Thank you for your interest regarding the adoption of a Bernese Mountain Dog through Inland Northwest Bernese Mountain Dog Club Rescue/Rehome Program. We receive many questions about our program so we have put together the information that follows. If you have specific questions that are not answered below please feel free to contact us again.

The Bernese Mountain Dog Rescue/Rehome and Placement program is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization that is dedicated to placing dogs in need of new homes. None of its officers or representatives receives any payment for their services. Our organization incurs many costs in order to provide this service. A donation will be requested of new owners when a dog is placed with them to help fund this project. Individuals that would like to adopt a dog should fill out and send in an adoption application. This will give the representative information to place a dog in the best home for its needs. Because we cannot predict when the next dog will come into our program or each one’s particular needs, it is important that we have a variety of potential homes to contact. Your application will be kept on file and you will be contacted if we have a dog that might fit into your home. Fortunately we only get a few dogs needing new homes each year. However, the number of dogs needing rescue and rehoming has been steadily increasing over the past few years. We never know when the next dog will arrive so it is very important to get your adoption application in and on our waiting list. The average age is usually 3 to 5 years old. They often come to us with a checkered history and sometimes have physical and/or behavioral problems. Each one is carefully evaluated and matched up with the home that best suits both dog and adopter. Homes are chosen from the applications mentioned above.

If you want to adopt a rescue dog because you would prefer an adult instead of a puppy, you might want to contact breeders in your area. They often have adult dogs that they are looking to place in the right home.
Recently, our most pressing problem has been the explosion of possible Berner mixes. These are dogs of unknown origin that shelter staff classified as part BMD due to markings, size, and/or temperament. We are not able to help all of these dogs but, if you are interested, we will be glad to refer you to the shelter if we are notified of a mix that is available. As part of your search for a dog, please include a trip to your local shelter or visit on line at www.Petfinder.com You will be pleasantly surprised to find the wonderful dogs that are available. You can also enjoy the added benefit of knowing your effort of adopting a dog has saved a dog’s life. One other source to consider is Bernese Auction Rescue Coalition (BARC). This is an independent rescue group that is involved in saving dogs that are destined for a life in a puppy mill. Please visit the BARC site at www.barcinc.net . If you
are interested, please fill out a BARC application located on-line.

If you would like information about the breed and a list of local breeders please call or email with your street mailing address and we will send you a breed information packet. We are also available to talk about the breed in general so feel free to call. We hope this information has helped you decide if adoption is the right avenue for you to pursue.

Brandon & Megan Madland, INWBMDC Rescue Chairpersons
(406)396-7996
inwbmdcrescue@gmail.com