Consider Rescue

For many families, adopting a rescue Basset Hound is a great alternative to buying from a reputable breeder. Bassets are often available through rescue organizations due to no fault of their own. Some Bassets come to rescue because of a change of their family’s financial circumstance, a move to a location where dogs are not be allowed, illness or death of a family member, or for unsuitable behavior in the home due to lack of training or proper socialization. These dogs are deserving of a loving home.

As you explore this section, you can can expect to learn about rescuing a Basset Hound. Information included in this section should answer many questions about why and how you can adopt a Basset Hound in addition to how to find a reputable Rescue.

Learn about Basset Hound Rescue

If you wish to adopt, BHCA Recognized Rescue Groups are the best place to begin this process. BHCA Recognized Rescue Groups meet criteria that has been established by the Basset Hound Club of America to assist individuals looking for a reputable and conscientious rescue group.

You will learn how important it is that when selecting a Rescue Group to work with, that you ask questions regarding their adoption process, fostering, home visits, vet checks among others. It is also important to ask about their return policy if you are unable to keep your rescue dog. Reputable rescue groups will have you fill out an application, require a home visit, ask about previous pets, and require a veterinarian reference.

Mission of the BHCA Rescue Advisory Committee

The purpose of the Rescue Committee is to foster a productive relationship between BHCA and recognized 501c3 Basset Hound Rescue groups across the country.  The goals of this BHCA/Rescue relationship are to:

  • Promote involvement of rescue Basset Hounds in events as allowable by AKC guidelines and rules.
  • Provide breed information, educational information, as well as information about allowable venues and activities for pet owners of Basset Hounds at Breed Club events.
  • Provide venues for pet and rescue Basset Hounds to participate in events at local events and dog shows.
  • Encourage involvement of Breed Clubs with their local rescue groups in sharing of information, activities, educational opportunities and a resource for owners of pet Basset Hounds in the local community.
  • Plan and coordinate, with the assistance of the local rescue groups, an activity which is designed to engage and involve both the rescue community and BHCA membership at the BHCA Nationals each year.

Breed Clubs are encouraged to:

  • Appoint a Breed Club Rescue Liaison to serve as contact with the local Basset Hound Rescue groups in order to establish a positive working relationship.
  • Inform and invite members of the local Basset Hound Rescue groups to Breed Club events, such as matches, Meet-Ups, tracking events, Obedience classes, Therapy Dog classes, Rally classes, Agility classes and other appropriate activities as allowed by AKC.
  • Support and participate in events and fundraising activities of local Basset Hound rescues.
  • Develop a reliable method of on-going communication in which the Breed Club and local Basset Hound Rescue groups can seek advice and share information regarding local and personal Basset Hound concerns.
  • Encourage pet owners of Basset Hounds to become members of BHCA and the local Breed Club.

Why should I consider adopting a rescue Basset?

There are a number of good reasons to consider adopting a rescue Basset.  Many people find great joy and pleasure in giving a “new home” to a dog that has been brought in to rescue, often through no fault of their own.

Most Basset rescue dogs are adults and many are already housebroken.  They must be spayed or neutered before Rescue will place them in a home.  Rescue dogs are often an alternative for a loving family who truly wants a Basset Hound at a cost that is typically less than a dog from a reputable breeder.  Keep in mind that whether you purchase a dog from a reputable breeder, or arrange to adopt a rescue dog, veterinary care can be expensive. 

Expect to give your new dog about thirty days to acclimate to its new home or perhaps more if there are special circumstances.

 Advantages:

  • Puppies often chew and need more close supervision than adult Bassets.
  • Puppies need more frequent potty stops than their adult counterparts. Most adult Bassets are housebroken and may just need a quick refresher course on house rules.
  • Basset puppies should be supervised when playing with bigger older dogs until they are at least one year old. Due to the anatomy of the Basset Hound, it is important that growth plates be closed which usually happens by the time they are a year before they are allowed to play with larger adult dogs or do stairs.  Injuries to the growth plates can cause severe lameness and a host of veterinary bills.  Adult Bassets should be able to participate in all family activities including playing with other adult pets without worry of injury.

Disadvantages:

  • In some cases rescue Bassets have been neglected and/or improperly trained by their former owners. They may require more patience and perhaps an occasional visit from a professional behaviorist.
  • In the case of Bassets with special needs, the adoptive family may need to be extremely understanding and use patience helping their new Basset adapt to its home.
  • Some rescue Bassets may be timid or shy until they have had a chance to adapt to their new surroundings.

With love and patience, these Basset Hounds can blossom into endearing lifetime pets.

How can I be sure adopting a Rescue Basset is right for me?

While those of us who have Bassets love this breed, if you are unsure, discuss this with the Rescue Coordinator that you are working with.  Perhaps you might want to volunteer to foster a dog or volunteer with the group until you are satisfied that this is right decision for you and your family.

What is the adoption process like?

Each Rescue organization has their own approval process for potential adopters.  Most Rescue organizations will at the very least require:

  • Complete an adoption application.
  • A vet check and referral if you currently have a pet or have had a pet in the past.
  • Verification of address.
  • Verification of rental/condo/home owner association/community agreement regarding number and type of pets allowed (if applicable).
  • Phone Interview.
  • Home Visit by a Rescue coordinator.
  • A visit with the potential Basset Hound for you and your entire family (including current dogs).

Adopter Beware

While there are many reputable rescue groups that do commendable work, a few are more like “retail rescue.”  Be careful of those groups who will ship dogs and do same day adoptions without prescreening and home visits.  It is usually best if the dog you are adopting has been fostered, has had all of its vet work checked, and who its rescuers know about its history.  It is always best if you can work through a BHCA Recognized Rescue.

If you are unsure of your decision, please contact the Chairperson of the Rescue Committee, Sandra Wittenberg at drsandi48@gmail.com.

Be patient while trying to find the right Rescue Basset for your home situation.  Rescues who foster their dogs will have a good reason to place their available hounds in the homes they choose.  Be willing to wait for the right Basset for you and your family.

It will be worth the wait to bring your new Basset into your home.

How do I find a Reputable Rescue Group?How do I find a Reputable Rescue Group?

Look for a BHCA Recognized Rescue in your area.  You can also contact your local BHCA  club.  The BHCA Rescue Committee may be able to assist you if you are unable to find a group in your area.

Just as when purchasing a dog from a breeder, there are specific questions you should ask the Rescue Organization you may be working with to be sure that the dog you are adopting is the best match for your family.

ORGANIZATION INFORMATION

  • Is the organization a 501(c)(3) charitable organization?
  • Does the organization have a website or social media presence that provides contact information and dogs for adoption?

CARE OF DOGS IN THEIR POSSESSION

  • Where are the dogs in their possession kept? (foster home, boarding, their own facility)
  • Who oversees the dogs in their care?
  • Are dogs provided immediate vet assessment and care upon intake?
  • How are the dogs assessed for temperament, behavior, issues etc.?
  • Will they take the dog back unconditionally if the adoption does not work out?

ADOPTION PROCESS

  • Does the rescue have an adoption application and explanation of the adoption process?
  • Does the rescue screen potential adoptive families? (vet check, verification of pet policy if renting, phone interview, home check)
  • Does the rescue have an adoption contract?
  • Does the rescue disclose all known medical conditions and needs of the dog and provide copies of treatments and vet records for the dog while in their care?
  • Does the rescue provide an opportunity to have your current dogs meet the potential adoptive dog to assure that they are compatible?

POST ADOPTION SUPPORT

  • Does the rescue provide on-going support for problems occurring during both the acclimation time after adoption and during the life of the dog?
  • Will the rescue take the dog back unconditionally if the adoption does not work out?

Do you need assistance with rescue? 

If you have any difficulty reaching the rescue organization you have chosen to work with, please contact the Chairperson of the Rescue Committee, Sandra Wittenberg at drsandi48@gmail.com.

Be patient while trying to find the right Rescue Basset for your home situation.  Rescues who foster their dogs will have a good reason to place their available hounds in the homes they choose.  Be willing to wait for the right Basset for you and your family.

It will be worth the wait to bring your new Basset into your home.