35 years in Saving Dogs

 Applications are at the bottom of this page. 

Our mission... is to find loving homes for shelties, collies and other small herding breeds that have become homeless through no fault of their own. We want to educate families in the care and well-being of their pets and if the need arises, to help those families maintain care and ownership of their beloved herders in a temporary crisis.

Most Breeds have their own Rescue.   

Coastal Sheltie Rescue + knows our breeds.  We know their quirks, their common illnesses, their behavior, and their needs.   Whenever a Sheltie or other herding dog must be rehomed, Sheltie Rescue is the BEST CHOICE.    We give the best breed specific care, and we find the best breed specific homes.

When a dog comes into our program, they start by visiting our Veterinarian.  Each of our dogs are fully vetted, including all shots, spayed/neutered, HW tested and/or treated, de-wormed, micro-chipped, groomed.  We treat any illness or injury the dog has.  

Dogs in our program are placed in foster homes, whether they are healthy or in need of medical care. Once a dog is healthy, they continue living in a foster home as a beloved member of the family—until the perfect adoptive home is found and approved.

Our goal is to place each dog into a home that’s safe, stable, and suitable — for the rest of their life.

Please read all of the following before applying.

• Minimum Age to Apply: You must be at least 24 years old.
   
• Primary Leaseholder or Homeowner:
  You must be the legal leaseholder or homeowner. We do not adopt to individuals living in someone else’s home (e.g., with parents, partners, or roommates) unless you are the leaseholder.
   
• Homeownership Requirement for Larger Dogs:
  Due to housing and landlord restrictions, if the dog is over 35 pounds, you must be a homeowner to adopt. ( see note at fencing Requirements)
   
• Fencing Requirements:
  A fenced yard or enclosed patio with a private potty space is required for most dogs.
   
  • If your fence is still being installed, wait to apply. We do not accept applications where fencing is “in progress.”
     
  • Shared yards or dog parks do not meet our requirements for the transition period after adoption.
  • We do NOT place dogs in homes with invisible, electronic, or electric fences or outdoor kennels.
    
    We do NOT place dogs in homes with on site kennel license, boarding, daycare, or with visiting commercial business.
     
• Planning to Move?
  If you plan to move, wait to apply until you are settled and meet all requirements.

• Children must be:
   
  • At least 3 years old to adopt a puppy over 20 lbs full-grow
  • At least 5 years old to adopt a dog under 20 lbs
     
• Single-family homes with backyard chickens/livestock must have:
   
  • At least 1.5 acres of property
     
  • Chickens fenced away from the dog’s play area
     

• Spay/Neuter Requirement:
  All pets in your home must be spayed or neutered.
   
  • Only exception: A life-threatening medical reason, with documentation from both your regular vet and a specialist.
     
  • Actively showing dogs must have verifiable proof of shows attended within the last 6 months. Planning to show “someday” or no recent activity does not qualify.
     
• Vaccinations & Vetting:
  All pets must be up to date on core vaccines, heartworm prevention, and regular vet care.
   
• Fitness & Exercise Readiness:
  If your current pets are obese, neglected, or not regularly exercised, we will not place an active or high-energy dog with you.
   
  • We match based on what you're currently doing — not what you hope to do.
     

• Rudeness or Aggression:
  We do not place dogs with applicants who are rude, aggressive, or disrespectful or lie to our team of volunteers.
   
• Misreading or Ignoring the Bio:
  Please read the full dog bio before applying.
   
  • If the bio says “no young children” or “must have a fenced yard,” those are not suggestions — they’re requirements.
     
  • Applying for a dog you clearly don’t match with may result in a delay and likely denial.
     
• Planning for a Baby?
  If the dog is listed as not appropriate for homes with children, and you are likely to have a child within the dog's lifetime, we will not consider your application for that dog.
   
• Unreasonable Expectations:
  We aim to be transparent about each dog’s known needs and quirks. If it’s not listed here, please don’t assume we can bend policies.
   
  • Email us first if you're unsure whether a dog is a good fit. We're happy to help you figure that out.
     

💬 We try to be as honest and upfront as possible. It's not helpful to you — or to the dog — if we pretend a tough fit will somehow work out. Our goal is to never have to rescue the same dog twice.
 

• Be Ready Before Applying:
  If you're waiting on vaccines, a fence install, a spay/neuter, or a move — do not apply yet.
   
  • We cannot hold applications for in-progress changes.
     
• Application Donation:
  A $40 non-refundable donation is required with your application. This amount comes off the top of your adoption donation total.

• https://www.zeffy.com/donation-form/application-donation
  • Applications remain valid for 6 months after approval. Please be ready to adopt now we do not keep paper files for more than 30 days but we will allow you to reapply within that 6 months. If your application is approved without a new fee.
     

• Applicants 65 and Older:
  We practice age-appropriate matching.
   
  • If you are over 65, we typically do not place young dogs (under 3) with you.
     
  • Our cutoff for adopting a dog is 80 years old, as the applicant must have a reasonable likelihood of outliving the dog.
     
• Applicants Over 80:
  Exceptions may be made for applicants over 80 when adopting a senior dog (age 12+), assuming a safe support system is in place.
   
• Support Systems:
  We're happy to speak with your support person and discuss backup plans.
   
  • Our primary goal is that we do not have to rescue the dog twice.

Below is other causes an application to be denied:

If you or anyone in your home has been found guilty of animal cruelty or has a pending charge of animal cruelty.

If you do not keep your pet's vaccinations and heartworm preventatives current, you will not be considered for adoption.

If you do not give your veterinarian permission to discuss your pet records with us, you will not be considered for adoption.

If you plan on using an "invisible" fence, you will not be considered for adoption. These types of fences are not safe, and shelties have a high

tolerance for pain.

If you plan on keeping your dog as an "outside dog", you will not be considered for adoption.

If you are not ready to commit to a dog for the rest of its life, you will not be considered for adoption.

We have to abide by your cities limits of dog or cat ownership when we adopt out a dog.

Even if your city does not currently have an animal limit we will use the closed city to you when considering your application regardless of property size. ( Limit is 5 dogs regardless of city zoning )

 Notes:  Please check your legal limit before applying.

At Coastal Sheltie Rescue, our top priority is the safety, well-being, and emotional recovery of every Sheltie we place. Many of our dogs come from neglect, hoarding, abuse, or instability, and they require a secure, supportive, and safe environment as they adjust to home life.

• The yard or the portion of the yard used by the Sheltie must be completely enclosed by fencing that is at least 4 feet high.
   
• The fence must not be climbable and must prevent digging underneath. Reinforcement at the base may be required.
   
• Metal fencing must have gaps no larger than 3 inches, as small Shelties can slip through narrow spaces.
   
• Approved fence materials include:
   
  • Wood
     
  • Chain-link
     
  • Sturdy welded wire
     
  • Solid, professionally manufactured plastic or vinyl fencing
     Note: Homemade fencing or temporary panels are not acceptable.
    
     

• All gates must have a physical locking mechanism to prevent entry by strangers, including utility workers or neighborhood children.
   
• A spring-loaded, self-closing hinge is highly recommended to ensure gates do not remain open unintentionally.
   
• Security along the bottom of the gate and fence line must be inspected to ensure there are no spaces a Sheltie could escape through or dig under.
   

• Fenced-in kennel runs are not acceptable substitutes for a full fenced yard.
   
• In-ground electric fences (invisible or wireless systems) are never acceptable.
   
• Fenced areas that are only accessible through a garage or outbuilding do not meet our standards. The dog must be able to enter and exit the home directly from the interior living space.
   

The fenced yard is not where a Sheltie should live. It is a safe, secure area to eliminate, exercise, and enjoy fresh air while supervised. The fenced space must include:

• Shelter and shade
   
• Clean water
   
• Enough room for natural movement and play
   
• Direct access from the main living area of the home
   

• The fenced-in area must include grass or a non-chemically treated mulch area suitable for elimination.
   
• Rock or gravel larger than pea gravel is not acceptable for potty areas.
   
• Concrete-only patios or pool decks are not acceptable, especially in warmer climates, as dogs can burn their paws on hot surfaces.
   
• Homeowners with only concrete or paved areas in their yard do not meet fencing or surface requirements.
   
• Policy Update: Adoption Guidelines for Large Dogs & Seniors
  
  As part of our ongoing efforts to adapt to the rapidly changing housing landscape, we’ve made two important updates to our adoption guidelines:
  
  🐾 Large Dogs (Over 35 lbs)
  Due to widespread rental restrictions, dogs over 35 lbs will now only be adopted to homeowners. Across Virginia and much of the country, landlords are increasingly enforcing weight limits—often capping dogs at 25–35 lbs. While this trend isn’t new, it has become severe enough to require this policy in order to protect our dogs from future displacement.
  
  🐾 Senior Shelties & Collies or Mixes (Age 9+)
  We’re also opening up opportunities for senior Shelties and Collies (age 9 and older) to be adopted into homeowner households that do not have a fenced yard, including condos and townhomes.
  
  While most of our dogs do still require secure, private fenced-in areas (especially given the herding breeds’ instincts), we recognize that some senior dogs are calm, leash-trained, and content with short walks and safe outings. We've posted several of these wonderful seniors over the past year, and this new policy helps us better match them with loving homes.
  
  We still ask that adopters in non-fenced homes provide:
  
  A permanently installed lead line
  A safe, consistent potty plan
  An environment suited to the dog’s needs and safety
  
  We understand the housing market is tough, especially for those trying to do the right thing by adopting. These policy changes aim to strike a thoughtful balance between each dog’s needs and the reality of the current housing climate.
  
  If you have questions or would like help finding a dog that fits your living situation, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We're here to help you find the right match.
  
  Thank you for helping us give these amazing dogs the homes they deserve.

All adopters must be prepared to participate in a virtual home visit as part of the application process. In some cases, a follow-up in-person visit may be arranged if the virtual visit raises questions or if you live near one of our volunteers.

• A video recording showing:
   
  • The fenced outdoor area
     
  • Parts of your main indoor living areas
     This helps us verify that your home is a safe and practical space for a Sheltie. We are not doing a white glove test—we all live in our homes. But many of our dogs are young or untrained, and they explore the world with their mouths.
    We're looking out for:
    
     
    • Open storage or clutter a dog could get into
       
    • Hazards, like dropped medications, cleaning supplies, or cords
       
    • Toxic houseplants, which are especially dangerous for puppies
       
    • Sharp objects or unstable furniture in accessible areas
       
    • We will not place puppies in homes with toxic plants or significant safety concerns. That said, we understand every dog is different—some are naturally respectful and cautious, while others are curious and chaotic. We consider each situation individually.
      
       
• You must be able to upload and send the video to our team.
   

We may consider applications without a fenced yard under very limited conditions:

• Applicants adopting a senior Sheltie (9 years or older)
   
• Condo or apartment residents who:
   
  • Own their unit (renters do not qualify)
     
  • Have access to a dedicated, private on-site dog park for residents only
     Public parks or shared unfenced areas do not meet our safety standard
    
     

⚠️ Meeting one of these exceptions does not guarantee approval. It simply means your application may be considered. All adopters must still meet our expectations for supervision, safety, and stable home environments.
 

At Coastal Sheltie Rescue, we believe Shelties are family members with fur. They are loving, sensitive companions who thrive inside the home and close to their people.

We do not place Shelties in homes where they will be:

• Kept outside
• Left alone in garages, sheds, or outdoor kennels
• Left unsupervised in yards for long periods

Shelties sleep best indoors—and ideally, in your bedroom. Our philosophy is:

If your Sheltie isn’t sleeping on your bed, they should at least sleeping in your room.

Every dog that comes into CSR+ is placed with an experienced foster provider for at least two weeks—sometimes several months—depending on the dog's needs.

• Each dog is carefully evaluated for any health or behavioral concerns.
   
• By the time a dog is ready for adoption, they will have received all necessary veterinary care at CSR+’s expense.
   

• Spayed or neutered (unless under 8 months old; in that case, the adopter must sign a spay/neuter contract with a deposit).
   
• Up to date on vaccinations, including rabies, distemper, and parvo.
   
• Tested for heartworms (if over 6 months) and other parasites, and treated as needed.
   
• Provided with heartworm prevention.
   
• Bathed and groomed.
   
• Tested for compatibility with other dogs, cats, and children of various ages.
   
• House-trained (remedial training provided if necessary).
   
• Started on leash training and basic commands.
   
• Accompanied by a medical history and a temperament evaluation.
   

If a dog displays aggressive behavior or has a known biting history, they will not be placed for adoption.

A: No. All dogs are placed in foster homes across Virginia and parts of Maryland. Photos and descriptions are available on our Adopt page. To meet a specific dog, you must first:

1. Submit an application
    
2. Complete a home visit
    
3. Be approved by the Adoption Coordinator
    

A:

• Owner surrenders
   
• Retired breeder dogs
   
• Shelter dogs (strays or surrendered)
   

A:
Processing your application may take several weeks due to volunteer availability. If your preferences are very specific, matching you with the right dog may take longer—sometimes months.

A:
We prefer to adopt to applicants in:

• Virginia
   
• West Virginia
   
• Maryland
   
• Delaware
   
• D.C.
   

Exceptions are made for harder-to-place dogs. In those cases, we’ll arrange a home visit with a local rescue, but you must travel to the dog’s foster home to meet them.

A:

• Within 3 days: You may return the dog and receive a refund minus a $75 deposit.
   
• After 3 days: The adoption fee is non-refundable, but the dog must be returned to CSR+ if you can’t keep them.
   

A:
It depends. Herders need both physical and mental stimulation. We recommend:

• Reading up on the breed and positive training methods
   
• Adopting an adult dog (4–8 years old) already trained in basic manners
   
• Taking advantage of our support and recommended training classes
   

A:
Usually not. We do not place Shelties or Collies under 8 years of age in homes without secure fencing, unless the dog is low-energy and your home provides ample alternative exercise.

A:
Possibly. An older, lower-energy dog (5–9 years) might be a better fit. A midday dog walker is strongly recommended. We do not adopt young dogs into homes where they’ll be left alone that long.

💡 The average vet cost per dog is over $850. Our adoption fees cover only a portion of these expenses. We rely on donations and fundraising to continue our mission.
 

1. Complete an Application
   Download and email your application to us.
    
2. Submit a $40 Application Donation (required for dogs under 4 years old)
   This amount is applied toward your final adoption fee.
   Pay here: https://www.zeffy.com/donation-form/application-donation
    
3. Vet Check
   We will contact your veterinarian to verify that your current pets are up-to-date on all vaccines and preventatives. Please notify them in advance.
    
4. Home Visit
   A volunteer will visit your home if we have a potential match. All household members and pets must be present.
    
5. Foster Review
   Foster providers review approved applications to determine a good match for their dog. If a match is found, they will reach out directly.
    
6. Meet & Greet
   If both parties agree, the family and dog will meet—either at the foster’s or applicant’s home.
    
7.  Trial Adoption ( no more than 5 days)
   For dogs over 8 months old and within 1 hour of Virginia Beach, we offer a 1-week trial adoption ($75 fee, deducted from adoption fee).
   For adopters over 5 hrs  away, the dog can be returned within 5 days (minus the trial fee).
    
8. Adoption Contract & Fee
   If the trial is successful or both parties agree, the adoption contract is signed and the remaining adoption fee is paid.
   Payment methods: cash, credit card through Zeffy.

An approved application will remain active for 6 months with application donation of $40.00
An application donation of forty dollars is required for any dog under the age of six. The application donation once approved does come off the top of the total adoption amount.
Please read additional adoption requirements under Guidelines page before sending your application.
Applications are at the bottom of this page.

Our relationship doesn’t end at adoption—we’re here for you and your Coastal dog.

• You’ll receive at least one post-adoption follow-up (in-home or virtual).
   
• You’re always welcome to reach out to us with questions, concerns, or happy updates.
  
  

📧 Email: coastalsheltierescue@gmail.com
📍 Mailing Address:
Coastal Sheltie Rescue Inc.
2509 George Mason Dr. #56162
Virginia Beach, VA 23456
📞 Phone: (804) 552-1884 (9am–5pm, Mon–Sat)

Please note: There are no dogs at this address.

Applications are at the bottom of this page.
This is the link for payment of application donation.

We reserve the right to refuse an applicant if, in our judgment, the home situation is not safe or compatible with the needs of a sheltie, collie, or

for the dogs in our care; or if the dog is not suitable for the  applicant. 

*No dogs at address

Owners surrenders please text us if after business hours.