The Australian Cattle Dog has become quite popular in recent years. They are also known by many other names: Blue Heeler, Red Heeler, Queensland Heeler, Cattle Dog or simply Heeler. ALL of these names refer to one breed: the Australian Cattle Dog. Their intelligence, versatility and durability all lend to their popularity in several different positions, whether as a family companion to canine sports to professional jobs such as search and rescue, service dogs and of course ranch hands and herders. The Australian Cattle Dog has truly made a name for itself in the last decade.
Because of their reputation for being a very smart dog, people believe that translates to ease of training. To train a cattle dog correctly one must provide intentional and consistent direction as well as plenty of physical and mental stimulation. The average dog owner has no idea of what they are up against when they get a cute cattle dog pup! This is why the average age for ACDs in shelters and in need of new homes is 8 months to 2 years old.
Our volunteers are well versed with cattle dogs and their needs. We work closely with our dogs to ensure they learn proper boundaries and are given the correct direction in which to use their brains and their bodies. We strive to place each dog in its optimal home where its individual needs will be met. In doing so we hope to promise our dogs that they will never be part of the system again and both people and pup will be able to live a full and happy life together!
We are very fortunate to have a caring and dedicated team of volunteers, board members and supporters. We operate solely on public donations and fundraising proceeds. We exercise fiscal responsibility in handling our adoption fees, donations and other fundraising receipts to provide the maximum care for our rescue dogs and to ensure our financial viability into the future.
Mission and Vision
Arizona Cattle Dog Rescue is a non-profit organization 501(c)(3) whose mission is to rescue and re-home abandoned, stray and neglected Australian Cattle Dogs throughout the state of Arizona.
Arizona Cattle Dog Rescue is an all-volunteer, foster home based organization. We do not have a facility or shelter. Our foster homes are located throughout the state.
Other specialization
Australian Cattle Dog
Adoption Policy
Step 1. APPLICATION SUBMISSION
The first step to meeting our dogs is to submit an Adoption Application. Once submitted you will receive a confirmation email then one of our volunteers will be in touch with you within 1-3 days. Please remember we are a volunteer-based rescue and at times it may take longer to contact you.
ONCE YOU SUBMIT THE APPLICATION YOU SHOULD RECEIVE AN IMMEDIATE “THANK YOU” EMAIL FROM [email protected] PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT OUR EMAIL WAS NOT SENT TO YOUR “JUNK” FOLDER as it will contain important information about what to expect next. We will continue all future electronic communications via this email as well.
Step 2. PHONE INTERVIEW
The purpose of this interview is to better acquaint ourselves with you and you with us. You will have an opportunity to learn more about our placement procedures and ask any questions you may have about us in general.
Our volunteers are located throughout the state so the phone call could come from a variety of area codes. Our volunteers will ALWAYS leave a message if able to and could also text or email you if needed.
Step 3. HOME VISIT
The purpose of a home visit is to ensure that your environment is safe, secure and appropriate for a pet. Please note that we assess each home individually. We have placed dogs with people who live in apartments, full time RVr’s, rural and suburb homes as well as ranches. Each application is special in its own way and we assess them as such.
**SPECIAL NOTE: In the event of out-of-state adoptions, we have special protocols in place to work with such applicants.
Step 4. REFERENCES
We require references for all applicants. The references you provide may or may not be contacted. If they are they will be asked to share with our volunteer how they know you and know you as a pet owner in general.
**Special note: For out of state applicant and in state applicants located in areas we cannot do a physical home visit we require a third reference. We ask that this reference be a professional reference from our vet or professional trainer you’ve worked with.
Important Information
ADOPTION FEES ARE: $250 for up to the age of 5; $200 for over the age of 5. Fee is non-refundable.
We do not ship our dogs. You must travel to Arizona to meet and adopt our dogs.
We do not adopt out intact dogs–ALL of our rescues are spayed or neutered prior to placement.
We do not adopt to homes that have intact dogs or cats unless a medical issue prevents them from being altered.
We do not adopt to homes if the dog will be exclusively an outside dog.
We are NOT a first-come/first-serve rescue. We reserve the right to refuse any application. Our first priority is the dog.
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