Adoption

Please complete the adoption application before contacting us about an available Aussie.

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Adopting from ARPH

Please be advised that during the current COVID-19 restrictions, responses from our volunteers may be delayed and home visits postponed. Thank you for your understanding.

OUR DOGS

The Australian Shepherds available for adoption through ARPH come from many sources. Some of them have been rescued from pounds and shelters. Others are referred to us by owners who can no longer keep their dogs for a variety of reasons. ARPH only accepts purebred Aussies into the program. Vicious dogs are not accepted into any of the listings.

The majority of dogs we rescue are young adults or adults. While pups do appear from time to time, they are not common. More males than females tend to be the trend in rescue as well so please consider both genders when adopting.

Our dogs are kept in foster homes with volunteers who share their homes with these dogs until the right adoptive home is found. These foster homes evaluate for temperament and also work on basic training of the dogs.

VETTING OF THE DOGS

All of our dogs over 6 months of age are spayed/neutered. We feel there are more than enough Aussies already in need of homes and that our rescues should not be used for breeding. If a dog is too young to be altered the adopter will need to agree in writing to do so by the time the dog is 6 months of age.

Our dogs have been seen by a vet and declared healthy for adoption. They are up to date on vaccinations, have been heartworm tested and also been cleared for parasites.

THE ADOPTION PROCESS

Anyone wishing to adopt a dog through ARPH must first complete an Adoption Application. When the adoption application is complete it is forwarded to the ARPH Rescue Representative closest to you. That representative will review the application, call all references, discuss parts of your answers with you, and may ask for a home check during the application approval process. ARPH looks for homes with a past history of responsible dog ownership which includes annual vetting of all pets.

After you have completed the application and submitted it, please be patient--it may be several days to a few weeks before you hear back from a representative. Most ARPH Volunteers have jobs during the day, as well as families and their own dogs to tend to in the evenings. This is a labor of love for us all, and we work very hard to respond as quickly as possible to potential adopters.

We do NOT ship dogs to adopters.

AFTER YOU'VE BEEN APPROVED

Once your application is approved, the ARPH Rescue Representative with whom you are working will help you find the right dog to match your family. Sometimes a dog that matches your home will be available immediately, but in most cases, it will take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. The more narrow your criteria for the right dog, the longer the wait. If your heart is set on a certain color, gender or age, you will probably wait longer than the adopter who is open on all these things. We do not place our dogs on a "first come, first served" basis, but according to the needs of the dog.

Many, but not all, of our ARPH Rescue Representatives have a web site or Facebook page for their area or region where you can receive more information specific to their area. Please look at the Available Dogs below, on our Facebook page, or visit the other ARPH regional sites to find available ARPH Aussies.

ARPH's careful screening process endeavors to ensure that each Aussie is placed in a loving, caring, and permanent home. ARPH is looking for owners who have adequate time, energy, and resources for Australian Shepherds. If your home fits those requirements, we look forward to hearing from you.

ADOPTION FEE

ARPH's standard adoption fee for a fully vetted dog is $300 U.S. Any donations above the standard fee will help to offset any necessary expenses, and are tax deductible (for U.S. residents only).

Occasionally, the fee may be lowered for special needs dogs and some senior dogs. Unaltered puppies require an additional spay/neuter deposit which is refunded upon proof of spay/neuter, per ARPH's adoption contract.

We sometimes have aussies on referral from private homes.

Please see our Referrals page.

Malcolm ARPH #14458

TX

"Hi! My name is Malcolm…like Malcolm in the Middle …. but foster mom calls me Malky. I came from a puppy mill when I was just 3 months old. I’m 6 months going on 7 months now. I’ve learned a lot but still have a lot of things I need to learn (leash walking is not my strong suit and I’m too enthusiastic when meeting other dogs) so my new home will definitely want to sign me up for training. And it will be a good way for me to bond with you.

I am housebroken (but in a new place, I may regress a bit while I get familiar with the “lay of the land”). I am also crate trained. I can be a bit vocal when you come to let me out as I am excited to be part of the action of your life. I’m trying really hard to get the hang of being quiet and waiting for the crate door to be opened and not barging out. That is SOOO hard (!!!) but I’m doing better. Treats help a lot. I love treats! They are the BEST! Oh, and toys. I love toys! Especially ones that crinkle when I chomp them. But for some reason they don’t last long and I find little bits of crinkly stuff all around me. Like they exploded or something.

I wasn’t too sure about riding in a car. But I’ve gotten better since most of the time there is something fun or new to do when we stop and get out. I’ve been to several stores (I’m small so I ride in a cart), a training facility, and a couple parks in addition to going to the veterinarian.

There is an older dog in the house (Lilly) and she helps keep me on the straight and narrow. Sometimes I think she is a little too hard with her correction when I do something she doesn’t like. Then I’ll scream like I am dying so foster mom will baby me …. LOL!! But she does help me feel more comfortable when new people are around. I can get growly/barky and protective of the house but if she is around and happy about the people, I know I can be too (but still may not want you to pet me yet). I try to get her to play and sometimes she will …. like in the kiddie pool, catching water from the hose, or just rolling on the floor doing bitey face. I wouldn’t mind if there was a playmate in my new home. We went swimming in a real pool the other day and we had a blast. I was pretty fearless, if I do say so myself, for never having been swimming before. I jumped right in to get a toy and I’m a fast swimmer. I could possibly be a dock jumping dog! Maybe even agility!

When I’m out of the house (like on walks or in stores), I don’t bark at people or dogs but I am interested in what is going on around me. There are some scary things out there I haven’t seen before so I may be a little scared at something new. But giving me treats and not forcing me to approach it will help me learn about the world and make it a positive experience.

I’m really good at making foster mom laugh. Sometimes she laughs so hard, water comes out of her eyes. That is usually when I’m having zoomies out in the yard and then running through the kiddie pool. Or pretending I am a dolphin in the kiddie pool and spray water at her. Or when I carry a rock around the yard. I also make her smile when I come to get snuggles. I’m really good at those too. And belly rubs are my specialty. I have a glorious tail but I still do full butt wiggles and make myself into a circle (foster mom says I’m a donut when I do that). It might take a little while for me to make you laugh and smile while I adjust to your home but I know I can do it because I’m smart.

Hope to find my forever home soon!
Love, Malcolm"

Hi, this is Malcolm’s foster mom. Malcolm is a great puppy who needs to gain some more self-confidence. He was with a lot of other dogs at the puppy mill but very little exposure to just a couple people. He is currently growling/barking at strangers coming into the house (not out on walks or in stores). Once he knows someone, he is less likely to react but will still be a bit nervous until he becomes comfortable with them. Taking that process slow and easy will be necessary. Because he is crate trained, you can easily limit his exposure to brief periods when people come to the house and then crate him in another room. He is being fostered in a home with no men, children, or cats but he has met all of those. Still a home without children or cats is probably best. And a confident dog in the home would be beneficial. He will not be a large dog. Probably no more than 35lbs (if that).

Malcolm is located in Bedford, TX and it is required that you travel there to meet him in person within 10 days of application approval if you want to adopt. We do need the entire party to be involved when meeting available dogs, including every family member and dog(s) that currently live in your home.

If you are an approved ARPH adopter with a current application on file and interested in learning more about Malcolm, please contact Laura at [email protected]. If you are not but are interested in becoming an approved ARPH adopter, please submit an adoption application.

Finn ARPH #14362

MT

Finn is a fun, energetic, athletic, curious, smart and entertaining 18-month-old Aussie who is still very much a puppy because his former home lacked structure and training. He’s learning self-control using “It’s Yer Choice” games, but he’s a work in progress; he still jumps on people (because he loves them) and counter-surfs, but he has a rock solid “sit” command and is very gentle taking treats. He is both potty and crate trained (but may fuss if crated while you are in the room except he's great a bed time).

Finn loves walks and walks well on leash without pulling; he loves to sniff. He is not reactive on walks and will just stop and watch interesting things. He’s totally unfazed by squirrels, bikes, strollers, other dogs, vacuums and even small children whizzing by. He’s very food and toy motivated and would make a great sport prospect! Finn is living with his foster brother Aussie without issues. He is inordinately interested in the geriatric cat and tries to play with him.

Finn is up to date on his vaccinations and, because his coat has so much white, had an eye exam which determined his eyesight is normal. It also appears his hearing is normal because he will turn back when his name is called or to a whistle. Because of these we suspect his coat just has excessive white and that he isn’t a double merle, but only a genetic test can determine that.

If you are an approved ARPH adopter with a current application on file and interested in learning more about Finn, please contact Annie at [email protected]. If you are not but are interested in becoming an approved ARPH adopter, please submit an adoption application.

Shasta ARPH #14464

TX

Shasta originally came to our program when her elderly owners had to move to assisted living. Unfortunately, she was morbidly obese and didn't feel too great. Over the last 6 months, we have seen a complete transformation as she went through her weight-loss journey and had a manageable health condition diagnosed and regulated. Shasta arrived a whopping 99lbs in June 2022. As of December 2022, she has lost THIRTY-SIX POUNDS (36!!!) and weighs 63lbs. Her ideal weight is 55-58lbs, so we are almost there! She also has Cushings Disease. Fortunately, she takes her twice daily capsule without any problem wrapped in a pill-pocket =) All her adopter will need to do is check bloodwork every 6-12 months.

Shasta is an easy-peasy house companion. She has an endearing personality, LOVES walks, and is a total velcro Aussie. She wants to be with her family! Due to her Cushings, she does have to go tinkle every 3-4 hours. Due to this, we require an adopter that either works from home, or has a doggy door. She cannot go 8-10 hours without relieving her bladder, but has no accidents if allowed appropriate access.

Shasta is rock-solid with other dogs and is even cat friendly. She adores humans, no matter their gender, size, or age.

Shasta has come a long way and achieved all of her health goals! All that is left is to find her forever family.

Shasta is located in North Richland Hills, TX and it is required that you travel there to meet her in person within 10 days of application approval if you want to adopt. We do need the entire party to be involved when meeting available dogs, including every family member and dog(s) that currently live in your home.

If you are an approved ARPH adopter with a current application on file and interested in learning more about Shasta, please contact Laura at [email protected]. If you are not but are interested in becoming an approved ARPH adopter, please submit an adoption application.

Lacey ARPH #14450

TX

Lacey became a mother when she was still just a puppy herself... right at a year old. She quickly lost interest in the pups and a good samaritan bottle-raised them starting at 4 weeks old. After the pups were placed, the good samaritan reached out asking for help to find a home for Lacey. She was very scared at first, but she had zero experience with the world prior to coming to us.
She has now grown more brave and experienced.

Don't let those gentle eyes and smile fool you, this girl has a naughty and wild side! While she may be reserved at first, within 24 hours (and with the help of another dog to help ease the transition), she really starts to come out of her shell. She has grown up a lot in the last 6 months and doesn't act as "puppy" as she originally did. She is doing well with training, particularly with over-excitement in certain situations, but her new owners will need to continue the foundation that her foster home has started.

Lacey is completely house-broken and crate-trained. When she first came to rescue, she had never, ever been on a leash before... thus, she was completely terrified of it. We had never seen a dog so scared of the leash -- she would literally tremble and run away at the sight of it. Now? She does VERY well on it so long as she is with "her people." She has no trouble walking on it and keeping close, walking by our side.

Lacey handles change much better if she can experience it with another canine friend. Due to this, we will be requiring another dog of similar size (and opposite sex) to be a steady and leading presence for her, as well as playmate. Lacey LOVES to play! She will run, chase, wrestle, snuggle with, and even groom other dogs.

Lacey has the following requirements for her new home:
*Securely fenced, at least 6 foot wooden or solid structured fence.

*Due to her excitement level at times, she should not go to a home with small children or elderly owners (so she doesn't accidentally scratch or knock over).

*A male dog of similar size and temperament/energy

*Lacey is cat-friendly

Lacey is located in North Richland Hills, TX and it is required that you travel there to meet her in person within 10 days of application approval if you want to adopt. We do need the entire party to be involved when meeting available dogs, including every family member and dog(s) that currently live in your home.

If you are an approved ARPH adopter with a current application on file and interested in learning more about Lacey, please contact Laura at [email protected]. If you are not but are interested in becoming an approved ARPH adopter, please submit an adoption application.

Josephine (Phinie) ARPH #14463

TX

Phinie was picked up roaming as a stray and never reclaimed. She is approximately 5-6 years old and around 40lbs. She is fully vetted, house-trained and crate-trained.

Phinie is a very sweet, gentle, and timid girl. She is very uncertain about human companionship, but thrives in the midst of other dogs. She is cat-tolerant and doesn't react to nearby goats or chickens.

Phinie can be sensitive, so she needs a quiet home without a lot of loud noises or people constantly coming/going. She is a PHENOMENAL chore dog. This is her niche. She loves to follow you around the yard and property and help oversee anything you might be working on -- gardening, repairs, etc. She is still not fond of being heavily petted or snuggled, but her love language is sharing space quietly and gently within your space. If you work from home, she will always be right there laying under your feet.

She absolutely needs other dogs in her future home. A kind and gentle owner will be necessary... someone that will be patient with her and know that she will never be the center-of-the-party type of girl. Phinie is more a "home on the range" girl. Is this the type of home you can provide?

Phinie is located in Burleson, TX and it is required that you travel there to meet her in person within 10 days of application approval if you want to adopt. We do need the entire party to be involved when meeting available dogs, including every family member and dog(s) that currently live in your home.

If you are an approved ARPH adopter with a current application on file and interested in learning more about Josephine, please contact Laura at [email protected]. If you are not but are interested in becoming an approved ARPH adopter, please submit an adoption application.

Ebbie ARPH #14372

TX

Ebbie is approximately 3-4 years old and ~40lbs. She is fully-vetted, crate-trained, house-trained, and walks beautifully on a leash. She was found as a stray and never reclaimed.

Ebbie is a very happy girl! She is sweet, kind, fun, and loyal. She is super playful and likes to play with other dogs. She has a great off-switch and can also be content to relax in the house. She can be a smidge shy when first meeting people, but has a quick rebound and is very sweet with all humans. Ebbie is cat friendly.

Ebbie is ready to find her forever family! Could that be you?

Ebbie is located in Austin, TX and it is required that you travel there to meet her in person within 10 days of application approval if you want to adopt. We do need the entire party to be involved when meeting available dogs, including every family member and dog(s) that currently live in your home.

If you are an approved ARPH adopter with a current application on file and interested in learning more about Ebbie, please contact Kim at [email protected]. If you are not but are interested in becoming an approved ARPH adopter, please submit an adoption application.

Bryn ARPH #14466

TX

Bryn is a young (approximately 1.5yo) 40 lb female that came to Aussie Rescue after she was abandoned at a daycare/boarding facility and then taken to the shelter. She is fully vetted, house trained, crate trained, and does well on a leash.

Here is what her foster mom has to say:
"Bryn is a well mannered companion dog. She is very comfortable lying next to me during my work day and gets along very well (full integration took several weeks) with all my dogs. She has never shown any aggression towards me, even when "pushed".

She is vocal, not barking, but when she gets excited she makes a singing "roo,roo" sound. She is a licker, and knows her basic commands (sit, down).

She has not made a single mess in the house, nor destroyed anything. She has not tried any digging in the yard, but she prefers to be in the house. Some firmness must sometimes be used to get her to go out, but once she gets to the door she willingly goes out. When ready to come in she "bounces" several feet into the air in order to look in our kitchen door window.

Bryn's baseline activity level is low. She would do very well in a smaller home or yard, and she would make an outstanding pet for a home body."

Bryn's ideal home will have either male or no other dogs (we don't place females with females). Bryn can lose her nerve around a lot of strangers, so her ideal home will be one that is more quiet and doesn't always have a large number of people coming/going. Bryn will not be placed in a home with children under 12 years old.

Bryn is located in Sanger, TX and it is required that you travel there to meet her in person within 10 days of application approval if you want to adopt. We do need the entire party to be involved when meeting available dogs, including every family member and dog(s) that currently live in your home.

If you are an approved ARPH adopter with a current application on file and interested in learning more about Bryn, please contact Laura at [email protected]. If you are not but are interested in becoming an approved ARPH adopter, please submit an adoption application.

Denzie ARPH #14551

TX

Denzie was born in May 2022. He was surrendered to our organization after a child in his family was diagnosed with cancer. He is house-trained, crate-trained, and fully vetted. He needs work on a leash. Denzie is good with other dogs, loves people, has lived with small children, and even has exposure to some livestock (cattle). He has never been around cats.

Denzie is sweet, loving, and has typical Aussie youngster energy. He loves walks, jogging, playing with toys, wrestling with other dogs, and swimming. He gets car sick but improves with medication ahead of time.

Denzie would love a family that will include him in everything they do!

Denzie is located in Sanger, TX and it is required that you travel there to meet him in person within 10 days of application approval if you want to adopt. We do need the entire party to be involved when meeting available dogs, including every family member and dog(s) that currently live in your home.

If you are an approved ARPH adopter with a current application on file and interested in learning more about Denzie, please contact Laura at [email protected]. If you are not but are interested in becoming an approved ARPH adopter, please submit an adoption application.

Hudson ARPH #14549

TX

Hudson is still new to the program and we are still getting to know him. Please check back for future updates!

Hudson is located in Bedford, TX and it is required that you travel there to meet him in person within 10 days of application approval if you want to adopt. We do need the entire party to be involved when meeting available dogs, including every family member and dog(s) that currently live in your home.

If you are an approved ARPH adopter with a current application on file and interested in learning more about Hudson, please contact Laura at [email protected]. If you are not but are interested in becoming an approved ARPH adopter, please submit an adoption application.

Louis ARPH #14466

TX

Louis is still new to the program and we are still getting to know him. Please check back for future updates!

Louis is located in Gainsville, TX and it is required that you travel there to meet him in person within 10 days of application approval if you want to adopt. We do need the entire party to be involved when meeting available dogs, including every family member and dog(s) that currently live in your home.

If you are an approved ARPH adopter with a current application on file and interested in learning more about Rex, please contact Laura at [email protected]. If you are not but are interested in becoming an approved ARPH adopter, please submit an adoption application.

Jax ARPH #14542

TX

Jax is still new to the program and we are still getting to know him. Please check back for future updates!

Jax is located in Bryan, TX and it is required that you travel there to meet him in person within 10 days of application approval if you want to adopt. We do need the entire party to be involved when meeting available dogs, including every family member and dog(s) that currently live in your home.

If you are an approved ARPH adopter with a current application on file and interested in learning more about Jax, please contact Kim at [email protected]. If you are not but are interested in becoming an approved ARPH adopter, please submit an adoption application.