How can I find a good home for my Collie?



Presently we are not accepting Collies from owners. We have a very limited number of foster families for Collies. Many Collies are destroyed at animal control, so we must devote all our resources to these dogs rather than to dogs still in homes. Here are some other ways for you to find a new home for your Collie.

1. If you purchased your dog from a breeder, please give them a call first. A responsible breeder will always take back a dog that they sold or assist you in finding it a new home.

2. Talk with your veterinarian and the clinic staff about finding a home for your dog. They may know of someone looking for a dog like yours.

3. Make a flier including a good snapshot of the dog and make multiple copies of it. A color picture of the dog will be much more effective in attracting interest than a black and white picture. Post these fliers wherever you think people interested in adopting a dog might see it, for example on bulletin boards at area veterinarians' offices, your local humane society, or stores that sell pet supplies.

4. Call your county humane society to see if they have anyone looking for a dog like yours. Also ask if they have a day when owners may bring their dogs to a central location to show them for adoption. You will get to show your dog yourself and talk directly to people interested in adopting your dog. It is to your advantage to get your dog looking good for the adoption. With Collies this usually means giving it a bath, a good brushing and a fresh collar. Appearance goes a long way in attracting people to your dog. Have copies of your dog's vet records with you to show the shots and treatment it has received.

5. Advertise your dog in the classified section of the newspaper. You can advertise under Dogs, Collies, or you can advertise under Adopt a Pet. In either case present all of the dog's positive qualities. For example: "Collie, Two year old sable and white male, neutered, up to date on all shots, very friendly, loves to play, good with children and other animals: 111-111-1111. You will receive calls and will have the opportunity to screen people yourself. If you think a caller has potential for your dog, ask about where the dog will live (inside or outside) and ask whether they have a fenced yard. If they have other animals ask for the name of their veterinarian. This is a way of insuring they will take proper medical care of the dog. Satisfy yourself that this is a good situation for your dog. If you have doubts about a caller, don’t adopt to that person--your instincts are probably correct. Your best chances for having your classified ad read are in the Saturday and Sunday newspapers. You may have to advertise more than once. Link to Atlanta Journal - Constitution classified ad office.

5. Take your dog to your local PetSmart adoption day and show it yourself. Usually adoptions open to the public are held on Saturday morning, but call your local store to be certain. As in the humane society adoptions, this gives you a chance to talk directly to people interested in adopting your dog.

6. As a last resort, you can take your dog to your county humane society or animal shelter and turn it in. Bear in mind, however, that adoption rates from these facilities are very low and your dog stands a good chance of being destroyed.

7. Be patient. There are great people out there who can give your dog a good home. They seldom walk up to your house and ask about adopting your dog. You have to look for them. By using the options listed above, you can hopefully find a good home for your Collie.

8. And last but not least, please be careful. There are always unscrupulous people waiting to get your good dog and sell it to research labs. NEVER give your dog away for free; people that get something for nothing treat it as if it has no value. Reserve the right to check on your dog and have it returned to you if the new home cannot keep it. Your animal trusts you–don’t betray your best friend.