COLLIE CONCERN RESCUE, INC

Knoxville, Tennessee 37932

Help Save Pets

(865) 292-0282

Adoption Process

This description outlines our adoption process, though it is not exhaustive. As a growing rescue organization, we continuously learn and refine our procedures. In unique situations, we evaluate each case individually and make decisions through a Board of Directors vote, which may take a few days. The aim of our policies is to prioritize the long-term well-being of both the dogs and their new families. Adoptions cannot be completed in one day. The detailed nature of our process typically requires two weeks to a month for a dog to be placed into a new home. The approval process generally takes about five days, depending on various factors. Even our foster parents and Board members must submit an application with references to ensure complete paperwork is on file for every adoption. We maintain active applications for six months. After this period, we can reactivate applications but will need to check for any changes in the home, such as new pets or new veterinarians. Applications are not tied to specific dogs, so we encourage potential adopters to apply even if they do not see a dog they connect with on our website, as we regularly bring in new dogs. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, and all adults in the household must agree to the adoption of a collie. A completed adoption application along with a non-refundable application fee of $10 is required. If the applicant proceeds to adopt, this fee will be credited towards the adoption fee, which is $175 for adult dogs, $225 for puppies under six months, and $100 for scholarship dogs, marked with a star on our website. This fee helps cover the veterinary costs associated with the dog, including spaying/neutering, heartworm testing and treatment if necessary, vaccinations, deworming, flea treatments, and grooming, along with any additional veterinary care deemed appropriate. Senior dogs may receive extra bloodwork and dental care. A fenced yard is essential for most collie homes, as collies have a natural instinct to chase cars or other animals. Board approval is necessary for homes without fences, and a plan must be in place to keep the collie as an indoor dog with a leashed exercise regimen. We do not approve homes that intend to leave dogs unattended in electric fences, although supervised use may be considered on a case-by-case basis with Board approval. Adopters are financially responsible for their collie's healthcare, which includes annual vaccinations, monthly heartworm and flea prevention, and veterinary care for emergencies and routine needs. It is also expected that adopters provide a high-quality diet, avoiding bargain dog foods that could harm their pets' health. All existing pets must be vaccinated according to their veterinarian's guidelines. Collies cannot be given as gifts to other families, although donations towards an adoption fee are welcome. We cannot reserve dogs until an applicant completes the full approval process, and reservations cannot exceed one week. During this time, we encourage potential adopters to prepare their homes and lives for a new family member. An additional week may be granted on a case-by-case basis for specific circumstances, such as installing a fence. If an adopter has upcoming travel plans, we ask them to wait until they return to inquire about available dogs. Dogs are housed with individual foster parents, and the contact information for these foster parents will not be shared without explicit written consent. Prospective adopters can communicate with foster parents via email, and visits are arranged based on the foster parent's availability and preference for location. Collies require regular grooming; while they are not excessively high-maintenance dogs, owners should anticipate weekly brushing and monthly bathing to keep their coats in good condition. The pre-placement interview is essential for both the adopter and Collie Concern Rescue, as we want to understand the adopter's expectations and experiences to ensure the best match for their family. This discussion typically lasts about an hour. We may request a home inspection to evaluate the yard and environment and provide assistance if we identify any potential issues. If a prospective family meets all adoption criteria, they can start inquiring about and meeting dogs in our program. If the adopter, foster parent, and Collie Concern coordinators agree on a suitable match, a contract will be signed, the adoption fee will be paid, and transportation will be arranged. On the day of adoption, the new owner will meet at a designated location with a collar and leash. The dog's tags will be transferred, paperwork provided, and photographs taken to commemorate the occasion as the dog joins its new family. We will follow up with emails to ensure the dog is adjusting well, and mentors are available for any challenges that may arise. We are here to support adopters throughout the dog's life, and if an adoption does not work out for any reason, the dog must be returned to our organization rather than being given away or surrendered to a shelter.

Service Areas

East Tennessee and the neighboring states.

Collie Concern Rescue, Inc in Knoxville, TN

Collie Concern Rescue is dedicated to facilitating the adoption of displaced collies into caring and responsible homes while ensuring a good quality of life for homeless collies in the interim. Our primary goal is to match the right collie with the appropriate adoptive family. We also aim to educate the public about responsible dog ownership through mentoring and post-adoption support. Collie Concern Rescue collaborates with adopters and foster caregivers in neighboring states. Founded in November 1994, Collie Concern Rescue is a self-funded nonprofit organization. All members are unpaid volunteers who are passionate about the breed.

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