Every dog has a different history, personality, and set of needs. Please read the dog’s full bio before applying, including any specific placement requirements.

Our goal is to find a lasting match where both the dog and the family can thrive.

Applicant Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be at least 24 years old.
• Provide ID with a current address, or email a primary utility bill in their name.
• Be the primary homeowner or leaseholder, with landlord approval if renting.
• Be financially prepared for lifelong care, including veterinary expenses.
• Provide a safe, loving, and stable home.
• Have current pets spayed or neutered, unless an approved medical exemption applies.
• Not be actively breeding or have bred animals of any species within the past 5 years.

If you have a puppy who has not yet been spayed or neutered, please wait until that procedure is completed before applying.

Medical Spay/Neuter Exemptions

We consider medical exemptions when spaying or neutering would be life-threatening for the pet. To request an exemption:

• Indicate the request on your adoption application.
• Provide letters on official veterinary letterhead, with original signatures from both the primary veterinarian and a specialist, confirming the medical risk.
• Include the pet’s microchip number, a clear photo, and supporting medical records.
• Email the documentation within 1 hour of submitting your application so everything can be reviewed together.

Exemptions are limited to documented medical circumstances and require approval.

Age & Lifetime Planning

We make age-appropriate placements, considering each dog’s age, energy level, and care needs alongside the applicant’s ability to provide lifelong care.

We do not place dogs under age 2 with applicants 65 or older. Applicants aged 75–80 may be considered for select senior dogs through our Senior-to-Senior program. We do not adopt to applicants over 80.

Children & Household Agreement

Homes with children under 5 will be considered based on the individual dog’s temperament and needs. We typically do not place Shelties in homes with children under 5.

Dogs known to do well with children will have that information clearly noted in their bios, along with any age recommendations.

Everyone living in the home must be aware of and agree to the adoption.

Personal Companion Homes

Our dogs are adopted to private individuals as personal, in-home companions.

We do not place dogs with businesses or organizations, including kennels, breeders, doggy daycares, or training facilities, or on properties used for commercial operations. This applies to both for-profit and nonprofit settings. Our dogs are placed as pets, rather than for working roles.

Fencing & Outdoor Safety

Most of our dogs require a fully fenced yard for safe exercise, adjustment, and socialization. Any exception for an older, lower-energy dog will be stated in that dog’s bio.

Minimum fence heights are:

• Collies: 4.5 feet
• Shelties: 3.5 feet

For small dogs, wrought iron fencing or fencing with large openings must have secure screening or chicken wire along the bottom 3 feet to prevent escape or injury.

Gates must have secure locks that prevent someone outside the property from opening them.

Dog parks are not a substitute for a secure yard during the transition period. Our dogs need time to settle into a predictable routine.

Pools, Ponds & Waterfront Homes

Homes with pools must have a 6-foot privacy fence with a self-closing, locking gate.

We do not place dogs in homes that combine doggie-door access with a pool, pond, or waterfront property.

Chickens & Farm Animals

Homes with backyard chickens must have at least 1.5 acres, with chickens fenced separately from the dog’s play area.

Homes with horses or other farm animals must have a fenced yard attached to the house, even when the individual dog’s bio does not otherwise require a fence.

Other Dogs in the Home

The household may have no more than 5 dogs total, including the adopted dog, working dogs, and personal service dogs. Local city or county limits must also be followed.

We consider the size, temperament, and behavior history of current dogs when reviewing a potential match. If the dogs are unlikely to be compatible, we may decline that placement to protect the wellbeing of everyone involved.

Home Stability

The applicant must be the person responsible for the dog’s long-term home and care. We cannot approve an adoption in the homeowner’s or leaseholder’s name if another household member plans to take the dog when moving out.

We consider the household’s future plans as part of finding a stable, lasting placement.

Application & Approval Process

Please use a personal email address when applying.

The process includes:

• A complete adoption application
• Veterinary references
• A home visit or virtual home check
• A telephone interview when needed

An approved application must be on file before meeting a dog.

We match dogs with families based on temperament, activity level, training needs, and lifestyle compatibility. Adoptions are not first come, first served.

Our Placement Decisions

These guidelines help us make consistent decisions based on each dog’s safety and long-term wellbeing. Individual dogs may have additional requirements, and submitting an application does not guarantee approval or placement with a particular dog.

We’re happy to explain a requirement or help you determine whether a dog may be a good fit. Any available exceptions are those specifically described in these guidelines or the dog’s bio.

Our Commitment to You

We want every adoption to be the beginning of a happy, lasting relationship. Taking care with the matching process helps our dogs settle successfully and gives families a clearer understanding of what to expect.

If you have questions about your situation, please email coastalsheltierescue@gmail.com before applying. We’re happy to help you understand the process.

 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.