Sample Rescue Policy

This is the personal policy of Scottish Terrier Rescue of North Alabama, and in no way shape or form mirrors the attitudes, beliefs, values or policies of the Scottish Terrier Club of America, or any other regional clubs or rescues.

It is the goal of Scottish Terrier Rescue of North Alabama to rescue and rehome those Scottish Terriers who are unwanted, abused and neglected, turned into shelters, or abandoned and are of sound temperament. STRNA does take Scotties regardless of age, temperament, and medical or behavioral problems, and occasionally Scotties of “mostly” Scottie makeup, though this does not necessarily guarantee that these Scotties will all be placed. If an animal is found to be nonplacable, the animal either remains to live out its life with STRNA, or is euthanized with the same dignity, kindness, and respect afforded a cherished family pet. Whichever the particular situation dictates. We are dedicated to maintaining the saftey and well being of our fosters and their pets, as well as our rescues.

STRNA accepts animals from shelters, humane societies, individuals and those dogs left to wander the streets.

If the breeder of a Scottish Terrier that comes into rescue is known, STRNA will make an effort to contact them first, and give them every opportunity to help place and/or place the dog themselves.

Each dog that comes into rescue at STRNA is fully vaccinated, spayed/neutered, temperament tested, and is taught basic house manners. Each dog is heartworm checked, and if necessary treated for heartworms, and then put on prevention. Each Scot is placed on a proper diet, and exercised regularly, groomed, and free of parasites such as lice/fleas/ ticks. Most are crate trained and/or housebroken. A typical rescue stays at STRNA a minimum of two to three months, depending on treatment.

Individuals wishing to adopt a rescue Scottish Terrier through STRNA must fill out an adoption application for screening, and have an initial interview, prior to being selected as a potential home. Dogs are placed on a first come first serve basis if all other matching criteria are equal.

STRNA charges an adoption fee of no less than $100 for the adoption of each Scottish Terrier. However, adoption fees may be slightly higher depending on the extent of medical treatment required for the adoptive animal.

STRNA provides several initial meetings between Adopter and Adoptee before the decision is finalized. One meeting on neutral territory (such as a local park), one meeting a the Foster parents house, one meeting at the potential adopter’s house, and then a weekend stay at the adopters house. After that the dog comes back to rescue for no less than 5 (five) days while the family discusses the finialization of the arrangement. During that time, the family is encouraged to call and discuss the pro’s and con’s of this adoptive situation in order to ensure a successful placement.

Following the initial placement the Adoptive family is contacted either by phone or in person after 3 days by the foster parent, or other acting rescue agent to ensure that everything is going well. Another visit or call is made after 2 weeks, and then monthly until the dog is found to have adjusted nicely. After that the family is encouraged to keep in touch with rescue at least once a year, and to call if ever they have problems and/or questions.

STRNA is committed to the life, health and well being of every animal it places. If at anytime during the life of an adopted Scottish Terrier, the family can no longer care for the animal, the animal comes back to Scottish Terrier Rescue to be rehomed.

STRNA also offers assistance in "placement" situations. Wherein the owner finds that they can no longer keep the dog in their current situation, and contacts rescue for assistance. Information is taken on these dogs, and a listing to place form is filled out with current information. STRNA either pre-screens potential families, or works with the owner, educating them on how to screen for a new home. The final decision is usually made by the owner. Owners are encouraged to keep their dogs up to date on vaccinations, keep them well groomed and parasite free, and have them spayed or neutered (if they arn't already) in order to make them more adoptable. If time runs out on these dogs before a satisfactory placement is made, the dogs are gladly taken in and kept until a new home can be found.

Scottish Terrier Rescue of North Alabama

Updated: August 1999