How Can I Adopt a Silky Terrier?

Where can I find a Silky Terrier to adopt? What kind of Silkys need new homes? How do I apply to adopt a rescued Silky? Are long distance adoptions possible? How much does it cost?

Where can I find a Silky Terrier who needs a home?

On this web site, we list all of the silky terriers that we know about who are in need of homes. These silkys might be in a shelter, in the Silky Terrier Club of America Rescue program, or in another rescue program. Since we post silkys available from several sources, there will always be a contact person listed for each available silky. That is the person to contact if you are interested in that particular dog.

Also, you may wish to sign up for the Silky Terrier Rescue News email list. Subscribers receive a periodic update on the status of all silkys posted on the web site. If you put in an application, please keep checking the web site as you will need to contact the rescuer if you are interested in a dog that is posted. Click here to sign up for the email list.

Petfinder.org is has a searchable database that lists animals for adoption that are in shelters and rescue program across the US. You can search Petfinder.org for a Silky Terrier in your region.

Another way to find a silky to adopt is to contact your local shelters and let them know that you would like to be contacted if a silky comes in to the shelter.

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What kind of Silkys need new homes?

Since silky terriers are not an extremely common breed, and because small and cute dogs tend to be easier to place, there are usually not a large number of silkys available. There are exceptions, but the silkys that are looking for homes tend to be older (4 years old or older), and they seem to be mostly males. We have seen silkys from all over the US.

If you are interested in finding a Silky Terrier puppy, (especially a female puppy), you may want to contact a reputable breeder. We rarely have puppies in rescue and when we do, we usually have many applications for each one.

It is hard to generalize about the training and behavior of rescued Silkys, since they come from so many different kinds of backgrounds. They vary in terms of how much training they have had. Some are housetrained, some are not, and others are in need of some "brushing up" on their housetraining. Often, but not always, these rescued silkys also need some brushing up on other kinds of behavioral training, such as walking on leash, not jumping on people, not guarding food, etc. Sometimes we see rescued silkys who are shy and fearful, possibly because they were not socialized properly or because they have been abused in the past. Occasionally there is a rescued silky who doesn't need any work on his/her behavior, but this is the exception. Adopting a rescued dog is not a good solution for people who don't want to train a dog...besides, even the best trained dog needs continued attention in order to maintain the desired behavior and continue to improve.

Reputable rescue groups do not place dogs that are not spayed or neutered. The only exception may be made if a veterinarian recommends that the animal's health does not permit the spay/neuter to be done.

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How do I apply to adopt a rescued Silky?

Each shelter or rescue group has its own policies. If you see a silky listed on the web site that you are interested in, you should get in touch with the listed contact person to find out what the procedure is for that rescue group. It is important to know that rescue groups will want to "check you out" to determine if you will provide a good home for a Silky Terrier (or other dog), and to see if it looks like a Silky Terrier is a good match for you. This may include being asked to complete an application form, providing personal references, providing a veterinary reference, and possibly having a rescue volunteer visit your home. The reason for this extensive process is in order to make it more likely that the adoption will work and provide a permanent and happy home for the rescued dog.

The Silky Terrier Club of America Rescue program has an online application form located at http://SilkyRescue.org/appform.htm.

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Are Long Distance adoptions possible?

Every rescue group or shelter has its own policy about long distance adoptions. The Silky Terrier Rescue Program rarely does long distance adoptions. If we can find a local home for a Silky, as we usually can, we will place the Silky locally before considering a long distance placement. The reason for this is:

• Shipping is stressful for an animal, and many rescues are fearful already.
• We try to do a home visit before placing a Silky in a new home, and this may not be possible with a long distance placement.
• Sometimes adopting homes need help with training the rescued dog, and occasionally a placement does not work out. We have a strong commitment to our rescues and we want to be in a position to help them again if necessary.

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How much does it cost?

Once again, every rescue group or shelter has its own policies on cost. It would be very unusual for a rescue dog to be "free", although this might be the case if the dog is older or has special needs. Shelters tend to have a standard fee, although it might vary depending on whether the shelter had the dog spayed or neutered. Rescuers or rescue groups may have a standard "donation", although some may ask that the adopter cover the cost of vet fees that were needed to get the dog ready for adoption. If there are transportation expenses (shipping fees), they are usually paid by the adopter.

The Silky Terrier Rescue Program relies on donations and adoption fees to pay for our work. Many rescued dogs, including Silkys, have been neglected or abused and may have substantial needs for veterinary care. We do not want to have to turn down needy Silkys because we can't afford to take care of their health needs. Incidentally, our volunteers are not reimbursed for most of the expenses they incur in their rescue work (such as food, collars, toys, etc.), and we have no paid staff. Our reward is helping deserving Silkys!

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