How to Adopt a Samoyed in the United States | PetzLover

Where can you adopt a Samoyed?

Start with the SCA's list of rescue groups, which the club says have met the qualifications of rescuing mainly Samoyeds; contact them directly. They cover different regions, for example:

• Mid Atlantic Samoyed Rescue: Maryland, Washington DC, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Virginia and parts of West Virginia.
• New England Samoyed Rescue: the six New England states and parts of New York.
• Northwest Samoyed Rescue: Washington, Oregon and northern Idaho.
• Playing Again Sams of Wisconsin: Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Iowa and Michigan.
• Others: Denver Samoyed Rescue, Samoyed Rescue of Southern California, San Francisco Samoyed Rescue, Samoyed Rescue of Texas, North Texas Samoyed Rescue, Buckeye Samoyed Rescue and St Louis Samoyed Rescue.

National Samoyed Rescue supports Samoyed rescuers with resources and networking. Owners also rehome Samoyeds directly: you can browse Samoyeds for adoption by location, and taking in a rehomed Samoyed explains how to check a private placement.

Is a rescue Samoyed right for your home?

• Company: the AKC warns that a Samoyed left alone in the yard becomes miserable and destructive. Rescues look for homes where the dog lives indoors with people.
• Coat: the AKC says Samoyeds shed quite a bit all the time and recommends daily brushing. The SCA says a Samoyed can shed as much as a bushel in two combings.
• Noise: the AKC rates the breed at the top of its barking scale.
• Fence: the AKC says a loose Samoyed may roam for miles, and the SCA calls the breed an excellent excavator.
• Heat: PetMD says Samoyeds do not do well in hot temperatures.
• Allergies: PetMD says Samoyeds are not considered hypoallergenic; spend time with one before applying.

How does Samoyed adoption work?

Each group sets its own process. Samoyed Rescue of Texas, based in Dallas, is a typical example:

1. Fill in the adoption application; the group calls two personal references and one veterinary reference.
2. Once approved, a volunteer visits your home and checks that your fence and gates are solid and secure. Children 21 and younger living in the home must be present.
3. Only approved adopters meet dogs; out-of-town adopters meet the dog in Dallas.
4. The group helps you choose supplies such as a crate, bed and food.
5. You sign the adoption agreement, pay the fee and take the dog home.

Volunteers run most of these groups, so replies can take time. Answer every question honestly; the aim is a match that lasts.

How much does it cost to adopt a Samoyed?

Fees change, so confirm with the group. Then budget for the coat: Spot Pet estimates professional grooming at $80 to $100 a session every 6 to 8 weeks and food at about $60 to $80 a month.

What health questions should you ask about a rescue Samoyed?

• Diabetes: a University of Pennsylvania study (Hess and colleagues, 2000) found Samoyeds among the breeds at high risk of diabetes mellitus. Ask whether the dog has been tested or treated.
• Eyes: the Samoyed Club of America Education and Research Foundation lists glaucoma and cataracts among the most common diagnoses; ask about any eye exam.
• Hips and heart: ask about limping, x-rays and any murmur; PetMD lists hip dysplasia and heart defects such as pulmonic stenosis.
• Kidneys: Samoyed hereditary glomerulopathy is an inherited kidney disease; ask whether bloodwork has been done.
• Coat and skin: ask how the dog accepts brushing and handling.
• Records: vaccines, spay or neuter, microchip and medications.

What should you expect in the first weeks after adopting a Samoyed?

Adopt a Pet describes the 3-3-3 rule: about three days to decompress, three weeks to learn the routine and three months to feel at home. Rescue Sams include strays and dogs surrendered by owners who could no longer care for them, so go slowly.

• Check the fence again before the first day off leash in the yard, and use a harness and leash on walks.
• Keep the dog indoors with you, and build alone time up gradually.
• Brush daily in short, calm sessions with treats.
• Walk in the cool hours in summer and keep shade and water available.
• Teach quiet and settle cues, as the SCA suggests, and consider an obedience class.

What if you cannot find a Samoyed to adopt?

A breed rescue may not have a suitable dog right away. Ask to be kept on file, keep checking listings, or post a Samoyed wanted ad describing your home. If you decide on a puppy, read how to buy a Samoyed puppy first. Rescues and owners placing a dog can read how to list a Samoyed for adoption.