You may need just as much follow-up support and advice from a rescuer as you would need from the breeder of a puppy you purchased -- sometimes even more. Choose someone you feel comfortable with. If you can't picture calling her on a Sunday afternoon because you're having a sudden problem with your dog, keep looking. But do remember that rescuers are volunteers and do this work because they love dogs -- treat them with courtesy and respect. The internet is probably the quickest way to find a rescuer near you. Check the lists of rescuers in the Getting a Dog: Links and Resources section. You can also check with local shelters and veterinarians. Follow the same general guidelines you would follow in looking for and working with a breeder. See How do you identify a responsible breeder? and What do you look for when visiting a breeder?

Since rescuers are volunteers and there are no national standards, you need to be sure you are working with a qualified person. Look for a rescuer or rescue organization that follows the following standards:

1. All dogs are spayed/neutered before adoption or in cases where the animal is too young, the adoption contract requires spaying/neutering by a specified date.
2. The dog has current rabies, distemper, and parvovirus vaccinations. Other vaccinations are as appropriate to the geographic area.
3. An appropriate heartworm test has been performed and results given to the prospective adopter; if the dog does not have heartworms, it is on preventive medication. If the dog does have heartworms you should discuss the issues with your veterinarian before deciding to adopt. (It usually not a good idea to adopt a dog during heartworm treatment, and most rescuers will not suggest that.)
4. A fecal examination has been done and the animal treated for any intestinal parasites. The adopter will be informed in writing of any further treatment which may be needed.
5. A treatment for external parasites ('Advantage' and 'Frontline' are examples of suitable treatments) has been applied.
6. The dog will have lived in a foster home other than the home of its former owner for at least two weeks prior to adoption.
7. Adoption requires a written application describing the adopting family situation and the adoption will only be completed if the rescue considers the dog suitable as a pet in the new family.
8. A written contract of adoption is required.
9. The contract provides that the dog be returned to the rescuer if the adopting home can no longer keep it.
10. A written health record covering the vaccinations, examinations, and recommended future treatments listed above is provided at the time of adoption.

If you contact someone who seems to cut corners, you should look for someone else.

Don't hesitate to ask a rescuer politely about her experience, how long she has been rescuing, and so on. Years of experience with owning the breed, showing, obedience training, breeding, professional training (for example as a veterinary technician) can increase your confidence. Just because a rescuer is operating under the name of an organization is no guarantee that she is doing a good job. Research the organization and its guidelines. Ask for references and names of previous adopters. Be doubtful of a rescuer who is too eager to give you a dog; if she's not being somewhat careful, she may not be doing the whole job. Remember that she should ask you at least as many questions as you ask her!

Rescue work can be difficult and not all rescuers handle the strain gracefully. If you are treated rudely, do just what you'd do with a business and contact someone else.

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