Cairn Terriers come into the Rescue system because they have been abandoned or surrendered by their owner. Dogs are placed into Rescue programs for a variety of reasons, including family moves, death, divorce, illness, new baby, owner inability to cope with the dog's health conditions, owner incompatible with Cairn Terrier temperament, conflicts with children and strays found in shelters. Some people may have acquired a dog without considering the fifteen-year (or more) commitment that pet ownership may require. In some cases, a dog is placed in Rescue because of neglect or abuse. Before placement a Rescue Volunteer will evaluate the dog's personality, temperament, health conditions and adaptability. They will provide any necessary veterinary care and rehabilitation. This dog then may be placed in a temporary foster home if needed or adopted directly to a nurturing permanent home selected to provide the love and care it needs and deserves. Many dedicated and caring volunteers are providing these necessary services to help Cairns all across the country. Known biters, aggressive dogs or pets who are simply too ill to be adopted are not offered for adoption. Some dogs are offered for adoption within strict guidelines such as placement in homes without children or any other pets. Dogs are given any necessary veterinary care before adoption. For example, in some parts of the country, heartworm is epidemic, and a dog will need to be treated for heartworm and placed on preventive medication before adoption. Pets will be spayed or neutered. Rescue groups cannot "guarantee" the future health or well being of any dog. But they will guarantee to take the dog back if the adoption does not work satisfactorily for any reason. You will not receive AKC registration papers with a Rescue. This does not mean that the dog is not a purebred. However, if you rescue a dog you can apply for an ILP (Indefinite Listing Privilege), which will allow you to compete with your dog in AKC Sanctioned Agility and Obedience events. Rescue groups very rarely have a puppy for adoption. Usually dogs are placed into Rescue just past the "cute puppy stage," anywhere from 2 years to 13 years. Cairns are young at heart and generally have a long life span, so you will have many years of love and fun to share with your Rescue.
1. Read through all of the Frequently Asked Questions. 2. Complete the Adoption Application. Make sure all fields are complete and give as much information as possible. Incomplete applications may be rejected or delayed. This application properly completed will provide the Rescue Volunteer with enough information to match your home and lifestyle with an appropriate Cairn Terrier who will fit into both. The goal is to find safe, loving homes for all Cairn Rescues. Responsible breeders, many of whom are Rescue Volunteers, interview prospective puppy purchasers very carefully. You should expect the same from your Rescue Volunteer. No applicant is ever at the top of the list for the next dog. For each Rescue dog, the volunteers will review all pending applications to make the best possible match for the dog and the new family. Your application will be kept on file for two months. If you are still interested in adopting a Cairn after that time, you will need to submit another application. If you should change your mind, please let the volunteer know right away. When you do take your new pet home, you will discover the wait was well worth it! 3. Once a Rescue Coordinator has reviewed your application and there is a possible match between you and a Cairn, one of the following may occur: Direct Referral: This occurs when Rescue hears about a Cairn that needs a new home. The dog may be in a shelter or still living with its owner. Rescue does not claim to know anything about the history of the dog or its temperament and the dog is not part of the PCTC Rescue program. Rescue simply informs you of the Cairn and it's up to you to work with the shelter or owner in pursuing the adoption of the Cairn. PCTC's involvement with the adoption process ends with referring you to the shelter or owner. PCTC Adoption: This occurs when there is a Cairn in foster care with a PCTC member. You may be invited to meet the foster Cairn or asked to schedule a home inspection. If you wish to adopt the Cairn, then a home inspection is done (see What is a Home Inspection?). If everything is in order with the home inspection, then the adoption of the foster Cairn may proceed. 4. When you pick up your Cairn (in the case of a PCTC Adoption), you will be asked for a donation. Your volunteer will have already discussed this with you during the process. The donation amount for an individual Rescue will depend on the age and the necessary veterinary care (including neutering). Typically, you should expect to donate more for a younger Rescue, since the actual cost for the older ones is offset by asking for a slightly higher donation for those under 4 years. See Is there a charge for a Rescue dog? for details. All Rescue Cairns must leave their foster homes in a crate at the time of adoption. If the dog did not come into Rescue with a crate, you may purchase a crate from Rescue for $35, or provide your own at the time of adoption. Most Cairns will fit into a medium sized plastic crate with these dimensions: 20" W x 27" L x 19" H.