Surrendering a Dog

Are you thinking of surrendering your Airedale?

We understand that surrendering a dog is traumatic for both you and your canine companion. We’ve done our best to cover all possible scenarios and questions below; but, if you need further information please do not hesitate to contact one of our volunteers.

Emergency Surrender

If you need IMMEDIATE help from Rescue to pick up an Airedale, call (609) 313-4765. If there is no answer, please leave a message or dial the backup number in the recording. Someone from ARADV will be in touch with you as quickly as possible.

Checklist for Turning Your Pet over to ARADV

This is going to be a traumatic event for your pet. To help your pet adjust, follow these steps:

  1. The Airedale Rescue and Adoption of the Delaware Valley surrender form must be completed before a dog can be accepted by a volunteer. Our Surrender Form is accessible under the download link below. Please print out this two page document, answer all questions, and hold to submit to the Rescue Volunteer at the Surrender.
  2. Write down a list of personality traits (likes and dislikes) that might help ARADV place your dog in a more appropriate home. Please also list all health and behavioral issues.
  3. Gather the following items to turn over to ARADV:
  • Veterinary Records
  • Medications
  • Toys
  • Blankets/Beds
  • Leash & Collars

Surrendering Materials/Forms

If surrendering a dog to ARADV, please download this form, print it out, answer all questions, and hold to submit to the Rescue Volunteer at the Surrender.

Common Questions About Surrendering a Dog

Is there any age limit?
No, we accept dogs at any age.

Do you accept dogs with health problems?
Yes, we will accept dogs with health problems. We do ask that you be honest with us so that we can get them the best treatment and home.

Do you accept dogs with behavioral problems?
We will accept some dogs with behavior problems. Our experts will work with the dog to correct their problems. Please be honest with us about your dog’s problems so that we can get the best help for them.

Do you ever refuse to accept a dog into Rescue?
We will only refuse to accept an Airedale into rescue if the dog has a history of serious aggression toward people. We will make decisions on a case by case basis. However, we want to make sure that is really what you want to do. Sometimes people just feel so frustrated by a problem, that they think that there are no other options. Often times we can offer suggestions to solve the problem and keep the dog in the family.

Must a dog have papers or be a full breed Airedale?
No, papers are unimportant. We will even try to find homes for Airedale mixes when possible. Please call us to discuss your problem.

Possible Owner Scenarios

Vicious Puppy

A woman in tears called the breeder of her new puppy. The dog was turning vicious and she could no longer keep it. The breeder asked if she had taken the puppy to the vet, to see if there was any medical problems. She had and her vet could find nothing wrong.

The breeder told the woman to take the puppy to his vet and that he would pay for another exam. It turned out the puppy had a urinary tract infection that the first vet had missed. After some medication, the puppy is fine and still living happily with her family.

Uncontrollable Dog

One night on one of the online discussion groups, a woman wrote about how heartbroken her family was. They had a young dog that was just uncontrollable. In his enthusiasm to greet the woman’s elderly aunt who lives with them, he had knocked the aunt to the floor. The poor woman’s hip was broken. Everyone was crying at the thought of getting rid of the dog (including the elderly aunt), but they just didn’t want to jeopardize their aunt’s safety any longer.

Within hours of her post, animal behaviorists, trainers and breeders from around the globe were sending suggestions and help to this family. The family was put in contact with local trainers who understood Airedales and today everyone is still living happily together. They were able to get the help they needed to fix their “impossible” situation.

Sick/Disabled Owner

Are you disabled on a temporary or permanent basis? Did you know that there are organizations that help people in these circumstances to keep their pets for as long as possible?

If you are contemplating surrendering your dog to Rescue because you are injured or sick and cannot take care of them, please let us know. There may be organizations in your area that we can put you into contact with that will assist you with the daily care of your animal.

The Bottom Line

Where to go for help with a problem

  1. Have you called your breeder? Sometimes, people are embarrassed to call the breeder. Please don’t be embarrassed. A reputable breeder wants to know if there are problems.
  2. If you go to an animal trainer or behaviorist, please be sure that they have experience with terriers. Some don’t. Ask for references.
  3. There are a number of online discussion groups dedicated to Airedales. Some of these groups have hundreds of people from around the world, dedicated to helping each other and these wonderful animals.
  4. Call ARADV (Deb Ciancarelli 609-313-4765). We may be able to help you or direct you to an appropriate resource in your area.

If, however, after all is said and done, the only real option for you is to place your pet with Airedale Rescue, please call (609) 313-4765. We will arrange for someone to pick up your dog.