The Adoption Process

First let me thank you for thinking of adoption. When your application for adoption reaches us the adoption process starts. The adoption process is not too long, but we make sure that the Airedales adopted through us are going to great homes.

The Application

We keep your application on file for two years - although we really don't have any applications that old. Most Airedale are placed within weeks of coming into rescue and we really do make an effort to place the "easy" Airedales with first time owners.

There are no right or wrong answers. We just need to know as much as we can about you so that everyone ends up with the Airedale they are supposed to have. Be honest - so you end up with the best pet for you and/or your family.

Getting to know you

After receiving your application, we talk over the phone to understand what your needs are so that we can "fit" the Airedale to the home. We arrange a home visit by one of our rescue volunteers in your area. That way we can get to know you better and you can meet someone who has gone through the process. They are a member of a great support system for adoptive families.

Finding your Airedale

Next is finding just the right Airedale for your family. Sometimes it takes days, and sometimes months. When an Airedale comes into rescue, they are taken immediately to a vet for a checkup. All shots are brought up to date, a fecal and heart worm check is done to make sure they are clear of all parasites. If there is any health problem the Airedale cannot be adopted until the dog is healthy. We begin preventative treatments right away.

If the Airedale is not spayed or neutered that is done. After all this, the Airedale will go to a foster family so that their temperament can be evaluated. We know what that particular Airedale needs. No Airedale is adopted with their AKC papers, if we receive them. This prevents the dog from being sold with papers in the future. The foster family has the say in who adopts what Airedale. They know the dog best.

Adoption Agreement and Fee

This is the same process with Airedale rescue groups all over the U.S. At adoption, you are asked to sign an adoption agreement. The agreement sets out our minimum standards to keeping this dog and states that if for any reason you must give up the Airedale - you will return the dog to us. This is a "no questions asked" guarantee from us. There is an adoption fee that goes into our fund (we are a non profit organization) for the medical bills of the rescued Airedales. This runs $300. Rescue work, health care and grooming is done by unpaid volunteers. We all do it for the love of the breed.

There is a great support network of organization all over the county. Most are on the web. Most Airedale problems are because of lack of training or knowledge of the breed for the new owner. When one learns that an action or trait is "normal" you can solve the problem. We make every effort to help the adoptive family succeed in their adoption of a great Airedale. If it just doesn't work out, we take the dog back.

Thanks again for thinking of adoption, and we will contact you as soon as we receive your application .