National Sheltie Rescue Association (NSRA) Affiliate Ethical Guidelines
The NSRA Board of Directors has established these Ethical Guidelines. They are intended to set forth guiding principles and minimum standards of practice by Sheltie Rescue organizations and individuals.
Every rescue organization/individual applying for financial aid, directory listing (website address), or any other services with the NSRA must complete and sign NSRA Ethical Guidelines (and return with the Affiliate Rescue Application for approval).
As an Affiliate Sheltie Rescue Group, I / We do pledge:
a) That all rescue work will be done within non-profit guidelines, and no profit will be made by any organization or individual.
b) To take all Shelties into our rescue group regardless of age or physical condition. Should the dogs age or physical condition be a problem for our rescue to handle, our group will network with other Sheltie rescue groups and move the dog to a group that feels they can be more successful.
c) All Shelties coming into our rescue group will receive the following care.
1.All emergent conditions addressed immediately by a licensed veterinarian
2.Spaying or neutering all dogs (puppies under six months of age require spay/neuter contract)
3.Updating all vaccinations
4.Dental cleaning, if needed
5.Worming or negative fecal test
6.Heartworm tested (treated if necessary)
7.Snap 4DX or a tick panel (strongly suggested)
8.Heartworm prevention
9.Full temperament evaluation
10.Flea control
11.Groomed
12.Microchipped and registered
d) We will not place a vicious or aggressive dog into any adoptive home. If the dog cannot be rehabilitated, the dog will be humanely euthanized.
e) To house all rescued Shelties in safe, indoor homes. To assess and care for the emotional needs of the Shelties we receive into our rescue program, and to ensure our foster homes provide the same. The Shelties will be in an environment that allows for interaction on a one-on-one basis in order to properly evaluate their temperament and special needs for placement.
f) No individual will use our rescue program activities to sell Shelties which they have bred.
g) No AKC, UKC, or CKC papers received with a dog will be transferred to the adopter. The adopter will be given information about the AKC PAL program should they wish to compete in performance events. This directive is part of AKC rules and may be found on its website.
h) Each dog that comes into our program will be scanned for a microchip to make sure the dog is not stolen or lost. If a microchip is found and registered to someone other than the person who surrendered the dog, more investigation will be done.
i) When placing a Sheltie, an adoption fee will be charged to give some value to the dog. A contract will be signed and kept on file. The signed contract will include the dog is to be returned to the rescue that placed it should the adopter be unable to keep it. This is for the life of the dog.
j) To thoroughly evaluate potential adopters utilizing a combination of written applications, home visits, checking veterinary references, telephone interviews, face-to-face interviews, and personal reference checks, as appropriate. The goal is to place all rescued Shelties in homes that are appropriate to the Sheltie breed and specifically appropriate to each individual rescued Shelties needs.
k) To fully disclose to the prospective adopter all known information at the time of placement or adoption regarding the health and temperament of each rescued Sheltie. This should include all veterinary records, notes from foster home, and any progress reports on the dog
l) To be a source of education to each adopter on information on the Sheltie breed. To spend time at the adoption answering questions and going over a care plan for the new Sheltie. To provide advice and assistance to adopter.
m) To adhere to the following simple professional courtesies. This includes, but is not limited to, being respectful of other NSRA Affiliates. You are expected to conduct the business of your rescue in a professional and ethical manner. Professionalism is synonymous with common courtesy, civility, and the Golden Rule. If you are looking to pull a dog that is not in your main area, even though you may be listed as being available to pull from there, you are required to contact the rescue in that dogs immediate area to see if that rescue would like your assistance. If there is no in-state rescue group where a dog needs assistance, it is suggested that those groups listed as being available to pull from there coordinate among the other rescues as to what is the best option for the dog.
n) To refrain from making any negative or inflammatory public remark(s) about any other rescue group or their members and volunteers, breeder, or owner(s) who are surrendering their dog(s).
By signing below, it is understood that the rescue organization/individual agrees with and will abide by the NSRAs Ethical Guidelines.
Signature
Date
The NSRA does not directly or indirectly endorse any rescue group or any activities of any individual rescue group. Only groups whose primary mission is to assist homeless Shelties will be accepted as Affiliates. NSRA reserves the right to refuse a rescue group, if in its sole discretion the above guidelines are not adhered to.
