Northeast Pyrenees Rescue Adoption Guidelines
Meeting Our Dogs
We do not "ship" dogs. Adopters must be willing to travel to meet the dog in person before adoption. We only adopt within the states we cover and do not adopt to the South or West due to the inability to retrieve dogs if an adoption doesn't work out. Additionally, these areas already have many dogs in need of homes.
Application Process
- Complete the Application:
- Scroll to the bottom of this page and fill out the application form.
- Answer all questions. Use "NO" or "N/A" for non-applicable fields. Blank spaces will prevent the form from submitting.
- You should receive a confirmation email within three days. If not, the form did not go through. Please email us at nepyresq@gmail.com.
- Home Visit:
- A local volunteer will contact you to arrange a home visit, often bringing their own Pyrenees for you to meet.
- A secure containment area for the dog must be in place at the time of the visit. A fenced area is preferred. Invisible fencing is not acceptable—find out why on our website.
Adoption Process
- Meeting the Dog:
- After the home visit, the adoption coordinator will provide contact information for the foster home(s) of available dogs.
- We do not guarantee specific dogs before the meeting.
- Finalizing the Adoption:
- Meet the dog(s) at the foster home. If it's a match, you'll complete an adoption contract and can take your new dog home.
- If you bring your own dog, ensure you can separate them in the vehicle for the ride home.
- Upon arriving home, take both dogs for a walk together on neutral ground before introducing them inside.
- Adoption Fees:
- The adoption fee is $500 (or $550 for dogs under one year), payable by check or money order at the time of adoption.
Our Commitment
- We will always take our dogs back if an adoption doesn’t work out. Adopters are not allowed to rehome the dog themselves.
- All dogs are microchipped to Northeast Pyrenees Rescue as the primary contact, with the adopter listed second.
Why Our Process Takes Time
We thoroughly evaluate each dog’s health and temperament before adoption. This process may take longer than other rescues, but it ensures a better match for both you and the dog.
Many rescues transport dogs from the South without proper health or behavioral assessments. While these adoptions may be quicker, they can result in unforeseen medical or behavioral issues—especially risky with a guardian breed like the Great Pyrenees.
A responsible rescue will:
- Accept returned dogs if the adoption doesn't work out.
- Provide complete medical documentation, including heartworm and Lyme testing.
- Ensure the dog is suitable for homes with children or other pets.
Fencing Requirements
We require secure fencing for all adopted dogs:
- Invisible fencing is not accepted because:
- Most Pyrs ignore the pain and run through it.
- It doesn’t keep out people or animals that could harm or steal your dog.
- Pyrs may perceive intruders as threats and react aggressively.
- A secure fence prevents accidents like dogs being hit by cars or chasing livestock. While a very young puppy might be trained to stay on the property, 99.9% of Pyrs follow their guarding instincts.
Additional Information
- First-time Pyrenees owners: Please read this guide before adopting.
- Pyrs are not typically dog-park dogs. They bark—a lot—which can be challenging in certain neighborhoods.
Final Thoughts
The right dog is worth waiting for.
We are an all-volunteer organization dedicated to finding the perfect homes for our Pyrs. Thank you for your patience and understanding throughout the adoption process.
Fill out the form below to submit your request online, or click here to download a PDF copy of the form to mail to us.
Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required. For any required field that is not applicable, please enter "N/A."