Rescue Program General Information

Because Tollers are very active, we go to great lengths to make sure they will be placed in homes that are right for them.  Tollers are extremely intelligent and are "thinking" dogs.  They respond well to training methods which can benefit both dog and owner by fostering understanding and communication.  It can be said that you never really own a Toller - you have a relationship with one. 

Tollers are unlike similar looking dog breeds.  If you think that you are getting a small version of a Golden Retriever, then you will be disappointed.  Tollers are high energy and as mentioned above, extremely intelligent.  They think.  They will decide whether cooperation with you is in their best interests.  They present a challenge, but once they accept you the bond is forever.  Because of the Tollers needs, we seek to find appropriate permanent adoptive homes which will be right for both you and the dog.

Why would you want a Toller? Especially a "rescue" Toller?  Well, because they are wonderful! Almost any problem can be remedied with time, patience, love and the appropriate training. It is our belief that must allow the adopted Toller several months to adjust to their new home.  Your adopted dog may test you time and time again the way adopted children do, just to make sure you are worthy of his affection and loyalty, but once the Toller accepts you and you become his family you will be rewarded with a near perfect relationship - one that is based on loyalty and trust. Loyalty and trust both from the Toller and from the owner.

NSDTRC(USA) knows the difficulties you may face, and the joy you will experience in living with a Toller. We want to make the transition as easy as possible for you that is why we offer unlimited support during the first few months that the adopted Toller moves in with you. We give adoptive Tollers a second chance, and we want to make your experience the rewarding, exciting event it should be.

Tollers are not for everyone. They require time, commitment, and a willingness to become truly involved with them. They are not a "backyard" or "garage" dog. They must have personal contact in a loving, nurturing environment. We do our very best to see that goal is reached. If you would like to investigate the possibility of living with a Toller, we invite you to fill out our Adoption Application Form or to contact us with any questions.

Where do Toller rescue dogs come from?

Shelters / Foster Care

Owner surrender

From a Breeding Program

Placement Guide and Decision

1. If the dog is located in a shelter, first it must be determined that the dog is, or can be reasonably ascertained as a purebred Toller.  This can be achieved by personal visit, videos, or photos of the dog in various activities.  We regret that we are unable to assist dogs that may be of mixed lineage.  If the dog is determined to be a Toller then: 
   1. If the dog is in a "kill" shelter, arrangements for foster care will be undertaken.  Foster care may be provided by NSDTRC(USA) or any other organization that can provide this service.
   2. If the dog is in no danger, we will still try to provide a foster home until adoption.  This is better for the dog for socialization  and getting back into the "home environment".
       
2. If the dog is being surrendered by an individual then the Surrender Form will be filled out and signed and the dog will become legally owned by NSDTRC(USA).  Surrendered dogs are first evaluated for health and temperament. We request that owners bring dogs up-to-date with all shots, fecal testing and heartworm testing.  It is also preferable that all dogs first be neutered or spayed. We do not take dogs with a history of aggression, unless there are special circumstances. 
    
3. Once in foster care, the dog should be checked by a veterinarian.  This may include medical care and grooming.  This requirement may be waived if in the case of an owner surrender if all medical records are given, and proof of Heartworm negative and shot records provided.
    
4. Attempts are made to locate the legal owner of the dog via all methods available to the volunteers handling the situation.
    
5. If the legal owner/breeder is located, a volunteer will contact the breeder, and may visit their home.  If the location is considered abusive or neglectful then the volunteer will contact their National coordinator and investigate all legal means of protecting the dog. Under no circumstances will a Toller be placed in an abusive or neglectful environment.
    
6. If the breeder of the dog can be determined, they will be offered the option of cooperative placement of the dog for them in an approved adoptive home through NSDTRC(USA).  We want everyone to join with us in providing an environment where the welfare of the dog is considered first, and where the re-homing of the dog will be a positive experience for all parties involved.
    
7. If, after a reasonable period of time, the legal owner/breeder cannot be located then the dog will be spayed or neutered before being placed in a pre-screened adoptive home.  During the neutering stay, the dog will be micro-chipped.
    
8. Efforts will be made to move the dog as little as possible while it is waiting for a permanent home.  Statistics bear out that the more often a dog is relocated, the more likely it is to be confused and try to run away, or take longer to adjust to the new "forever" home when finally placed.

Basic Policies

1. An Adoption Application to determine your requirements.  This may also include telephone interviews.
2. A home visit to determine if the accommodations are safe and appropriate.  If we find areas that are potentially dangerous, we will make recommendations that need to be corrected before a dog can be placed, i.e. lock must be installed on gate, broken fencing must be repaired, etc.
3. Follow-up visit or visits to assure that your adoptive Toller is being properly acclimated to the new home.

NSDTRC(USA) will provide any other assistance as reasonably required to help the new owner in the ways of the Toller.  We have vast experience with our dogs, and many of our members are trainers and evaluators as well as breeders.  Answers to your questions are out there, all you have to do is ask!

Fees