Before Considering the  Adoption Process...

You need to understand what a rescued Bouvier requires before considering adopting one.

A rescued Bouvier needs a safe and loving home .  Bouviers end up in rescue for different reasons; most arrive with baggage.  Some do come from wonderful homes that had to give them up because of life-changing events, others come from homes where they were not considered part of the family and were not trained.  Adoptive families must be dedicated to continuing working with the dog to help it adjust to its new life and committed to care for the dog for the remainder of its life.

A rescued Bouvier needs a commitment - to training (no matter what the weather!) and socialization.  Motivational and compassionate obedience training helps to build a quality relationship with a rescued dog.  A training program is part of responsible pet ownership.  A willingness to help your rescued dog become all that it can be is essential.  

A rescued Bouvier needs regular exercise.  A securely fenced yard or exercise area keeps your rescued dog safer from harm than a yard without a fence.  Regular exercise does not include letting the dog out the backdoor into its fenced area.  An exercise routine is something you do with your dog, whether it is walking, jogging or taking the dog to the local dogpark to play with a ball or other dogs.  Bouviers that do not get enough exercise can display behavioural problems or experience health problems.

A rescued Bouvier needs dedication - to his grooming needs, nutrition and to his medical care.  Some rescued dogs come with ongoing medical needs such as hypothyroidism, separation anxiety, allergies, or problems with ears or delicate digestive systems caused by improper feeding.  Patience and time is required until these problems can be brought under control. All rescued dogs are groomed when they come into rescue but you must be willing to invest the time in keeping the dog brushed, clipped and free from parasites. Grooming is a wonderful time to "bond" with your dog .

The Adoption Process...

The first step, whether you are already interested in a particular dog that is up for adoption from Ontario Bouvier Rescue or whether you would like to be considered for future bouviers that become available, is to fill out and submit an *adoption application. The application form gives me an idea about the home you have to offer and also helps to determine the bouvier most suitable for your particular environment.

*NOTE:  Please understand that by filling out an application or complying with any other part of the adoption process DOES NOT in any way guarantee acceptance to a potential adoptive home.  I reserve the right to refuse any application for any reason, at my discretion.  Approval of an application may be conditional on certain requirements being met and in that case, the applicant will be advised of the conditions and given an opportunity to fulfill them.  Time limits may or may not be applicable and will be addressed on a case by case basis.

Applications are carefully screened then kept on file (or shared with other Bouvier rescue groups) until a suitable dog becomes available.  When a possible match is made, the potential adopter is then contacted, given all the details of the dog that is available and the opportunity to take the adoption process to the next step.  This includes meeting the dog and having a home study done.  The home study is to see where the dog will live, not to judge how the applicant lives.  The meeting will include all members of the adoptive family and any other dogs in the household.