Bernese Mountain Dog Rescue: A Comprehensive Guide to Rescue and Rehome

Bernese Mountain Dog Rescue is a vital process that requires careful consideration and planning.

The first step in the rescue process is to identify a reputable Bernese Mountain Dog rescue organization, such as the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America Rescue Network, which has a list of trusted rescue groups across the country.

Many rescue organizations work with shelters and other rescue groups to find homes for Bernese Mountain Dogs in need.

A thorough home study is typically conducted to ensure the new home is suitable for the dog's needs.

The average cost of adopting a Bernese Mountain Dog from a rescue organization is around $500-$1,000, which includes spaying/neutering, vaccinations, and microchipping.

If you're interested in adopting a Berner, the first step is to contact a member of our rescue group or a board member.

We'll gather information about you and your family, including your breed experience and knowledge, to help us find the perfect match for your family.

This process will help us connect you with a rescue or re-home that's a great fit for your family, ensuring a smooth and successful adoption experience.

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If you're considering adoption, you're likely wondering what the process entails. The first step is to choose an adoption type: domestic, international, or foster care.

Domestic adoptions can be open, semi-open, or closed, which means varying levels of contact with the birth parents.

The adoption process typically takes 12-24 months, but can vary depending on the type of adoption and the speed of the home study.

Foster care adoptions often have a faster timeline, sometimes as short as 6-12 months.

You'll also need to complete a home study, which assesses your suitability as adoptive parents.

The home study includes interviews, background checks, and a review of your home environment.

It's essential to be honest and open during the home study process, as it will help build a strong foundation for your adoption journey.

Your social worker will also assess your ability to provide a stable and loving home for your future child.

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You'll need to provide financial information, medical history, and other personal details during the home study process.

The home study process usually takes 2-6 months to complete.

Once your home study is complete, you'll be matched with a child or birth parents, depending on the type of adoption.

You'll have the opportunity to review profiles and meet with birth parents or children before making a decision.

The matching process can take several months, but it's an exciting time as you get closer to meeting your future child.

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Hundreds of Berners are rescued every year from abusive and exploitative puppy mills, dog brokers, dog auctions, and pet stores.

Support of puppy mills, pet stores, or backyard breeders only perpetuates this problem by financially supporting unethical, abusive, and dangerous breeding practices.

Rescuing and rehoming dogs from these deplorable situations is vital, but ensuring you are not contributing to their continued existence is paramount.

Specific rescue organizations exist for dogs coming from these situations, making it easier to find and adopt a Berner in need of a loving home.

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We spay or neuter every Bernese Mountain Dog before placement, unless the dog is too young or unless surgery presents a significant health risk to the dog.

Our goal is to ensure the health and well-being of our dogs, and spaying or neutering helps prevent certain health issues and unwanted litters.

In the case where a dog is too young, we may place them with a spay/neuter contract.

This contract requires the adopter to have the dog spayed or neutered at a later date, and we refund the adoption surcharge upon evidence of the procedure.

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If you're considering adopting a Bernese Mountain Dog, it's essential to know about the rescue and rehome options available. The Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America offers an info sheet about BMD Rescue and Rehoming, providing valuable information about owning the breed.

You can also monitor your local shelters and all-breed rescues for potentially adoptable Bernese Mountain Dogs. Occasionally, these dogs are posted in Bernese Mountain Dog Facebook Groups, where members work quickly to find someone who can pull the dog from the shelter and get them into breed-specific rescue.

If you're looking for resources, check out Pet Finder and Adopt a Pet, two websites that can help you find a Bernese Mountain Dog in need of a new home.

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If you're considering surrendering your Bernese Mountain Dog, it's essential to contact your breeder first. Responsible breeders will assist you in "re-homing" your dog and help locate a new home for it.

A "rescue" dog is a Bernese Mountain Dog that has been placed in a shelter, is a stray, has been abandoned, or can no longer be cared for by its owner. These dogs often have unknown medical or behavioral history and may have behavioral issues.

Re-homing, on the other hand, involves a dog that can no longer remain with its owner and will be placed directly into a foster or permanent home. Many re-homed dogs have a known medical history and may even have AKC papers.

If you've contacted your breeder and they've declined to assist you, please be prepared to tell the rescue organization who the breeder is. This information is crucial in helping them locate a new home for your dog.

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Rescue organizations prioritize dogs that are in jeopardy, such as those from pounds or shelters, or those that have been abandoned at a vet's office. Due to limited foster care ability, they ask for patience and cooperation in arranging a suitable foster home.

Typically, the rescue process takes around 4 to 10 days to complete. It's unreasonable to expect the process to happen overnight, so be prepared to wait a few days for a suitable foster home to be arranged.

Local shelters are a great place to start your search for a Bernese Mountain Dog in need of a home. Not all purebred Bernese Mountain Dogs end up in breed rescue.

You can find adoptable dogs in local shelters by checking websites like Pet Finder and Adopt a Pet. Members of Bernese Mountain Dog Facebook Groups have been known to post about dogs in local shelters, making it easier for breed-specific rescue to intervene and help the dog.

Monitoring local shelters regularly can increase your chances of finding a Bernese Mountain Dog in need. If you do find a dog, work quickly to help get them into breed-specific rescue.

BERNER Inc. has an adoption fee of $400, which covers spaying or neutering, microchipping, vaccines, and heartworm prevention.

The adoption fee is just the beginning, as the cost to adopt a Bernese Mountain Dog from rescue can range from $500 to $1200, depending on the dog's age, health status, and circumstances.

This fee is a small portion of the overall cost of owning a Bernese, which can be significant due to their size and health issues.

To adopt a Berner, contact a member of the rescue group or a board member, who will gather information about you and your family to find a suitable match.

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Once you've submitted your application, a rescue volunteer will contact you to schedule a home visit to ensure a smooth adoption process.

This visit is a crucial step in finding the perfect match for both you and the dog. One or two volunteers will come to your home to meet with you and your family.

All household members must be present for the home visit, so make sure everyone is available on the scheduled date. This will give the volunteers a clear understanding of your lifestyle and living situation.

A home visit is a crucial step in the adoption process. It's a chance for our volunteers to get a feel for your home and family to ensure the dog will be happy and comfortable there.

You'll need to have all members of your household present for the visit. This is a requirement, so make sure everyone is available.

During the visit, one or two volunteers will meet with you and your family to discuss the adoption process and answer any questions you may have.

Adoption requires a lot of patience and understanding, especially for breeds like the Bernese Mountain Dog that may have been neglected or poorly socialized.

You should be aware that some rescue dogs may come from less than ideal situations, such as puppy mills or pet shops, which can leave them extremely fearful.

It's essential to research the breed you're interested in adopting and familiarize yourself with potential health and orthopedic problems, as well as their relatively short lifespan.

Bernese Mountain Dogs, in particular, may require adoptive owners who are willing to work with a certified trainer if necessary, due to their potential for fearfulness.

Adopting a dog can be a rewarding experience, but it's crucial to be realistic about the challenges that come with it.

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Many well-intentioned pet lovers are drawn to their stunning appearance and proclaimed "sweet, family dog temperament" but do not always conduct proper research about the breed.

Factors such as ongoing care costs, family member allergies, health or temperament issues, inability to meet physical and mental stimulation needs, owner health or lifestyle changes, etc. can make Bernese a poor fit for specific owners, homes, and lifestyles.

A rescue or rehome situation can often be avoided if the potential owner performs proper due diligence before obtaining a Bernese Mountain Dog.

It's vitally important to assess whether this breed is the right breed for you before ever considering welcoming one into your family.

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Training and socialization are crucial parts of preparing for adoption. All dogs need to be trained in order to be good citizens.

Most adopters will be required to enroll in and participate in a basic obedience class with their adopted dog. This class will help your dog learn basic commands and behave well in public.

All adopters are encouraged to take a basic obedience class with their dogs. This will help strengthen the bond between you and your dog, and ensure a smooth transition into your home.

To get involved in Bernese Mountain Dog rescue, start by visiting the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America's Regional Club page to find the club that manages rescue work in your area.

Each regional club has its own rescue coordinator and members who can guide you through the adoption process and help you find a rescue dog that's a great fit for you.

Fill out the rescue application for your respective club to express your interest in adopting a rescue and to get started on the process.

If you're interested in getting involved with Bernese Mountain Dog rescue in the United States, you'll want to start by looking into the regional clubs.

Each regional club manages rescue work within their specific area, so it's essential to find the one that covers your region.

To do this, head to the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America's Regional Club page.

Fill out the rescue application for your respective club, and don't be afraid to reach out to the local rescue coordinator directly.

Attending a club meeting is a great way to get to know the members and express your interest in adopting a rescue.

If you're in a bind or know someone who is, don't hesitate to reach out. Whether you need help with your own Berner or know a Berner family in need, contact a member of our rescue committee. They can help evaluate the situation and assist you with advice, re-home connections, or a rescue. We're here to help!