Basenji Rescue & Adoption Policy

Mission

Our aim is to assist any pure‐bred Basenji in need. To ensure that Basenjis that come into our care are found loving, forever homes. Also provide a support mechanism for the new owners

 Rescue Assistance – Who can we help?

• Pure bred Basenjis;
• Basenjis surrendered by Victorian Basenji Breed Association Inc members;
• Basenjis surrendered by non Victorian Basenji Breed Association Inc Club members;
• Basenjis found in animal shelters pounds will be rescued before being euthanized;
• Basenjis found on the ‘street’s and handed to the VBBA by the general public;
• VBBA members/breeders and non VBBA members/breeders looking to re-home dogs

 Conditions of Assistance

• If the dog is being re-homed then its current owner will be encouraged to look after the dog until a suitable owner is found. If this is not feasible, the VBBA will endeavour to find a foster home until such time as a suitable home is found.
• Basenjis found by the general public and handed to the Club will be vet checked. All efforts will be made to find its owner; microchip, vets in the area found, lost and found website, shelters and other rescue and adoption agencies, listing on Basenji websites and notices in the VBBA magazine ‘B-Mail’. The Basenji will be kept by the Club for at least 5 weeks whilst trying to locate owner and before releasing to a new home.
• Members/breeders and non member/breeders who use this service to find a home for their own dogs must not ask for any monetary price for the dog and no leasing arrangements are permitted. The cost of transport and/or de-sexing can be negotiated between the owner and the new owner. In the case of assistance to a non VBBA member/breeder a small fee/donation may apply to assist with costs associated with running this service. As each circumstance may be different the fee will be determined by the VBBA Committee on an individual basis. There is no fee for VBBA members.
• Breeders that have taken back dogs from a previous sale will be treated as if they are in a foster care situation (i.e. more urgent) Dogs that are in foster care situations will be given re-homing priority. Dogs that are in the care of their owner/breeder and not directly in the care of the VBBA will under certain circumstances be dealt with as a ‘referral’ where sections of this policy, for logistical reasons, may not apply.  In a referral situation the owner and new owner may have total contact and breeder/owner or the VBBA may more fully involved with facility checks etc. on behalf of the owner. In some circumstances the owner will be responsible for the negotiations and costs including:

In certan circumstances re-homing assistance may not be offered

The Club has to be realistic in its rescue policy.

• We generally will not be able to offer assistance to mixed breeds; and
• There may be times where for reasons of temperament, health etc. that the kindest alternative for the ‘rescue’ is euthanasia. This option will always been seen as the very last resort.

 Income

As per the VBBA’s Constitution the Club has set up a Rescue Fund. The funds in the rescue fund may only be used for expenditure connected to the rescue, adoption and fostering of Basenjis. It may not be used for general administration expenses etc. of the Club. The following revenue streams must be directed into that fund:

• Adoption fee. Normally a donation of $150 is payable by the new owner to adopt a Basenji. However this might be less for an senior pet or dog with a known illness;
• Profits from the Annual Club Calendar;
• Donations that have been specifically noted as being for the Rescue Fund;
• In the case on non VBBA owner/breeder owned dogs, donation is requested from the breeder at the commencement of assistance and is payable whether or not the VBBA find the prospective home;
• Donation’s be made via PayPal on the Clubs website;
• Any fundraising advertised as being for the Rescue Fund.

Expenditure

• Costs of ‘adopting’ a Basenji from a pound or other rescue shelter will be paid by the Club’s Rescue fund.
• Cost of any advertising of a ‘lost’ Basenji and costs associated with trying to find owner.
• Cost of any required health testing for strays or pound dogs will be paid by the VBBA rescue fund.
• Unless the VBBA Committee deem otherwise cost of any required health testing for breeders dogs or dogs being re‐homed by members will be the responsibility of the current owner.
• Foster carers/transporters costs. The VBBA will pay all reasonable expenses in the recovery, fostering and transport of rescue Basenjis; Travel/Petrol, Feeding,Veterinary care including microchipping and de‐sexing where required adoption fees (pounds/shelters/RSPCA etc)

 Health Checks

The following applies to any dog relinquished to the VBBA and or any pet adopted from pounds or shelters

• If not already de-sexed dog must be de‐sexed before being adopted.
• Fanconi Syndrome – all dogs rescued must be DNA profiled for Fanconi Syndome unless evidence of their status can be produced or found. Preferably results must be established before re‐homing, unless the new owner is fully aware of the implications should an ‘affected’ result be found. The VBBA adoption contract will be adjusted accordingly.
• Vaccination up to date per vets advice before leaving care.
• Heart worm checked (if required) and medicated against heart worm before leaving care.
• Dogs must be microchipped before being adopted.
• General health check and other checks as deemed required.

In the case of ‘referrals’ to owners or breeders. The VBBA requests that Fanconi testing be carried out. But if not established the VBBA will advise potential adoptee of its policy and will make it clear to the potenial owner of the implications of not confirming Fanconi Syndrome status.

Rescue Coordinator

Must:

• Excellent knowledge of the breed;
• Be able to offer appropriate advice to people looking to surrender their dog;
• Coordinate the search for possible owner if a stray is found;
• Liaise with other agencies – dialogue to ensure such organisations are aware of the VBBA service and to make them aware to make contact with the VBBA should they receive a Basenji into their care;
• Advertise rescue dogs; Club magazine, Club website, various free websites;
• Coordinate rescue and adoption efforts with the Foster Carers;
• Keep Records; and
• Note and keep up to speed with any relevant legislation.

Foster Carers

Pre determined by the VBBA strategically located. Foster Carers must:

• Have safe secure housing for a foster dog – separate to their own dogs to prevent stress on the rescue and others;
• Good knowledge of the breed;
• Have transport and a crate suitable for transport;
• Be able to temperament test the dog;
• Preferably work with a vet sympathetic to rescue – i.e. will offer reasonable rates for medical assistance;
• Where feasible be able to conduct a facility check of possible homes in their area; and
• Complete necessary documents and forward to the Rescue Coordinator.

 Temperament Testing

Fosters carers to check the rescue for the following temperament issues if unknown including but not limited to:

• House trained;
• Travelling in a car;
• Crate trained;
• People dependence or separation anxiety;
• Socialisation with other Basenjis and other dogs;
• Socialisation with people and (if possible) children;
• Socialisation (where possible) with other animals e.g. cat; and
• Lead training.