The Jack Russell Terrier Rescue

The JRT Rescue is a cross-Canada network of JRTCC members dedicated to the "rescue" or placing of unwanted or abandoned Jack Russells in new homes. The Network arranges for rescues throughout the country, and gathers information designed to match appropriate dogs in appropriate permanent and temporary homes.

The majority of the dogs are unwanted simply for being Jack Russells by nature and behavior. Owners were unprepared for the care required, or did not understand the nature of the breed and their instinctive desire to hunt. Or owners were often gone all day, and unable to provide the activity necessary for this active little dog. Sometimes jobs or life situations change, making it impossible to keep a beloved pet.

A real happy ending

Buddy

came to us in spring '06, leaving a loving home where only allergies prevented his staying part of the family. Buddy loves everyone, dogs, kids, cats, racing -- everyone. And now it is July, and Buddy is happy in his new "forever home" in Beautiful British Columbia. That's him, playing with his new friend Jaxxon, on his first day "home".

B.C, eh? Hmmmm, where can I sign up?

Rescue Contacts

National Rescue Co-ordinator  Jocelyn M. Dollack
Ontario contact Sharlene Cobain
Check out our JRTRO Website.

If you have to relinquish your dog...

Only neutered/spayed terriers can be placed. Terriers will be evaluated for temperament and health to determine whether they may be accepted for placement.

To relinquish a terrier for placement through Russell Rescue, or to adopt a rescue terrier, obtain forms from one of the Contacts listed.

Can a dog with 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 counsel an owner who seeks advice that might enable them to keep a dog in its current home.

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.

If you are interested in fostering a terrier...

Many dogs need temporary homes while awaiting adoption, please let us know if you can provide one.

Who can adopt a dog from the Rescue?

Russell Rescue representatives 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.

Commonly Asked Questions

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 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 $100.

When there are specific costs attached to the dog; such as travel, medical, etc., then we ask that those also be paid. Remember that 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!

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 overprotective of their yards. Often shelters do not know the animal in their keeping is a Jack Russell, and further do not understand the nature of this terrier.