Please note: The ACDRA does NOT adopt dogs to homes located outside of our region. Adoptions are restricted to the Mid-and North-Atlantic regions of the US, which includes the states between Maine and North Carolina.
ACDRA Adoption Facts:
The ACDRA’s adoption donation starts at $200. This may be flexible depending on age of the dog, veterinary expenses incurred, and dogs with special needs which are evaluated on a case by case basis.
The ACDRA is NOT a shelter. We are a network of volunteers whose goal is to match displaced ACDs with suitable homes while also educating the public about these highly energetic and intelligent dogs. We provide a web presence for the shelters who have happened upon these unique dogs as well as a resource for the foster homes who socialize them in a family setting.
Many of our dogs are beyond the puppy stage. Having lived with these “elder statesmen”, we appreciate the many benefits of a mature dog. Most are already house-broken, leash-trained, and have manners. Puppies are made cute for a reason — to make you forget the shoes they ate, the plants they demolished, the messes they made, and all the times they drove you crazy... We hope our potential adopters will have an open mind when considering the age of available dogs.
Before placement, all our dogs have been spayed or neutered, received appropriate vaccinations (DHLPP-C, Bordetella, etc), a rabies vaccination if over 4 months of age, and a fecal exam to detect and treat any internal parasites. All dogs are bathed before going to a new home.
All ACDRA foster dogs have lived with one of us for at least a week. This lets us learn the temperment, likes and dislikes, and training level of the dog. This is critical in placing the dogs in an appropriate home. We put lots of time, energy, money, patience, and love into each of our foster dogs and are rewarded over and over by seeing them settle happily into loving, new, lifelong homes.
Please be aware that no adopted dog shall be maintained outside as a yard dog. Our dogs can not be chained, nor left in a yard with no fencing (including invisible fencing) unsupervised. The primary and ONLY function of the adopted dog is to be that of a companion.
Adoption Contract
Those who adopt a dog from the ACDRA must agree to the following:
To provide proper and sufficient food, water, shelter, veterinary treatment and humane protection as the animal may require throughout its lifetime.
To assume all legal risk and obligations of ownership.
To waive all claims against ACDRA or its agents, servants or members for injury or property damage arising in any way related to the adoption of said dog and to indemnify the ACDRA for any and all such damages incurred by it.
Not to surrender this live animal to be used for the purposes of vivisection or experimentation.
To allow a designated agent or member of the ACDRA to periodically visit and inspect my premises, upon prior notice, to evaluate the conditions under which I am keeping the adopted dog. I also agree to allow said member or agent to remove my adopted dog after any such inspection if the agent or member is not reasonably satisfied that said dog is being properly cared for, or if agent or member believes the animal is being abused. Should I disagree with the agent’s or member’s judgment, I agree to not sue the ACDRA, but will submit the dispute to arbitration with a neutral arbitrator, agreed by both sides, with each sides to bear its own costs and attorney’s fees for such arbitration.
To notify the board of the ACDRA if said animal is lost, believed stolen, dies or if I move. Also to retrieve the animal from the shelter if impounded.
Not to transfer ownership of adopted dog and to return the animal to the ACDRA if I am unable to keep it for any reason.
To provide routine veterinary care, in addition to procure medical aid at once at my expense, if said animal is sick.
To return to the ACDRA a health certificate, signed by a veterinarian, within one week of adoption.
Respect and obey all applicable animal control laws imposed by all cities, county, state or federal government.
I further agree to pay and reimburse forthwith the ACDRA for any and all legal fees and court expenses it incurs in enforcing the terms and conditions of this agreement.
I understand that I have the right to return the dog to ACDRA within two weeks, for a full refund of the adoption fee if the adoption is unsuitable. After two weeks, no portion of the fee will be refunded. If no monies are exchanged, no refunds will be offered.
I hereby acknowledge receipt from the ACDRA of the above described animal and therefore promise and agree to the conditions set forth.
About Our Dogs
ACDs end up in shelters for a wide variety of reasons, the most common being that someone chose this breed of dog which wasn’t suitable to their temperment or lifestyle.
ACDs were bred to drive cattle all day in harsh conditions. It is the rare ACD that doesn’t need a lot of physical and mental stimulation on a daily basis. If they have no outlet for their energy, they can become barkers, destructive, or runners. ACDs can go over a 6 foot fence with ease if they are so inclined. They can be great with your kids and will usually protect them from intruders but may also herd kids into a corner and keep them there if they feel the need to quiet them down and keep them together. Some can be aggressive with other dogs and will rarely back down from a fight. This is true of both sexes. As a pet they absolutely must have basic obedience training, and know you are the top dog. They do not take to rough handling but will usually bend over backwards for their “human” when worked with positive reinforcement.
ACDs are smart, quick-learning dogs that excel in obedience, agility and herding trials. Their “wash and wear” coats need little maintenance. A brushing twice a week and tick or flea checks daily are about it. Baths should be given only when necessary to retain the oil in the coat. They are the right size for traveling, and will protect your vehicle and belongings without hesitation. They bond well with the family but usually will pick out their special “human”. They expect honesty and fairness from you and will demand it. In the right home they are a wonderful, lifelong companion.
Adotping any dog is a long-term commitment. ACDs can easily live to be 14 years old; as a matter of a fact, according to this article, the 2004 Guinness Book of World Records states: “An Australian cattle dog named Bluey, who died in 1939 at age 29, is thought to have been the world’s oldest dog.” With that in mind, we hope you decide on adopting an ACD rescue dog. These are wonderful dogs that have run into circumstances beyond their control and now find themselves in need of a new home. We hope you will be one of those special people and discover the world of rescue dogs.
Please feel free to contact us with any questions at: info@acdra.org.
