Before placement, all rescue dogs must be:

  • spayed or neutered

  • bathed and groomed (clipped or stripped)
  • checked for heartworm and parasites
  • brought up to date on shots based on the age of the dog, any known history of vaccinations, the law of your locale, and consultation with your veterinarian,
  • microchipped,
and
  • carefully evaluated for temperament & personality in order to be matched with an appropriate home
and
  • Prospective adopters must be thoroughly screened and evaluated for a suitable Airedale
and
  • All rescue dogs must be placed as house dogs with a securely fenced yard.
Any exceptions to the above policy based on special circumstances in the best interest of the rescue dog must be set out in writing in the adoption contract and are subject to review by the Committee. If it is determined that Committee guidelines and policies are not being followed, the rescue volunteer or group is subject to being removed from the official Airedale Rescue network roster.

Other Policies

Follow the links below to read and familiarize yourself with these additional policies. Each policy can be printed or obtained in PDF form by using the buttons at the top of the page so that you can have them for your reference.

HISTORY

10/21/2003 - Policies first adopted
08/21/2004 - Modified to insert "based on the age of the dog, any known history
of vaccinations, the law of your locale, and consultation with your
veterinarian" following "brought up to date on shots"
11/09/2004 - The Committee adopted as official policy that rescue does not
purchase dogs.
11/17/2005 - Amended to add the requirement that rescued dogs be microchipped
prior to permanent placement.

COMMITTEE COMMENTS

8/21/2004 Amendment - Vaccinations

Vaccinations (immunizations, "shots") have saved the lives of millions of dogs. Before the days of effective vaccines, dogs routinely died from distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus and complications of upper respiratory infections. Despite the well-known benefits of vaccination, the practice of annual vaccination of mature dogs is a matter of healthy debate. Some veterinarians believe that annual vaccinations are an important and critical part of preventative health care. Others suggest that there is little scientific information to suggest that annual vaccinations of older dogs are necessary. Also, not every available vaccine is advised for the average pet. It is important to determine risk of exposure, and therefore necessity of vaccination, on a case-by-case basis.

The one-year revaccination interval was based on manufacturers' recommendations and product labeling. There were few studies done to prove how long vaccines are actually effective.

Recently, there has been a growing degree of evidence indicating protection from vaccination is longer lasting than previously believed. In addition, there is growing concern that vaccines may not be as harmless as once thought and that over-vaccination may actually be harmful in some instances. Of course, some vaccines (rabies) are required by law and must be administered on a regular basis. Some states require rabies shots once a year, more and more have changed to once every three years.

The foremost recommendation is to discuss the vaccination program with your veterinarian. Don't be hesitant to ask questions about the benefits and risks of annual vaccination with your vet. In the past, the DHLP (distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus) vaccine was typically given each year. These recommendations are changing. Specific vaccine requirements for individual dogs, based on age, health and environment, should be discussed with your veterinarian and the most appropriate vaccination program for each particular dog should be followed. Some veterinarians are more open to discussion than others. If your veterinarian is not willing to discuss this important health issue with you, you might consider seeking a second opinion.

11/17/2005 Amendment – Reuniting Lost Airedales With Owners

The primary goal of Airedale Rescue is to reunite lost Airedales with their owners. The Committee has always strongly suggested that all rescued dogs be microchipped and registered as quickly after being rescued as possible. In 2005, the Committee made arrangements to purchase microchips in order to be able to supply them to volunteers at no cost and made microchipping part of placement policy.