AKC PARENT BREED CLUB FOR THE ENTLEBUCHER MOUNTAIN DOG

Adopting procedures

Guidelines

Rescue Procedures

Rehoming Guidelines

The NEMDA Rescue Committe is a non-profit volunteer group of Entlebucher fanciers dedicated to the effort of rehoming Entlebuchers that need help.  The Entlebucher is a rare breed, but the numbers are growing across North America. Due to the lively temperament of this breed, there are a fair number who become unwanted. Since it is a working dog, the Entlebucher has a tireless spirit and enthusiasm for herding people as well as animals. They are not well suited for kennel life and need to be well socialized and trained from an early age. NEMDA only accepts purebred Entlebuchers for rehoming due to the Club’s limited reserve budget. Our volunteers evaluate each dog for their suitability on an individual basis. Paramount to NEMDA’s rescue and rehoming goals is finding the best possible match between an Entle and it’s new familly.  If you know of an Entlebucher who needs rehoming, or would be interested in learning more about an available dog, please contact the committee member nearest you.

The first and most important step in adopting an Entlebucher Rescue is to contact the Rescue Committee at Rescue@NEMDA.org.  We will need a completed Adoption Application.   If your situation or needs change, just let us know, so we can keep your application open and updated. You'll get first dibs for available dogs if we have your Adoption Application on file and updated!

We review these applications "each" time we have an Entlebucher that comes into our rescue program or needs rehoming. Applicants on file are given priority. If we have no applicants who match that particular Entlebucher, we post the information on our website. So, if you are really interested in an Entlebucher Rescue, get your application in to our rescue Chair so we can have your information on hand.

back to the top

GUIDELINES These are the Initial Contact Procedures which NEMDA’s Rescue Committee members will follow:  NEMDA will be asking general questions regarding the dog’s current situation: 1. Does the current owner want to be involved in the rehoming process?  2. Has the breeder been notified, and are they willing to take the dog back?  If the answer to both of these questions is “no,” the dog then becomes a “Rescue” and guidelines should be followed. If the owner or the breeder is involved, then the dog will be “Rehomed” and NEMDA may assist in the placement of the dog, but will not take responsibility for it .

back to the top

RESCUE PROCEDURES   1. Any party who will be in possession of an Entlebucher during the rescue process must sign a waiver absolving NEMDA of any damages resulting from the rescued animal. Said form must be completed and sent to the Rescue Chairperson or the Secretary before taking possession of any Entlebucher. No person shall initiate the Rescue Process without prior approval of the Rescue Chairperson and one NEMDA Officer.  2. An authorized representative of NEMDA may take possession of the animal upon obtaining a signed Release Form by the current owner. Where appropriate, NEMDA will request a $100 service fee from the current owner toward Rescue expenses. NEMDA will continue the Rescue process even if the fee is not paid. NEMDA or a representative will not take physical possession of the animal until or unless necessary.   3. The dog’s temperament must be evaluated by a competent individual, whether or not a member of NEMDA.  4. If the dog is considered to have dangerous character faults (ie. aggressiveness, biting) that cannot be rectified, NEMDA will recommend that the owner have the dog euthanized or will arrange and pay for euthanization as quickly as possible.  5. If the dog is considered a good candidate for placement, and the dog is intact, NEMDA shall request that the owner spay/neuter the dog or shall arrange and pay for neutering.  6. If a NEMDA member takes possession of the dog, s/he will be reimbursed for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred during the Rescue process. The Board must approve any individual expense exceeding $100.   7. If no NEMDA member is available to take the dog, NEMDA will not be able to take possession of the dog. In extreme circumstances, Rescue Chair may ask for a special vote of the Board.   8. NEMDA Rescue Chairperson will contact prospective adoptive families from pre-approved list. Interested qualified families will be given information to contact the interim responsible party holding the dog. If a family wishes to adopt a Rescue dog, a fee of US$500 and completion of adoption papers are required before the adoption may take place. This fee may be adjusted by Board approval on a case-by-case basis.

back to the top

REHOMING GUIDELINES  If the owner or the breeder is involved in the rehoming, our role is to facilitate a safe, timely and beneficial placement

get a history on the dog, it’s past experiences (training, socialization) and any behavioral problems

help determine the individual needs of the dog and how they impact placement (i.e. dog avoids children, therefore should not be placed in home with children)

determine if the relinquishing owner requires any type of payment (many will only ask that shipping and any needed veterinary fees be paid)

interview prospective families using adoption application

after a good match has been determined, provide names and phone numbers/emails of interested potential families (start compiling your lists of “qualified” new homes)

support both families with information about the dogs past, present and future

discuss adoption fees with adoptive family (minimum shipping costs, any payment required to relinquishing family) AND kindly request a minimum $100 donation to NEMDA for its efforts (tax deductible)

discuss veterinary examination and any necessary shots/procedures, health certificates, etc. required prior to shipping (if applicable)

explain that it is beneficial but not mandatory that the new owner pick up the dog rather than have it shipped

estimate how long the process will take (i.e.does the current family have a crisis and need immediate assistance?) If so, then contact the Rescue Chair to find closest NEMDA foster home for boarding

review the process of rehoming with both parties: 1) Evaluation period (may be phone interview), 2) Contacting potential families, 3) Sharing information between the two parties, and 4) Rehoming fees.

back to the top