Rehoming Your Sheltie at NVSR | Virginia

Rehoming Your Sheltie

If you need to rehome your Sheltie, you don’t have to navigate this hard decision alone. We’re here to help—compassionately and responsibly. If you’re facing this decision, please know this: Our focus is on supporting you while helping your Sheltie move safely into the next chapter of their life. 

 Most Shelties who come into NVSR’s care are deeply loved dogs whose families are navigating life changes such as relocation, health concerns, allergies, a new baby, divorce, or financial strain. 

While in NVSR’s care, your Sheltie will live in a foster home, receive appropriate veterinary care, and be carefully matched with a qualified adopter. Foster families care for each dog as one of their own, with attention to the dog’s individual needs and respect for the situation that brought them to NVSR. We prioritize thoughtful, lifelong placements—not quick ones.﻿
If you’re ready to start a conversation with us, you can email us at intake@nvsr.org or leave a phone message at (703) 912-4002. One of our volunteers will return your call or email, usually within 24 hours. 

If you are facing an urgent situation such as hospitalization, housing loss, or a safety concern, please let us know when you contact us. 

Need Urgent Help?

When you contact us, we’ll ask about your Sheltie’s medical and behavioral history, daily routines, and preferences. This information helps us select a foster home that best meets your dog’s needs. Most Shelties will need a foster home with both secure fencing and someone home during the day. 

Please note: While most behavioral issues are manageable, NVSR may not be able to 
accept dogs with a history of serious bites that caused injury.

Steps in the Rehoming Process

Step 1: The Transition Process

Once you agree to relinquish your Sheltie, you’ll complete a Relinquishment Form transferring ownership to NVSR. After a foster home is selected, we’ll arrange transportation. 

We ask that you provide: 

Veterinary medical records and vet contact information
 Rabies certificate 
Microchip information (if applicable) 
A familiar item (toy, blanket, or bed) to help your Sheltie adjust 
All current medications, including preventatives 
A small amount of current food to allow for a gradual transition 

We have a dedicated group of approved volunteers who can get your dog to their foster home. Your Sheltie will remain in foster care for at least two weeks, often longer, while medical needs are addressed and the foster family gets to know them. 

Step 2: Veterinary Care and Support

NVSR covers veterinary care before adoption, including: 

Spay or neuter 
Vaccinations 
Heartworm and parasite testing 
Dental care, if needed 
Grooming 

NVSR accepts Shelties of all ages and with a wide range of medical needs. Dogs with a history of serious bites causing bodily harm may not be accepted; however, nipping and minor behavior issues can often be successfully addressed in foster care. 

Step 3: Placement in a New Home

All NVSR adopters complete a careful screening process that includes an application, reference checks, and a home visit. We meet all family members and pets, review safety considerations such as fencing and home hazards, and talk openly about their Sheltie experience and our expectations. Many of our adopters are families we know well through prior adoptions and NVSR events. 

Step 4: Staying Informed

We will keep you informed about how your Sheltie is adjusting in foster care. When your dog is adopted, we can share general information about the adoptive family and, when possible, a photo. Because NVSR follows Shelties throughout their lives, we’re also happy to provide updates upon request. 