What is "Rescue"?
Rescue is a volunteer job. Finding new homes for displaced rescue dogs and educating the public about their chosen breeds are two of rescue's purposes. Wisconsin Dog Rescue was started in 1998 by Lisa Martin of Wisconsin Sheltie Rescue, in an effort to open communication lines and network between shelters and reputable rescue groups/individuals.
What is "A Reputable Animal Rescue"?
Where do rescue dogs come from?
Rescue dogs come from a variety of circumstances and places. Some are from shelters, having arrived as strays or owner-surrenders. The reasons they need new homes vary, but often we hear statements such as:
"We have no time for a dog."
"We're Moving."
"A family member is allergic to the dog."
"The dog does not get along well with children."
The majority of rescue dogs are between 2 and 5 years of age. Puppies are SOMETIMES available, as are older dogs.
What does a rescue group or individual do when they are called to rescue a dog?
All rescues operate independently, but in general, the process goes like this: First, the rescue contacts the place or person where the potential rescue dog is located. After discussing the dog's traits and personality, the rescue may agree they can help this dog, and transportation is arranged. For dogs that are more than a few hours' drive, rescue folks may network with other breed rescues, who arrange transportation "legs" of the journey. Sometimes the rescue volunteer assesses the dog after it has been transported to the rescue, since assessing at pick-up time may not be possible. Upon entering rescue, The dog's temperament is assessed. Then it is taken to a vet for a check-up, shots, heartworm test, and is spayed/neutered. (Some rescues are operated by certified vet technicians, in which case they do their own shots.) Back at the rescue, the dog may receive a bath, grooming, and finally, another temperament examination. Dogs are introduced to other dogs, cats, and people to see how they react around different things in a normal environment. After assessment, the rescue looks over their adoption applications and closely matches this dog to a potential adoptive family. A member of the rescue or a trusted volunteer from another rescue then performs a home visit; this is NOT to see how clean your house is, but rather to see if what you said on the application is indeed what your living situation is like. After the home visit, rescue will bring the dog to meet your family and any other pets you may have. If this is a successful meeting, rescue will give you an adoption contract to sign, and the dog moves in with you.
Where are the dogs located?
Again, each rescue operates independently, and range in size from rescues with one dog at a time, to rescues with boarding kennel facilities used to house up to 10 or more dogs at a time.
How do you know the dogs are healthy and will make good pets?
All rescue dogs are temperamentally and medically screened to insure placing of only sound, healthy dogs at the time they're placed.
Aren't rescue dogs usually abused or neglected, making them dangerous?
Most rescue dogs are the result of bad decisions, being acquired with insufficient preparation and research. As for those that have been abused or neglected, many new owners tell us the dogs seem to understand their good fortune and respond by demonstrating an especially attentive and loving attitude.
What happens if I adopt a dog, but can't keep it?
Rescue takes the time and effort to very carefully match people with dogs, usually resulting in lifelong placements. If a dog does not work out in his new home, the dog MUST be returned to the rescue, and some rescues will refund the adoption fee, too. All rescues require the new family to sign legal paperwork that addresses their commitment to keeping the dog, or returning it to the rescue if the placement doesn't work out.
How much does it cost to adopt a rescue dog?
A rescue's cost to spay/neuter a dog, fully vaccinate it, and test/treat for heartworm can be several hundred dollars. However, adoption fees are not based on how much the dog has cost the rescue. In general, a dog adopted from rescue will cost more than a dog adopted from a shelter. That's because the rescue has taken on the extra expense to FULLY vet the dog, fully temperament assess the dog, housebreak it, and sometimes begin obedience training with it. Not all shelters can afford the same level of treatment because most shelters are required to accept ALL animals dropped into their care, whereas rescues can choose which dogs they accept. When they're "full", rescues can can turn dogs away.
Each rescue's fee is different; consult with the breed rescue you're interested in adopting to learn more.
Why can't I breed my rescue dog?
The fact that there are dogs for us to rescue, and more perfectly adoptable dogs being put to sleep daily in shelters across this nation, attests that there are too many dogs already being bred. This is why all rescue dogs are already spayed/neutered prior to placement. Leave the breeding to the professional breeders; they already have homes for the pups well in advance of breeding their female dogs, and they know what kind of pre- and post-natal care to provide (and what to do in case of emergency!)
How do I adopt a rescue dog?
The first step is to fill out an adoption application and submit it to a rescue group/individual. After your application is reviewed and approved, you will be notified when an appropriate dog is available. You will be asked to sign a contract when you adopt a dog from most rescues. Most also require that all dogs be house dogs.
