This page is intended to give you an overview of the adoption process and the steps you need to take if you are interested in giving a Miniature American Shepherd a new start. Also, please find information on how to surrender a dog and how to report a MAS that may need assistance.
Adoption Process
Miniature American Shepherd Rescue is made up of approved individual Rescue Organizations, and covers all of the United States. If you are interested in adopting a MAS, reach out to an organization in your region listed below.
| Region 1 Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana & Wyoming | Compass Point Rescue Double J Dog Ranch Herd U Needed A Home Canine Rescue (HUNAH) Old Dog Haven |
| Region 2 Hawaii, California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona & New Mexico | Lost Our Home Pet Rescue One by One Animal Rescue 2nd "Chance" Dog Rescue |
| Region 3 Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Missouri, Arkansas & Louisiana | Lone Star Aussie Rescue (LSAR) |
| Region 4 North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa & Wisconsin | Coming Soon |
| Region 5 Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio & Kentucky | Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter (UPAWS) Pink Heart Rescue Save Our Herders Outreach (SOHO) |
| Region 6 Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia & Florida | Save Our Herders Outreach (SOHO) |
| Region 7 Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut & Rhode Island | Coming Soon |
| Region 8 New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, West Virginia, Virginia & District of Columbia | Save Our Herders Outreach (SOHO) |
Dogs may be posted on individual Rescue Organizations' websites, Petfinder, RescueMe or Facebook. Please read the description of what the dog is like and what they need, and understand that if the description indicates the dog needs to be an "only dog" or can't be around little kids, the dog needs to be an "only dog" and shouldn't be around kids. The dog has been assessed, and the foster understands what the dog needs.
All dogs that are available for adoption will be fully vaccinated, spayed/neutered and microchipped. When a dog does become available, you will be asked to complete an application and the Rescue Organization will review the application for "fit." The organization will call and interview you, and check the references you have provided. A home visit may be scheduled, or pictures may need to be provided. In most instances, a wooden or chain-link fenced yard is required. A dog may not be placed in a home that uses an electric or radio fencing system. Once your references and home check are complete, arrangements will be made for you to meet the dog in person. All family members should be available so that our volunteer can assess how the dog interacts with you and vice versa. Once it is deemed that you are a good fit for the dog, an adoption agreement will be completed and an adoption fee will be collected. Transport may be arranged between areas if a match is found to be in the best interest of the dog. The cost of transfer will be paid by the adopter.
If for any reason you feel the relationship is not beneficial to you or the dog, the Rescue Organization will take the dog back into the rescue.
Surrendering a Miniature American Shepherd
If you find yourself in a position where you can no longer care for your MAS, we can help! First and foremost, contact your breeder for assistance. If a solution/home is not found, please contact the closest rescue organization in your region and they will work with you to help place your dog or bring your dog into their foster program. Please provide as much information on the dog as possible including vet records, health issues, habits, likes/dislikes, etc. The more information the organization has, the better they can help your dog find the right home.
Report a Miniature American Shepherd in Need
Do you know of a MAS in need? We can help here too! Our volunteers patrol internet listings such as Petfinder for MAS who need help. We also have a good network of contacts with local area shelters in case a MAS is surrendered directly to them. If you know of a MAS that needs assistance, please contact the closest rescue organization in your region. We are always ready to spring into action to help our beloved dogs!
Grant Application
Request For Funding Checklist:
- Has your organization helped Miniature American Shepherds within the calendar year?
- Is your Rescue Group a certified Non-Profit with an IRS determination letter indicating 501(c)(3) tax exempt status?
- Does your group have no paid administrative costs/salaries?
- Do you agree to submit your Rescue information for publication on our website?
If your organization meets these requirements, please fill out the Request For Funding form and provide the requested documentation.
If you have any questions, please contact Dawn Knapp, MASCUSA National Rescue Coordinator.
