Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we receive in our mailbox:
Can I come to your shelter and meet the dogs?
MN Sheltie Rescue is a foster-based organization, meaning that we do not operate a central shelter. All of our dogs stay in loving foster homes until they are adopted. This allows us to get to know each dog's personality and temperament, enabling us to make the perfect match between dog and forever family.
How do I adopt a dog from MNSR?
Please visit the How to Adopt page for instructions on how to submit an application and how the overall process works.
I don't live in Minnesota, can I adopt a dog from you?
Currently, our volunteer base enables us to adopt to Minnesota, Eastern North and South Dakota, Western Wisconsin, and Northern Iowa. We encourage everyone outside of those areas to look for a local shelter or rescue group from which to adopt. We also work in cooperation with Wisconsin, Iowa, and Central Illinois Sheltie Rescues and are happy to refer you to these organizations when they are logistically closer to your location.
The majority of our foster homes are located in the Twin Cities metro area and Fargo, North Dakota. Please keep in mind that if you apply to adopt a dog and your application is approved, you will be asked to travel to the foster home(s) to meet the dog(s) of interest prior to an adoption.
To find a Sheltie rescue group near you, please visit The National Sheltie Rescue Roster.
How much does it cost to adopt a dog from MNSR?
Our adoption fees are as follows:
Puppy to 4 years: $300
4+ to 8 years: $200
8+ years: $125
What type of veterinary care do your dogs receive?
All of our dogs are spayed/neutered, brought current on vaccinations, are tested and put on heartworm and parasite preventative, and are microchipped. The majority of the mid-age to older Shelties receive full dental care as well. Many dogs require more extensive veterinary care, and through the generosity of our donors, we are able to accommodate these medical needs as they arise. Our veterinary expenses on each dog is rarely covered by our adoption fee.
I don't have a fenced yard, can I still adopt a Sheltie from you?
A fence makes life safer and easier for dogs and their families, and we strongly encourage those considering a Sheltie to make fencing their yard a priority. However, we evaluate each dog on a case by case basis and determine if that dog needs a fence in order to live a healthy, safe life. It will be noted in the dog's biography as to whether a fence is required for adoption.
Anyone adopting from MNSR is required to commit to keeping their dog on lead when not in an enclosed fence for their lifetime. Please read the articles in the "Sheltie Owner's Handbook" section of our website to understand the "flight risk" associated with the breed.
I have an "invisible fence," does that count?
Due to the breed's "flight risk" and strong herding drive, we do not encourage the use of "invisible fencing" for any Sheltie. Please visit our Library to read more about the characteristics of the Sheltie breed to better understand the concept of "flight risk" and herding instinct in the Sheltie breed.
