Please Note:
Each dog may come with additional information, needs, or restrictions due to their unique rescue history and environment. It is very important to carefully read the dog’s bio before applying to ensure the best match for both the dog and your home.

• Be at least 24 years old.
   
• Have ID with your current address, or email a primary utility bill in your name to us.
   
• Must be the primary homeowner or lease holder to adopt. If renting, have landlord approval.
   
• Be financially stable and able to provide long-term medical care.
   
• Provide a safe, loving, and peaceful home.
   
• Have all current pets spayed/neutered.*
   
• Not be actively breeding or have bred animals (any species) in the last 5 years.
  *Medical exemptions require documentation and approval.
   
• All dogs and cats currently in the applicant’s home must be spayed or neutered.
   
• Medical waivers must be provided on official veterinary letterhead with original signatures from both the primary vet and a specialist vet confirming that spaying or neutering would be life-threatening for the specific animal.
   
• The dog in question must be microchipped, and the microchip number must be included with the waiver letter.
   
• A clear photo of the dog and all supporting medical documentation must accompany the waiver.
   
• The medical waiver must be submitted by email within 1 hour of submitting the adoption application to be reviewed together.
   
• Applicants must state on their application that a medical waiver is being requested.
   
• No other waivers will be accepted.
   
• If you have a new puppy that is not yet altered, please wait to apply until that dog is spayed or neutered.
   

• We do not place dogs under 3 with applicants 65 or older.
   
• We do not adopt to applicants over 80.
   
• Applicants aged 75–80 may have limited placement options depending on the dog’s needs.
  These guidelines help ensure each dog is placed in a lifelong home where they won't need to be rescued again.
   

• Children must be:
   
  • At least 3 years old to adopt a puppy over 20 lbs full-grown
     
  • At least 5 years old to adopt a dog under 20 lbs
     
• All individuals living in the home must be aware of and agree to the adoption.
   

We do not adopt out to businesses, kennels, breeders, doggy daycares, training facilities, or any property with commercial endeavors of any kind. We do not place dogs in any setting tied to a business or organization—whether it’s for-profit or nonprofit. 

 All adoptions must be for personal, in-home companionship purposes only. We do not adopt out dogs for working roles; dogs must be adopted as pets only.

• Adopters must have a stable home environment.
   
• A fully fenced yard is required for most of our dogs. We do not adopt to homes without fenced areas due to the safety, flight risk, and socialization needs of the dogs in our care.
   
• Fence height requirements:
   
  • No less than 4.5 feet for Collies.
     
  • No less than 3.5 feet for Shelties.
     
• We do not adopt small dogs to wrought iron fencing or any fencing with large openings unless secured with a security screen or chicken wire on the bottom 3 feet to prevent escape or injury.
   
• Gates must have secure locks and must not be openable from the outside by strangers who could leave the gate or fence open accidentally.
   
• Homeowners with a pool must have a 6-foot privacy fence with a self-closing and locking gate to qualify for adoption.
   
• We do not place dogs in homes that have pools, ponds, or waterfront properties with doggie doors.
   
• Dog parks are not acceptable alternatives during the transition period. Most of our dogs are coming from delicate situations and need structure and predictability.
   
• In rare cases, certain older dogs who are lower energy and do not require a fenced yard may be adopted to homes without one. These exceptions are clearly noted in the dog's individual bio.
   
• Single-family homes with backyard chickens must have:
   
  • At least 1.5 acres of property
     
  • Chickens fenced away from the dog’s play area
     
• Homes with horses or other farm animals on the property must have a fenced yard attached to the home, regardless of whether the dog's bio states that a fence is not required.
   
• We do not adopt to homes with more than 5 dogs total, including working animals, personal service dogs, or any other dogs, regardless of local city limits. The local city or county dog limit must also be adhered to.
   

• The adopter must be the homeowner.
   
• We cannot approve adoptions if a non-owner (e.g., adult child) plans to take the dog when they move out.
   
• We consider the entire household’s future plans to ensure a stable, long-term home.
   

Applications should be completed with personal—not business or organizational—email addresses. Applications submitted with any business email  raise concerns about the primary purpose of the adoption and are not considered typical applications.

Our placement decisions are based on the needs and best interest of each individual dog. These guidelines are not open for negotiation and exist to protect the dogs in our care.

We match each dog to the most suitable home. If a current dog in the home is not a match for the dog being applied for (e.g., size, temperament, behavior history), we reserve the right to decline the application. We prioritize the safety and wellbeing of all animals involved.

• All applicants must submit a full application.
   
• Veterinary references are required.
   
• Home visits or virtual home checks may be conducted.
   
• Applicants will not be able to meet a dog without an approved application on file.
   
• A telephone interview may be conducted before scheduling a meet.
   
• We match dogs to adopters based on:
   
  • Temperament
     
  • Activity level
     
  • Training needs
     
  • Lifestyle compatibility
     

It is our goal to find the right home for the dogs in our care — families like yours, whose lifestyle matches the needs of our dogs. This means they are more likely to thrive and won’t need to come back to rescue.

Our dogs become beloved family members, and honestly, if we could all choose our human family members with the same care as we pick our pet companions, the world would be a much happier place.

If you don’t see your situation listed here, please email us! We want to work with you and help however we can.

But please remember: This is not a changable list. We do not make exceptions to our policies just because someone believes they are “worthy.” These policies exist to protect the dogs and ensure their lifelong well-being.

 Privacy & Terms of Service  review file below

 By engaging with Coastal Sheltie Rescue, you agree to these terms and acknowledge that factual defense of our organization may include such disclosures.

 This Privacy & Terms of Service policy is provided for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Coastal Sheltie Rescue reserves the right to modify this policy at any time.