What is Basset Hound Rescue? This is a program whereby Basset Hounds in need of new homes are taken in by breed fanciers, housed, given any needed veterinary care (including spay/neuter), and adopted out to new homes. Most of the doges are turned over animal shelters because of overcrowded conditions. Some of the dogs have been surrendered by their previous owners.

In some instances, rescue is contacted by a Basset Hound owner who must give up a pet because of a particular circumstance (allergies, moving, etc.), and seeks help in finding a good home for the dog. When this occurs, an attempt is made to refer prospective owners directly to the current owner.

Is there a fee? Adoptive owners are usually asked to make a minimum donation of $150 to cover the expenses involved in getting the dog ready for placement, i.e., veterinary bills, board bills if the dog must be housed in a commercial kennel while awaiting adoption, etc. The dogs normally are spayed or neutered, receive all necessary inoculations, heartworm test, fecal test and worming, if necessary. The veterinary bills usually are less than half the cost for the new owner to obtain the same services.

Any additional donation above expenses is appreciated, and goes into a rescue fund to help care for other dogs, including extraordinary expenses, food, etc.

If a dog is surrendered directly by the original owner, a donation is usually requested to help cover the cost of feeding and housing the dog until it is adopted, or to pay for any necessary veterinary expenses.

A reputable rescue service is run on a non-profit basis, and no one involved in it receives any remuneration, other than repayment for out-of-pocket expenses directly related to the care of the dogs.

How do I adopt a Basset Hound? You may contact the closest rescue agent (see link to state groups), who will interview you to determine if the Basset Hound is the right breed for you, and if you are able to provide a good home for one of our dogs. If no dog is available at the time, you will be put on a waiting list and contacted when a suitable dog becomes available.

Information about the care of Bassets will be provided at the time of adoption, and follow-up advice is always just a phone call away.

If you adopt a dog, you will be asked to sign a contract stating that you will provide good care and will cooperate with us when we check on the dog. Any failure on your part to live up to the terms of the contract can result in the dog being reclaimed by Basset Hound Rescue and a penalty being assessed against you.

If, at any time, you no longer can keep the dog you adopt, it must be returned to Basset Hound Rescue. Donations are non-refundable.