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About MAD Rescue
About MAD Rescue
Malinois and Dutch Shepherd Rescue Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization headquartered in Imlay City, Michigan. We are a foster-based rescue organization dedicated to saving Belgian Breed (Belgian Malinois, Belgian Terveren, and Belgian Laekenois) and Dutch Shepherd dogs across the United States. We do not operate a central kennel facility; rather, our rescue dogs are housed with loving foster homes across the country. We place dogs with qualified adopters nationwide and are 100% donation driven, with 100% of every dollar going directly to the dogs.
April 2022 Update: Thank you for your interest in surrendering an animal to MAD Rescue. As with many rescues, MAD is overflowing with dogs in need and dogs in our care at this time. Intakes are being considered on a case by case basis and are being prioritized based on need. Additionally, we are prioritizing owner surrenders where the owner is able to self-foster the animal until the animal is placed.
Because of these capacity constraints, response timeframes to surrender and intake requests may be extended (2-4 weeks). The MAD RESCUE leadership team is reviewing the situation on a daily and weekly basis and, when we are able to do so, will resume general intake. Thanks for your interest in Malinois and Dutch Shepherd Rescue.
Our Intake Process
Our Intake Process
Evaluation
Evaluation
Our process starts with a completed Incoming Dog Profile Form, which leads to an in-person evaluation of the candidate dog. We use a network of volunteer evaluators nationwide to evaluate the dog on a comprehensive array of traits and skills. These include responsiveness, ability to be handled, suitability with children or small animals, prey drive, and physical condition. In most cases, we can arrange for an evaluation within 5-7 days.
Intake Decision
Intake Decision
Upon receipt of the evaluation, our intake team discusses the likelihood of success in the MAD Rescue Program, and renders an intake decision. We strive to provide the decision within 48 hours of receipt of the completed evaluation form, and communicate with the current dog's owners if there are any delays in the process.
Transportation
Transportation
If the dog is accepted by MAD Rescue, we will secure a foster home placement and arrange transportation of the dog from its current location to the foster home. This process typically takes 5-7 days to arrange and execute, though depending on the location of the dog and availability of volunteers, may take longer.
Common Misconceptions About Rescues
Common Misconceptions About Rescues
Myth: Dogs are taken and placed in warehouse-like Kennel Environments.
Myth: Dogs are taken and placed in warehouse-like Kennel Environments.
Fact: All of our dogs are housed with loving, caring volunteers in their own homes
Fact: All of our dogs are housed with loving, caring volunteers in their own homes
These are Malinois and Dutch Shepherd Owners who graciously offer their homes as a safe, short-term landing spot for dogs in need of rescue or rehoming. All of our foster homes are thoroughly vetted through a process of reference checks, vet checks, home visits, and interviews, and are supported by MAD Rescue via Foster Care Boxes (containing treats and toys), Medical Care (MAD Rescue pays for Vet Visits), and Advertising to assist in the placement of the dogs.
Myth: Dogs surrendered to rescues are mistreated.
Myth: Dogs surrendered to rescues are mistreated.
Fact: Dogs surrendered to MAD Rescue are treated like family members
Fact: Dogs surrendered to MAD Rescue are treated like family members
They are cared for by loving fosters (see above), given play time and treats and snuggles, and provided with the highest quality veterinary care. If needed, they are spayed/neutered, and if the dog suffers from a parasite infection (hookworm, tapeworm, heartworm, etc), MAD Rescue pays for the treatment. Additionally, all of our MAD dogs are given Heartworm preventative, flea/tick preventative, and (if identified as a possible flight risk) are equipped with a GPS device on their collar, in the event of an escape.
Myth: Dogs are sold to anyone who asks.
Myth: Dogs are sold to anyone who asks.
Fact: MAD Rescue does not sell dogs. We place dogs with qualified adopters who have applied and been approved to adopt from us
Fact: MAD Rescue does not sell dogs. We place dogs with qualified adopters who have applied and been approved to adopt from us
The application process consists of:
A thorough online application
Two Non-Relative Personal References, both of whom are Contacted and Interviewed by MAD Rescue
One Veterinary Reference from their current Veterinarian, who is Contacted and Interviewed by MAD Rescue
A Home Visit, evaluating the suitability of the home to care for a rescue dog
The entire application process, start-to-finish, takes approximately 4-6 Weeks. Once approved, an adoption counselor works with the approved applicant to match a dog that fits their personality, lifestyle and family. MAD Rescue does not 'rush' to place dogs, and although we do charge an adoption fee, that fee goes towards providing all of the care and medical services required by the dogs taken in by MAD Rescue. In general, the adoption fee covers less than half of the total cost that accompanies each dog accepted by MAD Rescue.
Some of the common costs that MAD Rescue Covers are:
Some of the common costs that MAD Rescue Covers are:
Heartworm Treatment ($600-$800)
Spay/Neuter ($150-450)
Parasite Treatment ($100-$300)
Physical Injuries ($400-4,000)
Myth: Surrendering a dog makes you a bad owner.
Myth: Surrendering a dog makes you a bad owner.
Fact: MAD Rescue understands that the decision to rehome a pet is not one that is made easily, and we are committed to recognizing the difficult decision you're considering making.
Fact: MAD Rescue understands that the decision to rehome a pet is not one that is made easily, and we are committed to recognizing the difficult decision you're considering making.
All of us at MAD Rescue recognize and applaud you for considering to rehome your pet when it's in the pet's best interests. It's a true act of selflessness to recognize that a pet is not thriving, or is not as happy as it could be, in your home. We will do our best to treat each and every intake case with the kindness and sensitivity that it deserves, and we treat all of our dogs like our own dogs-providing them the highest standard in care and love while we find them a forever home.
Begin the Process
Begin the Process
We hope that reading this page has been helpful. If you are ready to begin exploring surrendering your Belgian Breed or Dutch Shepherd Dog to MAD Rescue, please click below for our Intake Questionnaire. Upon completion, you will be contacted by a member of our intake team to schedule an evaluation. There is no obligation to MAD Rescue at any step in the process; until the legal Owner Surrender Agreement is signed by both you AND MAD Rescue, the dog remains legally in your control.
Have You Received a Notice of Acceptance From Us?
Have You Received a Notice of Acceptance From Us?
If so, please complete the Owner Surrender Agreement below. PLEASE DO NOT COMPLETE THIS FORM unless specifically told to do so by MAD Rescue. Doing so before receiving a notice of acceptance may delay processing significantly.
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