Please Contact Cristine if you have a dog you would like to have listed on our "Available Dogs" page.

What is Russell Rescue?
 
It is a network of AJRTC members dedicated to placing unwanted or abandoned Jack Russells. The Network arranges for emergency rescues throughout the country, and gathers information designed to match appropriate dogs in appropriate permanent and temporary homes.

What is wrong with the dogs needing rescue?

The majority of the dogs are unwanted simply for being Jack Russell's by nature and behavior. Owners often find that they were unprepared for the care required for this feisty terrier; and did not understand the nature of the breed, and their instinctive desire to hunt. Owners are often gone all day, and therefore unable to provide the time, and level of activity necessary for this active little dog. Sometimes jobs or life situations change, making it impossible for someone to keep their beloved pet.

Can a dog with a behavioral or health problems be put for adoption?
Russell Rescue cannot place a dog that is aggressive to humans. Dogs in poor health (i.e. incurable) are also not suitable for adoption. The Rescue does not function as a clearing point for dogs with serious behavior or health problems, but does make every effort to assist or council when an owner seeks advice that might enable them to keep a dog in its current home.

Can I use a rescue dog for breeding?

ABSOLUTELY, NOT! All animals must be spayed or neutered as part of the placement process, and they are placed strictly as pets. Many of the dogs rescued are not good examples of the breed standard, and often there is no pedigree or record of ancestry.

Is there a charge to surrender a dog?

If possible, owners are asked to take full responsibility for having the dog's medical requirements up-to-date, including spaying/- neutering, and a current health certificate as their concerned participation in the process. Donations are also helpful to assist in the expenses involved in the dog's temporary care and preparation for placement in a new home. A minimum donation of $75 is required to surrender a dog.

Is there a charge for adopting a dog?

Yes. Donations are requested to cover the costs associated with transferring displaced dogs to their new homes. Some frequent costs are: travel expenses, travel crates, spaying/neutering, vaccinations, veterinarian attention, etc. If there have been no expenses or costs, (the dog is neutered/spayed, vaccinated, comes with leash collar bed etc), we ask for a minimum donation of $200.00 for dogs, $250.00 for pups under one year of age & $125.00 for "senior" dogs (over 10). When there are specific, costs attached to the dog, such as travel, medical, etc. then we ask that those be paid. Remember financial responsibilities do not stop after you adopt a dog. You will have to be accountable for yearly vaccinations, licensing etc. This is a lifetime commitment!

Who can adopt a dog from the Rescue?

Russell Rescue reps. screen prospective owners to be sure they can provide suitable homes. Approval is based on the understanding and acceptance of the nature of the terrier, the owners' lifestyle (i.e., available time for the dog), and their ability to house the dog properly. A fenced yard or invisible fence is required; the dog cannot be allowed to run free without supervision. Once a prospective owner is approved, the Rescue network then will try to match them up with the appropriate dog.

May I adopt a female?

Interestingly, most of the terriers needing homes are males ranging in age one to four. Many people incorrectly think females to be more affectionate than males. The male Jack Russell is a sweet and responsible companion. Since all rescue animals are required to be neutered as part of the placement process, the gender should not matter. Males who are rejected are often those nearing sexual maturity, and instead of neutering the dog, the owner puts them up for adoption. Often a male is rejected because of problems that can be resolved by neutering.

What if a rescue dog has a problem?

The Rescue has volunteers who work to adjust behavior problems that are not serious in nature. Sometimes telephone advice to present owners has given insight into behavioral modification that has saved more than one dog from being displaced from its present home.
Are shelters and humane societies helpful with Jack Russell rescue efforts? Some are great; others are not at all interested in our involvement, and are perhaps over-protective of their wards. Often shelters do not know the animal in their keep is a Jack Russell, and further do not understand the nature of this terrier.

What can you do to help?

Never sell a JRT pup to anyone not informed of the needs and characteristics of the breed. If you think the home is inappropriate, if only by instinct, do not sell to them period. Do the people have children? Do the children mind the adults? If they cannot control their children, they will for sure have problems with the dog and with the combination of the dog and children.

Be honest about the breed. Plan litters and have good homes reserved for them, or do not breed. If you do not have a serious breeding program, do not breed. If you think it will make your pet complete, you are very wrong. There are too many unwanted pets, and certainly too few suitable homes for this special dog. Be responsible and committed to the breed. If what you are breeding is not a contribution to the future of the breed, please leave it in the hands of experienced breeders. Inform and educate others as to the special nature and physical and mental requirements of the JRT. Make it understood that although small and cute, the Jack Russell is clearly not for everyone or every lifestyle.
If you can provide a good home for a Jack Russell, get in touch with us immediately. The dogs in need are by far ahead of the homes available. It is a sad and growing problem. Please consider adopting an adult dog over having a cute little puppy in your life. Puppies grow up fast...an older dog is usually very loyal, and extremely affectionate towards their new owners, appreciating their new homes, never looking back. Most adopted dogs adjust quickly, with few adjustment problems. Most importantly, their life depends on someone like yourself being willing to give these dogs a chance.

Foster care is also an important necessity. If you can provide a temporary home for a terrier in need, drop us a line so that we can enter you into our files. Check shelters and look for Jack Russell's who may need a home if time at that shelter is limited.

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