Rescue and Adoption Information

In the article titled "The Truth About Puppy Mills" (Madison Pet Gazette, April 1998), author Sharon Savage, MS writes:

"Be aware that many puppy mills claim to be “no-kill animal shelters” in an attempt to sell used-up breeding stock to kindhearted people. If you want to save a life without lining anybody’s pockets, adopt a dog from your local humane society or from a recognized purebred rescue club. The only way to shut down puppy mills for good is to stop buying there!"

About Purebred Rescue
- What Is It?
- Why Get a Rescue Dog?
- Is There a Cost Involved?
- Need More Information?
Wisconsin Area Humane Organizations
Wisconsin-Area Purebred Rescue Contacts
Recommended Reading

About purebred rescue (courtesy AKC)

What is it?

The purpose of a purebred rescue program is to take in stray, abandoned, relinquished and/or impounded purebreds; to provide them with foster care, health and temperament screening; to nurture them and offer an opportunity for rehabilitation; to spay or neuter them; and eventually to place the rescued purebreds in new homes.

Why get a rescue dog?

Purebred rescue organizations are made up of folks who care deeply about their breed, and who are experts in all matters concerning their breed - i.e. the breeds strengths and weaknesses, health issues, best training methods, grooming how-tos, temperament, etc. Because of this, they are well-equipped to analyze, rehabilitate and place each dog in the type of home that is best for the individual dog.

Rescue organizations are careful to screen prospective homes, sometimes including follow-up inquiries and visits, and do their utmost to make the best match between a dog and an adoptive family.

If you are interested in a purebred who can become a loving pet, and you do not intend to show or breed you dog, you may want to give a rescue dog a second chance for a safe and loving home.

Is there a cost involved?

Yes. Most rescue organizations require a donation to defray the costs of fostering and rehabilitating the dog, which can vary depending on the circumstances.

Need more information?

Almost every breed recognized by the American Kennel Club has a formal rescue operation. For on-line references, the AKC maintains a page called the National Breed Club Rescue Network where you can find the national contact persons for referral to purebred dog rescue contacts in your area. Some listings have e-mail accounts and homepages. To request a paper copy of the AKC's National Breed Club Rescue Network, or for additional general information regarding purebred rescue, write the AKC Library at 51 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10010.

Up to Top

Wisconsin-Area Humane Organizations

Wisconsin-Area Purebred Rescue Organizations

For additional listings of individual purebred rescue contacts in the Wisconsin area, please browse the BKC Breed Information Directory for referral to those individuals who have rescue dogs available for placement. Additional information can be found on the AKC National Breed Club Rescue Network page where you can find the national contact persons for referral to purebred dog rescue contacts in your area. Some listings have e-mail accounts and homepages.