How to Adopt a Border Collie
At Border Collie Trust GB, we’re dedicated to matching each dog with the right person or family, ensuring a happy and fulfilling future for both. Adopting a collie is a rewarding experience, but it’s also a significant commitment. Here’s what you need to know about the process:
1. Understanding Adoption at Border Collie Trust GB
Every collie in our care has a unique personality, background, and needs. Our aim is to make thoughtful matches that suit both the dog and their potential new owners. It’s not about choosing the first available dog; it’s about finding the right fit for you and the collie. All the dogs we rescue are here at our centre in Staffordshire, and our process welcomes visitors from all over the UK
2. Who Can Adopt?
We welcome applications from individuals and families who can provide:
- A safe and caring environment.
- Time and patience to build trust and bond with the dog.
- The physical and mental stimulation a collie requires, each collie very different but the belief that collies need hours and hours of physical activity every day isn't often true and can be harmful to some collies. .
- A commitment to ongoing training and care.
If you’re not sure whether a collie is right for you, our team is happy to advise and answer any questions you may have.
3. The Rehoming Process
Step 1: Contact Us
Start by filling out our online application form. This helps us understand your circumstances, experience, and preferences. Commonly asked Questions and Answers can be found here to assist, but feel free to contact us if you have any other questions. Do keep an eye on the website, and if you see another dog, at any time, that you would be interested in adopting then simply email adoption@bordercollietrustgb.org.uk with your name, post code and the dogs name you are interested in. We will then consider you for that dog. If you wish to discuss a visit without completing the application form first, then please feel free to call or email us. We can't guarantee which dogs will be available to view but aim to be as flexible in our adoption process as possible.
Step 2: Meet the Team and the Dogs
Once we’ve reviewed your application, we’ll contact you and discuss suitable dogs based on your application. .
Step 3: Finding the Right Match
When you’ve identified a dog you’re interested in, our team will guide you through their specific needs and temperament. Adopting a collie is about mutual understanding, so we’ll ensure you have all the information you need to make an informed decision.
Step 4: Arrange a vist to the centre
Hopefully at this stage we can invite you to come to the centre and meet ther dog or dogs you may be interested in. When you are here you can meet as many dogs as you wish, not just the one you may have reserved. We will guide you through their specific needs and temperament. Adopting a collie is about mutual understanding, so we’ll ensure you have all the information you need to make an informed decision..
Step 5: Adoption Agreement
Once everything is in place, and we are all happy the dog is for you, we'll complete the adoption agreement and prepare to welcome your new companion. We’ll provide advice and support to make the transition as smooth as possible.
4. Post Adoption Support
Our care doesn’t end once a dog leaves us. We’re here to provide ongoing advice and guidance, ensuring your collie settles well into their new life. Should you encounter any challenges, our experienced team is just a call away.
5. Why Adopt?
By adopting, you’re giving a collie the chance to thrive in a loving, stable environment. You’ll not only change their life but enrich your own with the companionship, loyalty, and intelligence this wonderful breed is known for.
It's important to accept the highly complicated nature of many collies whose behaviours are often driven in a way similar to autism and other neurodiverse conditions seen in humans. The time and patience required, especially in the early stages of adoption cannot be underestimated, please do be prepared, even if you've had one, two or ten collies before - you haven't had this one.
Please consider your own lifestyle and circumstances. Are you prepared for the challenges of a breed with those behaviours, that may or may not have been seen in a previous home or at our centre? Are you physically and mentally prepared for the frustrations that might arise in the first days and weeks? Collie ownership can be very special but as with many things in life can take a lot of hard work, please don't underestimate that and make sure you really are ready to adopt.
You can contact us on 01889 577058 (Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm) or of course email us.