Thank you for your interest in adopting a dog from Arizona Border Collie Rescue. We want to let you know the steps in our process for matching you with the dog of your dreams. The process can take from several days to several weeks, depending on your needs, and the available dogs. Please remember that we are all volunteers, so your patience is appreciated. If you are actively searching other adoption alternatives, please let us know.

Arizona Border Collie Rescue is not a facility that you can visit (like a shelter). All our rescued dogs are currently living with families in foster homes somewhere in Arizona. We do operate statewide and occasionally take in dogs from nearby states.

Step 1: Online Application

While filling out your application, please provide enough information so that we can assess what characteristics in our dogs may be a good match for you (e.g., temperament, activity level, and types of activities you enjoy). Even though you are interested in a specific dog, there may be others that more closely meet your needs. Remember that we take in dogs frequently and some newer dogs are not yet on our website. The best thing to do is to begin the application process by completing our application online (even if you don’t yet see a dog of interest on our site).

Step 2: Phone Interview

Be sure your application has the phone numbers where we can reach you most easily. Within 3 days after submitting your application, someone will contact you to discuss your application.

Step 3: Home Visit

After we have talked with you and decided that we can help you to find a dog, we will arrange for a home visit. The purpose of this visit is two-fold: to ensure a healthy, safe environment for our dogs, and to ensure that we match you with a dog that fits your living style.

Step 4: Meet the Dogs

After the home visit, the fun begins: meeting the dogs. Please remember that you may not have been the only family that put in an application for a particular dog. Our dogs will be placed with the best match for that individual dog (and not necessarily the first family to apply. We strongly encourage the meeting take place at the foster’s house, very infrequently it is at the adopters’ home or a mutually agreed upon location. The goal is to see how the dog gets along with your family and any other pets. This step may take days or even weeks for you to find the right dog for your home. And always we will recommend dogs that we believe will match you and your lifestyle and all the members of your family (human or animal).

Step 5: Adoption

The last step in the process is for you to adopt one of the dogs. We believe that adoption is a lifetime commitment so we have a two week adjustment period where we stay in touch to see how the dog is fitting in with your home. Then, assuming everything is going well, all of the dog’s paperwork and an adoption certificate will be sent to you. Please remember that a new home is a big adjustment for your dog, too, so being patient while providing good consistency and basic training will help your dog feel secure.

Step 6: A Happy Life Together

Please don’t forget us once you and your dog are happily adjusted to life together. Some of our past adopters decide they want to volunteer (even become a foster home), or want to support the rescue via tax deductible donation. We love to hear stories about our dogs, especially the foster families who loved and cared for your dog while on its journey to meet you. Photos of happy border collies enjoying their lives are particularly welcomed. And we’re here for you too…for help with training challenges, advice on ongoing care, how to get involved in dog sports and other activities that border collies enjoy.