How

can I

adopt a Sheltie?

We look forward to the opportunity of helping you to find your new Sheltie family member!
Send us an email to let us know of your interest. Then complete the Adoption Application. This is a word document that you can complete and save to you desktop and e-mail to us as an attachment. Alternatively, you can print out and and send it to us snail mail. You will need to save a copy of the application to your hard drive.
Thank you for considering adopting a rescue sheltie.

Adoption Information

  • How do I adopt a pet?

    Our adoption process is a bit lengthy, but there are some very good reasons for that described below. Please first review the Terms of Adoption page. You can fill out an application and send back to us. If interested in a particular dog you have seen, please email [email protected] to let us know about your specific interest. When a dog becomes available that may be a fit, we will follow up with you to have a phone interview. After that we will check references and conduct a home visit before final approval to adopt from us will be granted.

  • Are there any adoption requirements?

    Please review the Terms of Adoption for basic requirements. Other than these things, it is important to us that the home be appropriate for the dog. Many times, this requires that the home have a physically fenced yard. We do not adopt to homes that use invisible fencing of any kind. There are some dogs and some situations that a committed leash walking home will be approved, but most rescued shelties will need the comfort and security of the fenced yard.

  • Vet Q&A: Are pets for adoption healthy?

    Once we receive a dog, it is taken directly to our veterinarian and examined, fecal checked for parasites, given any necessary vaccinations, spayed/neutered if needed, blood work taken for heartworm and tick borne diseases, and a dental performed if our veterinarian feels a dental is necessary. If for any reason our veterinarian thinks anything is wrong or needs to be checked, appropriate testing is done.

  • How to avoid picking the wrong pet?

    Once initial health needs are addressed, we make every effort for the rescued dog to go in to one of our foster homes where volunteers will care for him/her and report back to us on the dogs’ personality, traits and habits. This helps us to learn more about the dog and try to match the dog with a home environment where it will thrive. Adopters usually get the chance to talk to foster homes to hear all about the dog. This helps both the rescue and the adopter know if there is a good match to be made.

Note: Files will download to your computer for you to edit or print.

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    A Note from an Adopter: A Love Story

    Both Joe and I were involved with Long Island Shetland Sheepdog Rescue, Inc. before moving to Florida. We now are involved in the Mid Florida Rescue for the same breed. It is amazing how many dogs are abandoned, given into shelters or pounds or put into Rescue each year. Rationales vary…..the economy, new found allergies, family responsibilities, Christmas presents that were all too soon cast aside or the dog who has become “too much work”. Unfortunately, in this category we must add dogs that were mistreated, abused, beaten, starved, and /or deprived of even basic need and health care.

    Every Rescue is so amazing in the abundance of care given each individual dog. When a dog goes into rescue it is “vetted” right away. A complete series of shots are administered and a complete dental is done. If the dog is Heart Worm positive, they receive the 2 step treatment and the 30 day recuperation period needed. If surgery is needed or a specialists is required…..it is done. The Rescue does not discriminate …. all dogs get what they need, no matter the price tag. ( And, yes, some dogs come in so battered and sick that they must be put down. )
    While waiting for their “forever home” these dogs are placed in foster homes. We have fostered about 20 dogs (not all at once!!) and have enjoyed all of them!! It’s amazing to see these dogs “come out of their shell.” The Rescue is one of the most heartwarming and giving organizations we have ever belonged to.

    Now, the adoption process …….. Every dog is “matched up” with the person or family. The dogs age, temperament, needs and activity level as well as the human factor are taken into consideration. The “adoptee” is required to have a fenced-in yard or area, a ton of love to give and has to be physically able to care for the dog. An application to the Rescue for the adoption has to be submitted. A volunteer will then go to the adoptee’s home and do a “home inspection”. ( No, we don’t look for “dust bunnies” under the beds. ) We look at the adopting family, their home and yard. We then report back to the rescue. If it appears to be a good “fit” the people meet the dog and usually it is love at first sight. The dog will then go to its “forever home.”

    We have seen much joy and happiness since being involved in Rescue. It is true, unconditional love at its best!!! Adopters usually will say….”Who rescued who?”

    Angela Maggio