RESCUE & REHOME ASSISTANCE



Our rescue and rehome program is limited to those dogs that are representative of the breed and appear to be purebred Bernese Mountain Dogs (Berners). The primary objective of the rescue, rehome, and adoption program is to provide a loving home and good living conditions for any Berner which is currently homeless, in a shelter, in an abusive situation or for Bernese Mountain Dog owners who are no longer able to keep their dog due to changing life circumstances.

If you hear of or know of a Bernese Mountain Dog in our region (Virginia and the Carolinas) who needs to be rescued, or you are an owner in need of assistance with rehoming, please contact our Rescue Coordinator, Carolyn Paige - 919-620-8687 or 919-451-5681.

ADOPTING A RESCUE OR REHOME

Please heed the invaluable advice that all breeds do not fit all life styles. Responsible pet ownership requires an honest and factual assessment of whether a specific breed is right for you. Not all breeds fit all lifestyles. If you have never owned a Berner, please visit  www.bmdca.org and view their BMD Info Series to learn more about the breed. There you will find information on the breed history, breed versatility, health, geriatric care, grooming, and rescue. To help you think through a variety of breed-specific issues and understand whether a Berner is right for you, please take the time to complete the BMD Compatibility Profiler http://www.bmdca.org/pages/profiler.html . This simple tool will help you systematically think through the pros and cons of this breed in relation to your lifestyle and expectations for a canine companion.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Where do most of the Berners requiring rescue or rehome come from? Most BMDs that are rescued or rehomed come from their owners who are no longer able to care for them because of changing life circumstances or issues with the dog's health or behavior.

How can I adopt a rescue or rehome dog through your program? In order for an adoption to be successful we need to make sure an appropriate match is made, taking into consideration both the Berner’s needs and adoptive family’s needs. Completion of our "Prospective Rescue Adoption Family Questionnaire" will assist in our efforts to make sure Berners that come through our rescue program find their way into the most appropriate homes.

How long will I have to wait for a rescue/rehome Berner? We never know when we will be contacted by owners needing our help placing their Berner, so we are always looking for great prospective families. We encourage you to fill out our Rescue Questionnaire if you think a rescue dog might be right for you. We will contact you when we feel we have found a dog you might be interested in. You are encouraged to check in with us from time to time while you wait.

Can I get a puppy through rescue/rehome? The average age of dogs that come into our program is between 1 to 4 years of age.

Are there any special challenges with adopting a rescued or rehomed Berner? YES! Each dog that we take in has its own unique challenges. Some rescue dogs have temperament issues such as shyness or separation anxiety and may require the adoptive family to work through problems before they settle into the family routine. Others may have behavior issues such as: barking, digging, chewing, jumping up on people, housebreaking. Adoptive families should plan on spending anywhere from 8 to 24 weeks in a professional obedience training program. Training will help the dog overcome an often-traumatic stage while they adjust to a totally new environment, and it will help the adoptive family solve most common behavior problems.

What are the adoption fees? Each situation is different. Adoption fees for rescues are currently set at whatever costs the club incurs to rescue the dog including any additional medical costs, vaccinations, etc. The amount can vary from $250 to $750 depending on the age, health and circumstances of the dog. You are given a one year association membership to BRBMDC with your adoption.The rescue program will never turn down an extra donation either.


We appreciate you reviewing the information on our rescue and rehome page. Berners are very loyal companions and are happiest when they are surrounded by their family and friends. By adopting a rescue or rehome Berner part of the real joy of ownership is in having a dog that will always be your number one fan.


ADOPTABLE BERNERS

We have several possibilities for you. Please check with our Rescue Coordinator  for information of dogs currently available.


FOSTER CARE/TRANSPORTATION

If you can assist us with our rescue efforts by providing foster care or transportation for a Berner in our rescue program, please contact our Rescue Coordinator .

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