Are you ready for a Border Collie? These adorable dogs are considered the smartest breed in the world, yet they are also among those that often end up in rescues.
If you want to save one from being put to sleep, I suggest that you read this list from beginning to end. Afterwhich, get in touch with the rescue center nearest to you and inquire about their adoption requirements.
Let’s begin your Border Collie hunt, shall we?
RECOMMENDED READING: Most of the rescues in this list follow the same adoption process. If you want to ace your application, I suggest that you read our ultimate adoption guide which features key tips and techniques starting from choosing the breed to home introduction.
Top 10 Border Collie Rescues to Find Border Collies for Adoption
The Border Collie rescues in this list have years of experience in saving and fostering dogs. These groups are passionate about caring for the breed and finding forever homes for them.
Whichever part of the country you are in, there is a Border Collie rescue that is easily accessible to you. Here is our top ten:
1. Arizona Border Collie Rescue (AZBCR) – Arizona
If you are in Arizona and are looking for a Border Collie to adopt, you may want to visit Arizona Border Collie Rescue. This can be found in the city of Tempe just east of Phoenix and is considered a very health-oriented rescue organization.
AZBCR ensures humane treatment of the Border Collies they foster. They rehabilitate and train these neglected, abandoned, and unwanted dogs and rehome them when they are ready.
In addition, all the dogs from AZBCR are already spayed or neutered, dewormed, and vaccinated. If they suffer from any illness or injury, they are given treatment before being put up for adoption.
What’s more, their dogs are also groomed, microchipped, and given ID tags attached to their collars.
The adoption process of AZBCR usually takes several days to weeks. It involves filling out an application form online, a phone interview, and a home visit.
Arizona Border Collie Rescue (AZBCR) Information and Details:
Website: Arizona Border Collie Rescue (AZBCR)
Address: P.O. Box 10717, Tempe, AZ 85284
Phone: 480-422-5366
Email: traciajohnson@juno.com
2. Border Collies In Need, Inc. (BCIN) – Southern California
Border Collies In Need, Inc. is a nonprofit organization facilitated by a group of non-paid volunteers. They’ve been rehabilitating and placing dogs into suitable homes since September 2007.
The dogs from this rescue came from many sources such as city or county shelters and strays. Apart from rescuing, the group accepts dogs from private individuals who give up their Border Collies due to certain reasons.
Before putting up each dog for adoption, Border Collies In Need ensures that they are healthy and well-behaved. Each dog gets the necessary veterinary treatment, vaccinations, sterilization, micro-chipping, and temperament evaluation.
They thoroughly interview potential pet parents to make sure that they are a suitable match for the breed.
Border Collies In Need, Inc. (BCIN) Information and Details:
Website: Border Collies In Need, Inc. (BCIN)
Address: 1621 W. 25th Street #104 San Pedro, CA 90732
Phone: 310-547-9574
Email: rescue@bordercolliesinneed.org
3. Border Collie Save and Rescue, Inc. (BCSAVE) – Central and North Texas
Border Collie Save and Rescue, Inc. is another nonprofit dog rescue that services in Central and North Texas. They rescue Border Collies even from private individuals who relinquish them.
One good thing about this rescue is that they also process out-of-state adoptions at the prospective pet parent’s expense. Currently, the BCSAVE Board prioritizes those who can travel to Dallas/ Fort Worth or Austin to meet and potentially adopt a dog.
Of course, this does not guarantee that you will be able to successfully adopt from them. They always want to ensure that their rescues go to adopters who are best suited for a specific dog or breed.
Thus, they may choose not to continue with your request to adopt if they see that you are not ready.
Border Collie Save and Rescue, Inc. (BCSAVE) Information and Details:
Address: 7726 W HWY 199 Springtown, TX 76082
Phone: 956-752-6956
Email: info@bcsave.org
4. Glen Highland Farm (GHF) – New England
If you are in the New England states, you may want to consider adopting from Glen Highland Farm. Established in 2001, this place has been a haven to over 3,000 Border Collies both puppies and seniors alike. The place has a strong following and is well respected as a rescue.
In 2019, Glen Highland decided to focus solely on senior dogs. This is to meet the needs of abandoned seniors, who are often considered unadoptable. They are now the only rescue devoted to adult Border Collies.
Aside from caring for adult dogs, Glen Highland provides refuge for Border Collies with different conditions. They look after dogs with behavioral or medical challenges that make them unsuitable for a new home.
Glen Highland Farm (GHF) Information and Details:
Website: Glen Highland Farm (GHF)
Address: 217 Pegg Rd Morris NY 13808
Phone: 607-263-5415
Email: rescue@glenhighlandfarm.com
5. Look Back Border Collie Rescue, Inc. (LBR) – Southern California
Another place to visit in Southern California if you want to adopt a Border Collie is Look Back Border Collie Rescue, Inc. This is also a nonprofit which is run by volunteers.
The name “Look Back” was in reference to a command used for the Border Collie, who has a natural herding instinct. This is what the handler tells the dog after gathering sheep so they can leave the flock to look for more lost ones.
In Look Back rescue, you will meet Border Collies with different backgrounds and personalities. Most of them come from shelters or owner turn-ins.
They enjoy being part of a loving foster family, which prepares the dogs for rehoming. They also get veterinary checkups, training, and socialization.
Aside from all these, dogs in Look Back rescue live in foster care. They are temperament tested, which helps in matching them to suitable homes. The adoption process is quite strict, so you should make sure that you are ready for a Border Collie before you adopt one.
Look Back Border Collie Rescue, Inc. (LBR) Information and Details:
Address: 710 South Myrtle Avenue #195 Monrovia CA 91016
Phone: 626-806-5500
Email: contact@LookBackRescue.org
6. Heart of a Border Collie Rescue (HBCR) – Minnesota
The dogs at Heart of a Border Collie Rescue come from different backgrounds even though they only come from Minnesota, the Dakotas, and nearby states. Some used to be farm dogs, former strays, and previous family pets.
HBCR aims to match dogs with the best pet parents. They make sure that adopters can provide a Border Collie’s needs for regular activity and mental stimulation.
While waiting to be adopted, the Border Collies are given temporary housing in approved foster homes. HBCR also provides them with medical care, rehabilitation, and training, as well as educating their prospective adopters.
Heart of a Border Collie Rescue (HBCR) Information and Details:
Address: PO Box 203, mound, MN 55364
Phone: 612-405-8987
Email: adopt@hoabcr.org
7. Mid-Atlantic Border Collie Rescue (MABCR) – New England
For 30 years, Mid-Atlantic Border Collie Rescue has been a haven for abandoned, abused, or neglected Border Collies. They rescue these dogs and give them proper care before putting them up for adoption.
The strict adoption process ensures the Border Collies go to caring and responsible homes. Based on evaluations, MABCR also determines if a dog should be a pet or a working dog.
MABCR is made up of a group of volunteers who have extensive experience of living and working with Border Collies. They serve the states of Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, parts of New York, and the District of Columbia.
If you are from these areas, MABCR is the place to go if you want to adopt.
Mid-Atlantic Border Collie Rescue (MABCR) Information and Details:
Address: Chestertown Rd, Chestertown, MD 21620
Phone: 410-778-4669
Email: slr@mabcr.org
8. Midwest Border Collie Rescue (MWBCR) – Wisconsin
Midwest Border Collie Rescue saves abandoned, abused, and lost Border Collies and gives them proper care and training. The dogs are then assessed before they become available for adoption. They screen prospective pet parents to ensure the best possible match for their dogs.
Dedicated to saving the lives of Border Collies and Border Collie mixes, MWBCR has a no-kill policy. They do not euthanize adoptable rescues due to a lack of homes. MWBCR keeps the dog in their program for as long as it is necessary until they find a suitable home.
They also help potential and current Border Collie owners through information drives and advice. This is to educate them on the characteristics, proper care, training, and behavioral issues of Border Collies.
Midwest Border Collie Rescue (MWBCR) Information and Details:
Website: Midwest Border Collie Rescue (MWBCR)
Address: P.O. Box 171, Beloit, WI 53512
Email: mwbcr@mwbcr.org
9. Northern California Border Collie Rescue & Adoptions (NCBCRA) – Northern California
Northern California Border Collie Rescue & Adoptions, Inc. is composed of volunteers who rescue and rehome Border Collies.
Their mission is to save Border Collies that are abandoned, abused, and neglected. They foster these dogs, give them proper care then place them into safe and nurturing homes.
Based in Tehama County, NCBCRA aims to prevent uncontrolled breeding by spaying and neutering each Border Collie before adoption.
They also educate potential Border Collie owners on the benefits and possible difficulties of caring for a Border Collie. This is to ensure that each rescue will be loved and well cared for in their new homes.
Northern California Border Collie Rescue & Adoptions (NCBCRA) Information and Details:
Website: Northern California Border Collie Rescue & Adoptions (NCBCRA)
Address: P.O. Box 5004 Corning, CA 96021
Phone: 530-324-2275
Email: info@norcalbcrescue.org
10. Nebraska Border Collie Rescue (NBCR) – Nebraska
Since 1999, Nebraska Border Collie Rescue has been known to rescue, foster, and rehome Border Collies. They are a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization that serves the Border Collies and Border Collie mixes who are abandoned or in danger of euthanasia.
NBCR provides rehabilitation and veterinary care for Border Collies before they are available for adoption. The adoption process includes an application, phone call, reference checks, and home visits.
This is in line with NBCR’s goal to place dogs in safe and loving homes. The organization also educates the public to reduce the need for rescue in the future.
Nebraska Border Collie Rescue (NBCR) Information and Details:
Website: Nebraska Border Collie Rescue (NBCR)
Address: 824 Calais Street Bellevue, Nebraska, 68123
Phone: 402-292-5958
Email: nebraskabcrescue@gmail.com
Another thing that can help you significantly with your dog hunt is reading our ultimate dog adoption guide. This, alongside the rescue options from our directory will increase your chances of bringing home the dog you desire.
Other Sources for Border Collie Rescues or Shelters for Adoption
Aside from our top ten Border Collie rescues, there are many similar organizations across the country that you may want to look at.
A lot of these are connected to online pet adoption resource sites. These sites are databases of adoptable Border Collies as well as other breeds. If you want to know more about these helpful pet adoption sites, here are some of our top choices:
Adopt a Pet – Adopt a Pet has links to over 17,000 different animal shelters and rescues. It has a simple, easy-to-navigate interface that allows you to filter your search by location, age, and breed. Aside from photos, the site also has videos of the featured adoptable Border Collies as well as other dog breeds and pets. Adoption requirements may vary depending on the policies of the listed adoption organization.
Petfinder – Petfinder is an affiliate of many rescues and shelters all over the U.S. and features many Border Collies and a variety of other pets on the site. The site has an easy-to-use layout and is regularly updated. Petfinder allows you to filter your search by age, organization, compatibility with other dogs or kids, and more. There is also an interactive quiz that asks lifestyle questions and breed preferences to further help you decide.
Rescue Me – Over the years, Rescue Me has managed to find homes for nearly one million pets. At Rescue Me, you can enter your state and be able to see the dogs currently available for adoption. You can also search for a particular breed such as Border Collie and then the site shows you the states where they are available for adoption.
Local Animal Shelters and Rescue Organizations – You may also look through shelters and rescue groups in your area. Many dogs are given up and rescued every day. Various organizations take them into foster care until they are ready for adoption. One of these groups may be close to your location and a new Border Collie rescue might just be the one you’ve been looking for.
Why Do People Put Border Collies up for Adoption or in a Rescue?
The herding instinct of Border Collies sets them apart from most dog breeds. Their energy and sharpness make them a great pet for families and those with active lifestyles. Border Collies are superb pets once you know how to properly care for them.
How do they end up in rescues, though? Well, there are various reasons why people give up their Border Collies. These are not always due to the Border Collie’s unique nature, but the pet parents’ capacity to care for them.
Here are some of the reasons why Border Collies end up in rescues:
The owners have to move to a different location that is no longer suitable for a Border Collie. An example is when the pet owner moves to a house that doesn’t have a huge enough yard, like an apartment building.
The pet owner’s new place does not allow pets. This is sad, but some apartments impose this rule.
The pet parent is no longer able to care for a Border Collie, who needs a constant human presence. This happens when a person becomes too busy with a job or gets sick.
The Border Collie becomes ‘too much’ of a pet. They are energetic and love constant activity. Border Collies might overwhelm the less skilled pet owner.
The owner can no longer afford to care for a Border Collie.
There are too many pets in the house, and it is not possible anymore to properly care for a Border Collie.
The Border Collie has too many illnesses.
The Border Collie bites.
Some of these reasons might dissuade you from adopting a Border Collie from rescues. But, when Border Collie rescues take in a dog, they also treat and train them to be adoptable again.
If you plan to adopt a Border Collie, you must also consider your lifestyle, needs, and skills. You must be ready before even visiting a Border Collie rescue to meet your new best friend.
How Much Should It Cost to Adopt a Border Collie?
You might wonder, why do Border Collie rescues charge adoption fees? Are they not hoping that someone will take the dog?
Sure, the rescue facilities want to find forever homes for the dogs that they foster. But, they also want to make sure that these dogs go to the best possible homes.
The adoption cost for Border Collies usually starts at $300, and most of it goes to the dog’s health expenses. According to the Carson Animal Clinic, the Border Collie is prone to many health issues.
Border Collie rescues rehabilitate each dog under their foster care. Apart from the vet checkups, there are also fees for vaccines, tests, and treatments. Adopting a dog is a big decision and each prospective pet parent should be willing to pay the necessary fees.
Adoption fees for Border Collie rescues depend on the dog’s age and whether they are purebred or mixed. There is a higher fee for purebred Border Collies compared to those mixed with other breeds.
People who want to adopt a Border Collie should visit the nearest rescue to see the dogs and inquire about the costs. To get an idea of where the adoption fees go, here is a breakdown of all the expenses.
Is It Difficult to Adopt a Border Collie From a Rescue?
The short answer to this question is yes. Border Collie rescue facilities impose a strict adoption process. This is to make sure that each dog ends up in a suitable home.
The tough screening allows prospective owners to learn more about the Border Collie that they want to adopt.
The process may be frustrating at times, with the many questions and requirements but this ensures that there won’t be any heartbreaks on the part of the prospective owner and the dog if the adoption turns out to be a mismatch.
If you want to adopt a Border Collie from a rescue, it is strongly recommended that you learn all that you can about this breed. Learning about the Border Collie or any breed you are adopting is always one of the best ways to prepare for the adoption.
5 Tips for Getting Approved by a Rescue to Adopt a Border Collie
A Border Collie is not your usual dog. This is why Border Collie rescue facilities take extra care in screening those who want to adopt.
The process is strict and there are plenty of requirements to comply with. Yet, it is all worth it once you get approved and allowed to bring home your new Border Collie buddy.
How do you ace the adoption screenings, then? Your readiness is a huge factor. People at the rescue center can easily tell whether you are fit to adopt a Border Collie or not. Here are some tips to help you through the rigid adoption process:
Do your research. A Border Collie is more than just an adorable and intelligent dog breed. They are workers, known for their herding instinct. Learn about this particular instinct as it plays a big factor when considering adopting a Border Collie.
Be honest about your capabilities as a pet parent. A Border Collie is not like your usual companion dog. They have needs that fit specific lifestyles. The staff at the rescue facility will ask a lot of questions to determine if you are fit to adopt one. Be truthful, answer with facts, and do not embellish.
Ask questions. Add to your research by asking people at the rescue who have lived with Border Collies and cared for them. Asking questions will also give you an idea of how your life would be like with a Border Collie.
Build a fence. It should be four to six feet high and not the underground electronic type. After submitting your application to adopt, the people at the rescue facility will visit your place. Border Collies are active and energetic, so rescue shelters prefer prospective pet parents who have a fenced yard.
Visit the Border Collie. Go and meet the Border Collie that you want to adopt by visiting. This is also one of the best ways to show that you are serious about saving one of their rescues. If the Border Collie rescue facility is close to your area, schedule a visit. This way, you can observe the dog you want to adopt and get to know them more.
Final Thoughts: Which Border Collie Rescue Is Right for You?
When you adopt a Border Collie from a rescue, you are not just gaining a new best friend. It also means you get to save a dog’s life, so you have to be patient with the adoption process.
As with many life decisions, giving a rescue dog a new home is something that you should be truly ready for. It takes a lot of commitment, but it feels very fulfilling in the end.
Comentários