The Scottish Terrier Club of America and Rescue

The STCA(Scottish Terrier Club of America) Rescue Program is made up of a combination of  sanctioned  Regional Clubs, independent Rescue organizations, and individual Scottie lovers, sharing their love of the breed and dedicated to helping those in need.  These groups network with each other.  Not all Regional Clubs have rescue programs but there are other rescue programs or organizations that cover most of the United States. All of these programs/organizations operate independently of the Scottish Terrier Club of America, carry their own insurance, and do their own fund-raising. If they wish to be listed here, they are expected to agree to and follow the STCA Code of Ethics and the Rescue Code of Conduct, and to sign a waiver that absolves the STCA of any liability.   The Scottish Terrier Club of America (STCA) itself does NOT rescue and place dogs for adoption. We only provide the links to allow members and guests to find a rescue program/organization.

The Rescue programs/organizations are listed here for your convenience. If you are interested in becoming part of the rescue network, please contact a group that is in your area and they will help you get involved.  If you are interested in adopting a Scottie, please read below before you contact a rescue program/organization.

How Adoption Works

Contact one of the Rescue Programs/Organizations listed on the website, preferably one near your home.  You may be asked to fill out an Adoption Request Application. In addition to completing the application satisfactorily, you will be given an on-site visit by that organization to confirm that your situation is the best for the dog that is up for adoption.  Not all rescued dogs are able to adapt easily to a new home, so it is important for the rescue organization and YOU to be sure they have the best match for you and the dog.  Most of the Rescue programs/organizations will ask you to pay an Adoption Fee, which helps to cover the medical bills, grooming, and food while the dog was being fostered prior to adoption.  In return the Rescue program/organization will help you through the entire adoption process and beyond to be sure the adoption is successful, the dog has a forever home, and everyone is happy.

Raising Money for Rescue

The Scottish Terrier Club of America has established a Rescue Trust Fund, to assist rescue programs/organizations with meeting rescue expenses for a particular dog that are beyond their capability.  This non-profit organization is supported by donations from STCA members and the general public. The rescue fund is 501(c) 3 and your donation may be tax deductible.

To donate online, use the Donate Button to the left.  Checks, made out to STCA Rescue Trust Fund, should be mailed to:

The STCA Requirements for the Rescue Code of Conduct

Scottish Terrier Club of America (STCA) does not rescue dogs.  Rescue is a decentralized effort by volunteer rescue groups operating independently throughout the country.  Volunteers shall include, but not be limited to, a Regional Scottish Terrier Club or an independent organization created solely for rescue work .  The STCA Rescue Contacts Web Page acts as a purely informational site for locating rescue contacts and to facilitate communication between groups and the public.  Each rescue is responsible for establishing its own policies and procedures.  The STCA does not endorse or accept responsibility for any of the contacts listed on the STCA Rescue Contacts Web Page and to be listed, each group signs this Code of Conduct and an agreement to hold the STCA harmless in any dispute.

Scottish Terrier Rescue groups operate in the recovery, rehabilitation, evaluation and re-homing of purebred Scottish Terriers in permanent homes suited to the temperament of the specific Scottish Terrier.  A rescue Scottish Terrier shall be considered any Scottish Terrier of unknown origin that has been lost, abandoned, or voluntarily surrendered by its owner; or, in the event that the breeder is known, that breeder declines to accept responsibility for the Scottie.

The following items must be agreed to by all rescue groups in order to continue to be listed on the STCA Contacts Web Page.

1. All rescue contacts and those associated with the individual rescue groups will hold the Scottish Terrier Club of America harmless on all activities, decisions, procedures, obligations, re-homing Scottish Terriers, and all other issues regarding Scottish Terrier rescue. To be listed on the STCA Website, all rescue contacts and organizations are required to sign this Code of Conduct and a Hold Harmless Statement
2. Scottish Terrier rescue is an all-volunteer, charitable endeavor.  Scottish Terrier Rescue Contacts listed at the STCA website do not represent the STCA, do not operate under the control or authority of the STCA,  and may not use their inclusion as a contact listed at the STCA website for personal gain or for profit of any kind.
3. The best interests of the Scottish Terrier are always primary as we serve as their advocate.  Scottish Terrier  rescue contacts should contact local shelters, veterinary clinics, humane societies, animal control facilities, etc. and make them aware of the existence of Scottish Terrier rescue in their area, and their availability and willingness to assist in any way possible.  They will respond in a timely manner to all calls regarding Scottie rescue.
4. If the closest rescue contact cannot be reached or is unavailable to take a dog, assistance from a nearby rescue contact will be made on behalf of that Scottish Terrier so that this rescue can be handled in a timely manner, in the best interests and welfare of the Scottish Terrier.
5. Scottish Terrier Rescue contacts will, at all times, conduct themselves in a professional manner when representing their individual rescue groups.
6. While in transition, Scottish Terriers should be housed safely, humanely, and comfortably with appropriate and adequate socialization, training and medical care provided.  Rescue contacts should know where they will keep any dogs received and arrange for foster care or boarding.  If the dog is to be boarded, arrangements should be made for the volunteers of the Rescue to spend time with the dog for grooming, socialization and evaluation.  In foster care, the foster parents will be trained to socialize and evaluate each dog.
7. Provide a detailed written evaluation of prospective adopters and foster families by following a thorough process that will include education of prospective foster families and owners of homeless Scottish Terriers so that a proper, long-term placement may be made.  This process should include a comprehensive written application; a home visit to evaluate comfort, safety, and suitability for a rescue Scottish Terrier; meeting all family members and other pets living in the home; and contacting personal and veterinary references.  All of these steps need to be completed prior to placement unless there is a compelling reason that a step cannot be completed.  Frequent follow-ups and continued assistance once placement is made should be done to assure a successful placement.
8. ALL RESCUE DOGS SHOULD BE SPAYED OR NEUTERED BEFORE PLACEMENT.  Alternatively, the dog should be adopted on a spay/neuter contract with strict follow-up.  Each rescue organization should set minimal additional veterinary care standards which should include an examination, vaccinations, fecal check, and may include such additional items as heartworm and Lyme disease testing and preventative (mandatory in areas where these conditions are known to exist), dental cleaning, blood testing, etc. and may vary with the needs of the individual Scottie.  All known health problems should be thoroughly explained to the new owner and copies of appropriate veterinary records provided.  Veterinarians may be asked for reduced fees for rescue dogs.  The Scottish Terrier should be clean and freshly groomed before going to his/her new home, if their medical and emotional situation permits.
9. Members of Scottish Terrier Rescue acknowledge that not all Scottish Terriers can be successfully rehabilitated for medical reasons and/or temperament.  When euthanasia is necessary, it will be carried out in a timely manner with respect and dignity for the Scottish Terrier.
10. A release form should be completed by the documented and proven owner(s) of any dog relinquished to a rescue program.  This transfer of ownership should include a clause that the dog is to become the legal property of the rescue program and that the person signing the form is the legal owner of the dog.  If the dog has bitten anyone, full details of the biting incident should be included.  A profile of the dog completed by the owner is also recommended.
11. An adoption contract is essential and should include a clause that the new adoptive owner may not sell, donate or otherwise dispose of the Scottish Terrier unless it is returned to the rescue group from which it originated if, for any reason, the placement is not successful.  The contract should also include statements regarding the adoptive owner understanding the responsibilities of pet ownership and will provide adequate and routine medical care including local recommendations, quality food, clean water at all times, will keep the Scottish Terrier as an indoor companion in the house, and will never allow the Scottish Terrier to run loose unless it is within a fully enclosed and appropriate fenced area, or will walk the dog on a lead.
12. An adoption fee/donation should be charged by the Rescue group/organization to cover all or part of expenses.  Expenses not covered by the adoption fee/donation may come from the Rescue’s general fund or funds may be raised specifically for rescue.  Assistance for extraordinary expenses may be granted by the STCA Rescue Trust Fund, only on a dog by dog basis.
13. STCA Rescue contacts will cooperate with each other and with other members of the animal welfare community. 
14. Records and documentation should be kept on all Scottish Terriers placed through the regional programs.
15. The laws governing rescue in the states where the rescue group operates should be on file in the group’s records and followed in each placement.
16. The herein guidelines are to be reviewed on a yearly basis for the next five years so they can be modified in a timely manner.  Thereafter they should be reviewed bi-yearly to insure that they are in harmony with current policy.

Adopted May 2004; Revised, April 2015.