Ownership of a Jack Russell Terrier requires a great deal of time and energy since these feisty little dogs are very smart and very demanding. Proper training is a MUST for this vivacious hunting dog. Keeping the JRT busy is also a MUST as this is not the kind of dog that does well on its own, without human interaction and supervision. We often say that “a JRT without a job to do is a JRT in trouble.”

So let’s suppose that you have a JRT that is “in trouble” for whatever reason, and you don’t know what to do next.   Our first goal at JRRS is to refer you to an experienced trainer who is well versed in this particular breed and who is capable of helping you correct problems so that you can keep your JRT in your home. We work with Carol Mitchell of Sunshine School for Dogs.  Carol is a Jack Russell owner herself in addition to being an experienced dog trainer and behavior modification expert - she understands this little white dog.  Carol can be reached at 602-840-1166 to discuss any problems you are having with your JRT. She comes to your home to do in-house training with your JRT and the entire family.  Even if you have waited until problems with your JRT seem insurmountable, Carol Mitchell can help you with training so that your JRT will become the dog you will be proud to own.

JRRS recognizes that circumstances can arise where it is not practical to keep your JRT, and you must find another home for your dog. This is a decision not to be taken lightly.  After all, your dog is YOUR responsibility.  The JRT is a living, breathing creature - not a disposable item to be tossed away because it is no longer convenient for you.  When you call JRRS for assistance, be prepared to answer our questions about why you are considering giving up your JRT for adoption. If JRRS agrees to help place your JRT, there are a number of things that you will need to do to help us make the transition as easy as possible.

JRRS will first need you to complete a Dog Personality Profile which we will send you.  The purpose of this Profile is to gain knowledge about your JRT so that we can best serve the dog in this process.  A Profile can be provided to you via email. You will need to provide JRRS with three (3) suitable photograph of your JRT when you return the completed Profile to us. We will need a photo of the Jack’s head plus one photo from each side of the Jack w hich shows the dog in profile.  The Profile provides JRRS and any interested adopter with necessary information about the JRT. We will set up an appointment to meet you and your JRT for an evaluation for placement.

Please remember that any JRT placed with JRRS must be spayed or neutered, all shots must be current, and a heartworm test must be performed.  These requirements are the responsibility of the JRT owner. If the JRT has not yet been spayed/neutered, JRRS will be happy to provide the name of a low cost sterilization clinic where shots and heartworm testing can also be done at a low cost.  The total cost to the owner is approximately $110 for all these low cost services.

If any of your pets need to be spayed or neutered, go to www.mashsite.com and pick a location and date to have this done.  MASH (Mobile Animal Surgical Hospital) is a mobile clinic that is owned by Dr. Trina Neufeld.  Tests and shots are also available at MASH at very reasonable prices. You may also call 480-656-4479 or email appts@mashsite.com to make appointments, but the easy way to make an appointment is to go to the website and do schedule the appointment online. All prices are posted on the site, as well as any post surgical procedures.  This should all be read before scheduling the appointment. MASH is happy to handle the spaying or neutering of any of your pets - not just RESCUE pets. 

If you have a Jack Russell that you need to give up for adoption, we will attempt, if at all possible, to arrange emergency care and housing until we find the “right family” who is willing to make a Commitment for Life. This does not mean, however, that an owner can call JRRS and demand that we take your JRT IMMEDIATELY. So often the conversation starts off with “I have to get rid of my dog TODAY.” First of all using the phrase “get rid of my dog” is not a wise choice of words.  Our first goal is to help you “fix” any problems so that you will be able to keep your dog yourself.  We are volunteers who spend many hours each week helping unwanted dogs. A demanding attitude indicating that it is somehow the responsibility of our organization to take your JR immediately does not ingratiate the caller to JRRS.  Remember that your dog is ultimately YOUR responsibility. And while JRRS may be able to help you in a difficult situation, we do not tolerate bad manners on the phone.

Unfortunately there are times when your JRT is not suitable for adoption.  Please understand that JRRS does not take dogs that are not adoptable. The goal of JRRS is to take a JRT and place it in the quickest time possible in order to lessen the trauma of displacement.  We do not take JRTs with the purpose of keeping them indefinitely at JRRS. If we determine that your JRT cannot be adopted, we will advise you of this determination prior to taking the JRT.  If a dog must be euthanized, that is the responsibility of you, the owner - not the responsibility of a rescue agency.

[Jack Russell Rescue] [About Rescue] [Want to adopt?] [Giving up your JRT] [Rescue News] [Questions & Answers] [Puppies vs. Adult JRTS] [Available Dogs] [New Babies and Jack Russells] [Leader of the Pack]