Adopting from ARPH
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.