Rescue & Rehome Assistance

CVBMDC rescue and rehome assistance is limited to those dogs that are representative of the breed and clearly appear to be purebred Bernese Mountain Dogs. The primary objective of the rescue and rehome program is to provide a loving home and good living conditions for any Berner who is currently homeless, in a shelter, in an abusive situation, or for Bernese Mountain Dog owners who are no longer able to keep their dog due to changing life circumstances.

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A dog standing in the grass near water.

Our Rescue Program

Most BMDs that need rehoming come from owners who can no longer care for them because of changing life circumstances, the individual dog's health, or behavior. We never know how many dogs will come into the program, and we only review applications as needed.

Please be sure to carefully review all of the information on this page before applying to adopt or foster. We are a small organization entirely run by volunteers, so we may not respond to your application right away. If it has been a while since you applied, feel free to fill out another application to keep your application current. Please be as thorough as possible in your responses so we can find the best match when a need arises. The adopt or foster application can be found at the bottom of this page.

Adopting a Rescued or Rehomed BMD

Please heed the invaluable advice that not all breeds fit all lifestyles. Responsible pet ownership requires an honest and factual assessment of whether a specific breed is right for you. If you have never owned a Berner, please visit the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America's website and view their BMD Info Series to learn more about the breed. There you will find information on the breed history, breed versatility, health, geriatric care, grooming, and rescue.

Adoption Guidelines

The CVBMDC rescue and rehome program adheres to the following guidelines:

  • All potential adopters or fosters must fill out an application.
  • All applicants to adopt or foster will be carefully screened, reviewed by our Rescue Coordinator and Board of Directors, and references will be checked.
  • CVBMDC reserves the right to refuse any application without providing a reason for the refusal to the applicant.
  • Applicants to adopt must agree to enter into and abide by the terms of CVBMDC's adoption contract.
  • CVBMDC rescues will be spayed or neutered before placement if they are over 2 years old. If the dog is under 2 years old when placed, adopters must agree to have the dog spayed or neutered at 2 years old.
  • Adopters are responsible for picking up their dog wherever they are located. CVBMDC does not allow our dogs to be shipped, flown in cargo, or allow the use of transport companies. If you adopt a puppy, they may be able to fit in an airline-approved pet carrier (it is the adopter's responsibility to confirm airline requirements).
  • Adoption fees are based on the dog's age. Please see the Adoption Fee schedule below.

Adoption Fees

0-1 year  - $1400
1-2 years - $1200
2-3 years - $900
4-5 years - $700
6-7 years - $600
8 years - $500
9+ years - $450

Adoption Process

  • Applications are not processed on a first-come, first-served basis. We focus on finding the best fit for each dog.
  • Each application is reviewed by our Rescue Coordinator.
  • If your application appears to be a good match, our Rescue Coordinator will ask the Board of Directors to review your application.
  • If the Board of Directors agrees that you appear to be a good match, the Rescue Coordinator will contact you.
  • After that call, your application will be forwarded to the dog’s foster.
  • A call will then be scheduled for you to speak with the foster and learn more about the dog.
  • If you and the foster agree to move forward, the adoption coordinator will reach out to confirm the final steps toward adoption.
Due to the volume of applications we receive, it's not feasible to reply to every application submitted. ​We will contact potential adopters when, and if, we have a rescue that could be a fit. Application screening will not take place until then.
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Our priority is to find the best home for the dog. The more information you put on your application, the better! 

Costs Associated with Rescue

CVBMDC strives to keep adoption fees as low as possible. However, rescuing Bernese Mountain Dogs from exploitative, neglectful, and abusive situations comes with significant expenses.

Beyond the initial cost of the rescue, every dog requires comprehensive veterinary care and essential supplies while in foster care. Each rescued dog needs a collar, leash, food, vaccinations, spay/neuter procedures, deworming, heartworm testing, and preventative treatments. Many dogs require additional medical attention for infections, dental issues, skin conditions, or other health concerns. Some may have ongoing medical needs, such as seizure management, which cannot always be anticipated at the time of rescue.

CVBMDC relies on adoption fees and donations to continue rescuing and rehabilitating Bernese Mountain Dogs. These fees help cover the cost of care but do not include transportation from the foster home to your location. By adopting, you’re not only welcoming a loving companion into your home but also supporting the mission to save more dogs in need.

Foster/Adoption Application

Please carefully review our Adoption Guidelines, Adoption Fees, and Adoption Process information above before completing an application.

Foster/Adoption Application