If you are considering applying to adopt a Sheltie, please read ALL of the following information so that you will understand our expectations for placing a dog. If you would like to begin the application process, please complete the adoption application. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions before or after you apply.

As you work through the adoption process, please understand that our first and ONLY concern is the happiness and welfare of THE DOG.

Before you adopt a Sheltie, please make sure you know this breed. Shelties have many wonderful traits ....but they also have some not-so-wonderful traits.

First of all, Shelties are barkers. They don't bark at everything.... but a Sheltie will warn you if the UPS man arrives, or someone walks into your yard....or if something is 'not right'. If a barking dog will bother you, this may not be the right breed for you.

Second, Shelties shed. This is a double coated, long haired breed. Their coat does need a fair amount of care. A good brushing at least once a week and a bath once a month will suffice.

Third, Shelties can be very shy with strangers. A Sheltie will be very affectionate and loving with its owners, but may be very shy with strangers. If you are looking for a dog that will run and greet everyone who comes to visit you, this may not be the breed for you. Often, a Sheltie will hide when a stranger comes over. Please consider this if you plan on hiring strangers to care for your Sheltie while you are gone.

And last....Shelties are a herding dog. They herd children, squirrels, bunnies ....etc. Unfortunately, some Shelties also enjoy herding cars! That is why a fenced yard is important particularly for a young dog's safety.

A fenced yard. We do require a fully fenced (at least the rear) yard to adopt a young dog from us. A physical fence shows us the commitment to a dog's safety and allows a young dog to run and play in a safe environment. For any of our Shelties, an invisible fence, a dog kennel, a dog run, a tie out chain or other alternatives are all NOT acceptable. Our dogs deserve (and get) only the best.

Out of the Area? We may consider a long distance adoption, but only for our more difficult to place dogs (senior, medical issues, etc.). You would be expected to come and meet the dog at its foster home in Virginia. If you want to know if you would be considered for adoption, please e-mail shelties@nvsr.org before filling out the application.

A Sheltie would be miserable as an "outdoor" dog, therefore we won't even consider it. A Sheltie is a very loving and loyal dog, that needs attention and affection. A Sheltie will want to be with the family, wherever that may be. We will only consider those homes who want a Sheltie as an indoor family member. Further, IF we find one of our dogs is left outdoors unattended, we will reclaim the dog.

Our Shelties can come from a variety of situations, we get dogs out of shelters, owner turn-ins, dogs found running loose, dogs who are abandoned because of their owners death, etc. Rather than leave these dogs to die in a shelter, we take them in and address their needs. We will treat any medical condition the dog has. Then we spay and/or neuter every dog (no exceptions), bring them current on all shots, and begin it on heartworm protection. The dog is bathed, groomed, and put into a foster home for evaluation. Each dog stays in their foster home until the temperament is known and a good match can be made. We do not place aggressive dogs or known biters, but some rescue dogs may carry baggage from their prior life that must be worked through. We always try to advise of any known issues prior to adoption. Rescue dogs usually have plenty of love, affection and gratitude to give back. And you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you saved a dog.

We do not have a shelter. Our organization is made up of volunteers who live throughout Virginia. It is not possible to go to a "shelter" or central facility to view all our dogs. We ask that you submit an application first, and once you are approved to adopt, we will make arrangements for you to meet the Shelties who seem to be a good match. We do not place dogs in homes that we do not believe will work out, so please respect our advice.

Here are some general guidelines we follow:

If you have young children (under 6), please don't ask for a puppy. Children (unintentionally) hurt puppies. An adult dog could protect itself better from small children.

If you are elderly, please don't ask us for a puppy.

If you are gone all day long, please don't ask us for a puppy or a very young dog. It's just not fair to the dog. A bored Sheltie will bark excessively and may become destructive.

If you are thinking of giving a rescue Sheltie as a gift, please ask the recipient to apply. Many dogs that come through rescue were given as (well intentioned) gifts. We, and the Sheltie, need to meet the new owner to insure the best "fit" and a lasting relationship.

If you currently own a pet that is not spayed or neutered, you will not be considered for adoption, unless surgery for your pet is medically contraindicated or you are actively showing your pet in conformation. We only are interested in working with responsible pet owners.

If your current pets are not kept up to date on all shots and preventatives, you will not be considered for adoption.

If you are unsure as to whether you can commit to a dog for the rest of its life (regardless of whether you move, change jobs, or get divorced) then please rethink your decision to adopt a dog. Adoption is for the rest of the dog's life and rescue dogs have already had enough turmoil in their lives.

Here are some things we insist on if you do adopt a Sheltie from us:

The dog may never be allowed off a leash unless it is in a secure area.
The dog must be kept on Heartworm preventative year round.
The dog must be an indoor dog and treated as a member of the family.
The dog is never to be left outside when you are not home.
The dog must wear ID tags at all times.

An average Sheltie will live 13-15 years......so what age dog is best for you?

Puppy to 1 yr. old -- Lots of chewing, not reliably housetrained, needs much attention and training.

1-3 yr. old -- Still acts like a puppy, may or may not be housetrained, will still chew, needs lots of playtime to burn energy, will become bored easily if left alone too long and will chew or dig from boredom. Good choice for someone who is home only part of the day.

3-5 yr. Old -- Able to be trusted alone in the house for short periods, needs several hours of playtime daily, will become bored easily, will chew or dig from boredom.

5+ -- A perfect dog. Past the chewing stage, reliably housetrained, content to sleep while you are gone, will want to play for a few hours, but will be ready to sleep again when you do. Best choice if you are gone all day long.

Rescue dogs range in age from puppies to seniors. Everyone seems to want the young dogs.....so please consider opening your heart to an older dog. They are harder to place even though they are most often the best behaved and grateful and will give you love and affection in abundance.

The first step to adoption is filling out a written application. Once we review your application, someone from our group will contact you and set up a time that we can come to your home to meet you and your family. (We like to see where our dogs are going.) Once you have been approved, you may be invited to meet one or more of our dogs.

The fees to adopt a dog are as follows. Since we are a strictly volunteer group, you may always donate more than the stated amount.

All fees include:

Spay or neuter (even on puppies)
One year rabies shot
DH2PP (Distemper/Parvo combo shot)
Bordetella Shot (Kennel Cough)
Heartworm Test (and treatment if positive)
Heartworm Preventative pill
Wormed
Groomed
Dental cleaning if needed.
A medical history record comes with each dog.

Puppies up to 3 years old........ $ 350

Adults 4-9.......... $ 250

Senior Adults 10+.......... $100

Now.... If by chance, you are only willing to take a young, perfect Sheltie, please let us know right up front, and we will put you on our "perfect dog waiting list".....and we promise to call you as soon as the dog comes in.

Also... if your idea is to adopt a rescue Sheltie because you don't want to pay a breeders price, please stop right here, because that is not what rescue is all about. Rescue is about giving a dog a chance who otherwise would not get one. If saving a Sheltie is what you have in mind……..then please contact us.

If you have made it this far, and are still interested ......Fill out an adoption application