1. For dogs that require a physical fence (determined on a dog-by-dog basis), it must be an area large enough to safely exercise the dog, not as a place for the dog to live. To learn more about why we require a fenced yard for many dogs, please see Adoption FAQs: Why does DVGRR prefer a fenced yard?
To satisfy DVGRR’s requirements the fence must be:
- Securely constructed with a fence height of 4 feet (5 feet or higher is preferred). Lower fences will exclude certain dogs. Hedgerows are not considered appropriate barriers.
- Have lockable gates.
- Fenced areas directly accessible from the house are preferred.
2. Abide by the terms of the DVGRR Adoption Contract and the following additional rules to protect the dog from danger:
- Rescue DVGRR dogs may not be kept outdoors when no one is at home.
- All dog doors must be locked when the owner is absent.
- If the rescue dog will have access to a swimming pool:
- The pool must have steps leading OUT of the pool; ladders are not acceptable exit points.
- The pool must have an “elephant proof” cover which fits snugly to the edge.
3. Kids and DVGRR. We know many families want to have great memories of their kids growing up with a dog, like they did.
Dogs have changed since many of us were kids. Greed often causes indiscriminate breeding. Puppy mills that mass produce dogs do so for profit and not for betterment of the breed.
Some dogs that come into rescue may not, in our evaluation process, be suitable for families with young children. Please understand that we are not being judgmental of your skills or family dynamics if we advise you that a particular dog may not be a good match for your family.
We are committed to finding the right dog for your family, but this process may take time. Our dog population changes daily, and we never know the type of dog we are getting until he or she arrives on our doorstep.
If the wait becomes unbearable for your family and you choose to go elsewhere, please buy responsibly and avoid pet stores and internet sites as these puppies have come from mass breeding facilities that have no regard for genetic integrity. See our pdf on how to find a Golden puppy.
Underground Fencing
First, we do not consider underground fencing to be a physical fence. Many of the dogs that come into rescue are not good candidates for underground containment systems. This is because they may be stray (proven “runner”) or have high prey drive and will bolt through the system with little regarding to consequence (the “shock” as well as not being able to return without another shock). Underground fencing will not prevent any other animals from entering the area and thus may cause harm to the dog.
We know that many housing developments do not permit physical fencing. However, we may get a dog into the program that came from a home with successful use of an underground containment system or feel the dog may be a candidate for underground fencing.
We cannot estimate a time frame on the wait for a dog that will be suitable for underground fencing.
If and when a dog becomes available, the additional criteria must be met:
- The system may not be self-installed.
- The installation cannot abut a busy street.
- The dog may not be left in the containment system unattended.
- A home visit will be required.
Please continue to the Adoption Terms and Conditions.