Question 1

How does the adoption process work?

Accepted Answer

Start by completing the enquiry form on the dog's page. We will call you for a chat about your home and lifestyle, arrange a home visit, and then set up a meet-and-greet with the dog. If everyone is happy, we complete an adoption contract and the dog goes home with you.

Question 2

What does the adoption fee cover?

Accepted Answer

The fee is a contribution towards sterilisation, vaccinations, deworming, microchipping and any veterinary treatment the dog received while in our care. It never covers the full cost — the balance is funded by donations.

Question 3

Do you home-check?

Accepted Answer

Yes, always. A volunteer will visit to check that your property is secure, that any existing pets are happy, and to answer your questions. It is a friendly conversation, not an inspection.

Question 4

Can I adopt if I work full time?

Accepted Answer

Often yes, provided the dog will not be alone for very long stretches and gets real exercise and mental stimulation daily. Border collies are working dogs — boredom, not solitude, is what breaks them.

Question 5

Do you adopt outside Gauteng?

Accepted Answer

We do, subject to a home check by a volunteer in your area and safe, dog-friendly transport arranged at the adopter's cost.

Question 6

Where does my donation go?

Accepted Answer

Veterinary care is by far our biggest expense, followed by food, kennelling and transport. We are a registered non-profit organisation, NPO 006 620, and publish a summary of our income and expenditure each year.

Question 7

Can I get a Section 18A tax certificate?

Accepted Answer

Contact us with your donation reference and ID or company registration number and we will issue a certificate where the donation qualifies.

Question 8

Can I donate monthly?

Accepted Answer

Yes — our monthly Supawter giving is the single most useful support we receive because it lets us commit to veterinary treatment in advance. You can cancel at any time.

Question 9

Can I donate goods instead of money?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Blankets, food, leads, collars, crates and kennel covers are always needed. Contact us to arrange a drop-off.

Question 10

What is fostering and what does it cost me?

Accepted Answer

Fostering means giving a dog a temporary home until it is adopted. We cover all veterinary costs and can assist with food. You provide the space, the routine and the love.

Question 11

How long does a foster placement last?

Accepted Answer

Anything from two weeks to several months. Puppies and easy adults move quickly; older, shy or special-needs dogs take longer.

Question 12

I can no longer keep my collie. What do I do?

Accepted Answer

Contact us as early as you can. We will ask for photographs, a full history and honest information about behaviour and health. Intake depends on available foster space, so please do not leave it to the last day.

Question 13

Do you take cross-breeds?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we take collies and collie crosses. If the dog is clearly not a collie type we will try to refer you to a rescue better suited to help.

Question 14

Are border collies good family dogs?

Accepted Answer

They can be outstanding family dogs in the right home. They are intelligent, sensitive and intensely bonded to their people — and they need a job. Without exercise and mental work they invent their own, usually destructively.

Question 15

How much exercise does a border collie need?

Accepted Answer

As a rule of thumb, an hour of real physical exercise a day plus training, scent work or a dog sport. Mental work tires a collie faster than distance does.

Questions we get asked every week

Adoption

Donations

Fostering

Surrender

The breed