the right to enforce this contract in order to protect the welfare of the adopted dog. It is understood that Houston Sheltie Sanctuary may examine and may make inquiry about said dog at any time after adoption and will do so. We appreciate updates and photos of our adopted Shelties. If the terms and conditions of the Adoption Agreement are not upheld, Houston Sheltie Sanctuary reserves the right to terminate the Agreement and to reclaim the dog; there will be no refund of the donation.
8. Liability: If the dog develops behavioral or serious health/medical problems in the new owner's care, the adopter may return the dog to us but will not hold Houston Sheltie Sanctuary responsible for such sudden changes or expenses.
9. Return Check Charge: There will be a $25.00 charge on all returned checks submitted by the adopter. If the check is not covered, our Sheltie will be relinquished to Houston Sheltie Sanctuary.
10. Right of Refusal: To determine what is best for our dogs, Houston Sheltie Sanctuary reserves the right to refuse any application.
ADOPTION APPLICATION
For the best match between Sheltie and family, as well as to protect our dogs, Houston Sheltie Sanctuary, Inc. Rescue Program screens our applicants carefully through the application, check with veterinarian, and home visit. If you are under age eighteen, a parent or guardian must complete and sign this application and must also want to adopt. After carefully answering the questions below (please do not leave questions blank), e-mail (preferred), fax, or mail this portion of the page only, keeping the program description above for your records. Please allow five business days for us to get back to you. Thank you for your interest in adopting a rescued Sheltie.
Note about the popular small, young females: In the last few years, we've been taking in ~100 dogs/year. Of these, about 40 will be female - we tend to get more males. Of those 40, perhaps 12-15 will be 4 years old or younger - we tend to get older dogs. Of those 12-15, perhaps 6-7 will be on the small side of standard, or smaller - Shelties are notorious for going oversized. Of those, perhaps half will be temperamentally suited for a home not actively engaged in agility or a similar performance sport. 3-4 dogs out of 100, and "small young female" is our most often requested category of dog. Please understand that the more narrow your requirements, the fewer dogs that you may have to choose from. And there are so many males and older dogs of both sexes and all sizes who need loving homes.
Your Contact Information
Date: ___________________________________
Name(s) (both names if a joint application): _________________________________________
Street Address: _________________________________
(Apt. #): __________
City: _______________________ State: _________ Zip: __________
Home Phone with Area Code:___________________
[We do not adopt outside of Texas]
Occupation(s): _______________________________
Work Phone with Area Code: _________________
Mobile Phone with Area Code: ________________
E-mail Address: ________________________________
Driver's License Number: _________________________
[Privacy Note: The requested information is for the private use of Houston
Sheltie Sanctuary and will never be made public.]
Name(s) of HSS Sheltie(s) You are Interested In Adopting
__________________________________________
Questionnaire
1) Why do you want a Shetland Sheepdog?
2) Have you ever owned a Sheltie before? Yes: ____ No: _____
Do you still have that dog? Yes: ____ No: _____ M/F?_____ Age? _____
Spayed/Neutered? Yes: ____ No: _____ If no, please explain.
If you have never owned a Sheltie, have you done some research to learn about the breed?Yes: _____ No: _____
3) What happened to your last dog?
4) Please explain your responses below. During the last two years:
a) Have you lost a pet (not through death)?
b) Have you had one poisoned?
c) Have you had an animal killed by a vehicle?
d) Have you had an animal die due to disease?
If yes, what did the animal die of?
5) For what purpose do you want this dog?
6) Do you have any other animals?
Yes: ____ No: _____ If yes, list type, age, and sex:
Are all pets spayed/neutered? Yes: ____ No: _____
[Due to the many health benefits accruing from spaying and neutering, as well as to prevent accidental litters, we require that all resident pets must be neutered/spayed.]
7) Do you have children at home? Yes: ____ No: _____ If yes, Number: _____ Age(s): _________
[Because our Shelties are rescues needing special understanding and care, to protect both the dogs and very young children, we do not adopt to homes with children under age five.]
8) Do you live in a house? _____ Apartment? ______ Condo? _____
[For safety reasons, HSS does not adopt to mobile/trailer home environments]
9) Do you rent? _____ Own?_____
10) If you rent, do you have the landlord's written permission to keep a dog and proof of pet deposit where required?
Yes: _____ No: _____[Please attach a copy of the landlord's permission and your pet deposit receipt; we will not do the home visit or adoption without it, nor will we contact landlords to secure these documents.]
11) Do you have a yard? Yes: ____ No: _____ Is it
fenced? Yes: ____ No: _____
[The yard must be fenced; see the
adoption page description of requirements]
What type of fencing? ______ chain ______ wood _______ other (please describe)
If you have a doggy door, does it open only into the fenced yard?
Yes: ____ No: _____
If you live in an apartment/town home, is there a safe place to walk/exercise the dog?
Yes: ____ No: _____
12) Is someone home during the day?
Yes: _____ No: _____ Please explain:
13) What provisions will be made for your Sheltie if nobody is home during the day?
Loose inside? _______ In crate? _______ In fenced yard?_______
14) Do you intend to keep this dog primarily indoors _____ or
outdoors _____?
Where will the dog sleep? Please explain:
15) Do you have a sex preference? Yes: ____ No: _____ Male: ____ Female: _____
Would you consider the opposite sex? Yes: ____ No: _____
16) Do you have a color preference? Yes: ____ No: _____Color: __________________
Second color choice: _______________
[Note: due to the popularity of Blue Merles, we do not see them often in rescue.]
17) What age range would you prefer? _____________
Would you consider an older dog? Yes: ____ No: _____
If yes, to what age? ________
18) What size Sheltie do you prefer? (The AKC Standard is 13"-16" at the shoulder.) ________
Would you consider a smaller Sheltie?
Yes: ____ No: _____19) Would you consider a Sheltie-mix? Yes: ____ No: _____
20) Are other members of your household aware that you are considering adopting a pet?
Yes: ____ No: _____
Does everyone in your home want this dog? Yes: ____ No: _____
21) Are you prepared to assume the financial responsibilities of caring for an animal, including inoculations, heartworm preventative, veterinarian care, good quality food, licensing, etc.?
Yes: ____ No: _____
Name and phone number of your Veterinarian: _________________________________________________
[N.B. Please let your clinic know we will be calling
to make sure your pets have been kept up to date in their vaccinations, heartworm
preventative, and annual heartworm tests. Additionally, please read
carefully: if dog owners purchase their Heartworm preventative on line rather
that at a clinic, we will need proof of purchase such as a receipt. Furthermore,
dog owners need to know that most heartworm preventative manufacturers will not
cover the treatment if the pills are purchased on line and fail, as they have no
way of knowing for sure those were actually their products.]
I hereby authorize the veterinarian named herein to release information about me or my pet(s) to Houston Sheltie Sanctuary, Inc. as necessary to evaluate this application. [In order for the application to be considered, the veterinary records for current resident pets must be complete and up to date; all resident dogs and cats must be vaccinated, and dogs must be on heartworm preventative. There are no exceptions to this requirement.]
22) Do you understand that the Sheltie you adopt must be kept on
monthly heartworm and flea preventative?
Yes: ____ No: _____
23) Are you planning to move in the near future? Yes: ____ No: _____ If yes, please explain.
If yes, are you willing to give HSS the new address? Yes: _____ No: ______
24) Is anyone in your house allergic to animals? Yes: ____ No: _____ If yes, please explain how the allergy is treated if you are bringing in a dog.
25) Are you familiar with the animal control regulations in your
area? Yes: ____ No: _____
26) Does your homeowners' association have a limit on the number of animals
you are allowed to have? Yes_____ No ______ What is that limit? _______
27) Do you understand that Shelties are known for being 'barkers'? Yes :____ No: ____
28) Do you understand that Shelties can be shy and aloof with new people? Yes____ No: _____
29) Are you prepared to do the extra grooming a Sheltie's double coat requires? Yes: ____ No: ____
30) Do you understand that any rescue Sheltie that you may adopt through Houston Sheltie Sanctuary will be spayed/neutered? Yes: ____ No: _____
31) What circumstances, in your mind, justify giving up a dog?
32) Are you willing to allow a Houston Sheltie Sanctuary representative to visit your home by appointment?
Yes: ____ No: _____
33) Please provide two references other than your veterinarian (Examples: groomers, dog trainers, rescue organizations, other pet owners).
_________________________ (name) ________________________ (phone/e-mail)
_________________________ (name) ________________________ (phone/e-mail)
34) How did you hear about Houston Sheltie Sanctuary, Inc. Rescue Program?
Vet, Clinic, Pet Store, or Shelter Referral _____ (Name: _________________________)
Breeder _____ (Name: _________________________)
Dog/Obedience Club _____ (Name: _________________________)
Another Rescue Group _____ (Name: _________________________)
Friend
Other _____ (please explain)
35) Houston Sheltie Sanctuary works closely with other rescue groups around the state and nation, doing referrals and also deferring to those groups' service areas. If you are applying to other rescue programs as well, please advise us of that and which ones.
36) Do you accept that to defray our program expenses for rehabilitating your dog and to help the next rescue Sheltie there will be a $240.00 donation for an adult age 1-9; $275.00 for puppy under 12 months, $150 for adult age 10+, payable immediately by check, cash, or money order upon adoption and delivery of the adopted dog?
Yes: ____ No: _____
37) Do you accept that the adopted dog may not be transferred to another party and that if the dog must be given up for any reason, he or she is returned to Houston Sheltie Sanctuary?
Yes: ____ No: _____
I have read and am in full agreement with the Houston Sheltie Sanctuary, Inc. Rescue Program Terms of Adoption. By signing below I am attesting to the truthfulness of my answers. I agree the adopted dog shall not be kept exclusively outside, will be on regular heartworm and flea preventive for life, and will receive good nutrition, all vaccinations, and normal health care. I understand that falsification of any of the above information will be grounds to disallow the adoption of a rescued Sheltie. I further understand that Houston Sheltie Sanctuary, Inc. Rescue Program will always be interested in our adopted dogs and may at any time inquire about the welfare of the adopted Sheltie during the life of my dog and that I will respond in a timely fashion. I will also provide the coordinators with new e-mail addresses and changed home addresses and phone numbers as they occur, as well as annual updates on how my Sheltie is doing in his/her new home.
Date: ____________________ Signature: __________________________________
Instructions for Sending the Application
E-mail application (preferred): Please download the form, complete, re-save (HTML, Plain Text, PDF, or MSWord file), and send it (application portion only) as e-mail attachment or copy-paste to all three coordinators: Joan (joansamuelson@cebridge.net), Linda (addpar@aol.com), and Connie (cgoedecke@sbcglobal.net). Please be sure you give your e-mail post a clear subject heading so we know what it is about when it comes into our e-mail boxes.
Other methods of sending the application (application portion only)
Fax the application to
(
Mail to
Houston Sheltie Sanctuary, Inc.
PO Box 840235
Houston, TX 77284-0235
Please Note: After the application and home visit are approved, applicants who schedule visits with the dogs in the foster homes need to keep those appointments as the foster homes get the dogs ready, often after they come home from work or on equally busy weekends with their families. They do this out of love for the dogs so they can present themselves at their best to possible new homes. Even if applicants decide on the first dog they visit, applicants need to call the next foster home(s) immediately to cancel. But we caution that all the dogs scheduled should be visited--both out of courtesy to the families and also to give every dog a chance to show that he or she might be the one for them. Once you have decided on the right dog for you, the foster family will take the final adoption agreement and adoption check. Though the foster family will let us know, we also appreciate hearing from you that you have made your decision. Additionally, if you have a resident dog(s) it is a good idea to bring your dog with you when you visit the dog(s) you are interested in to watch the interaction between the dogs.
Please allow five business days
for us to respond to your application.
In rare cases, it may take us a bit longer since we are all extremely
busy with rescuing new dogs as well as with our own families and lives.
We appreciate applicants' patience and understanding.
Houston Sheltie Sanctuary, Inc. Rescue Program Official
Use Only
Coordinator: ______________________________________
Date: _____________________
Comments:___________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
Dog Adopted: __________________ Number: ________________ Date: __________
[Revised 01/06/08]