Featured Dane
Abbie is our featured, adoptable Great Dane. She is a 6 month old, white, female.
Interested in Abbie? For more information, view her profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
UMGDR Background
- What is UMGDR?
- Why was UMGDR formed?
- Is UMGDR a Non-Profit?
- Where is UMGDR based out of?
- Where do donations go to?
- Why is a breed specific rescue needed?
- What is the difference between UMGDR and a humane society?
- What is a “foster based” rescue?
- How many volunteers does UMGDR have?
- What area does UMGDR cover?
Surrender Questions
- What happens to my Great Dane after he/she is surrendered?
- Where do your surrendered dogs come from?
- Where do the dogs stay while in UMGDR’s care?
- If I surrender my dog, and no one wants to adopt it, what happens to them?
- Are you a “No Kill” rescue?
- Can I donate money along with my dog to help while in UMGDR’s care?
- Can I donate items along with my dog at the time of surrender?
- Can I surrender a dog to UMGDR to hold for me while I find a home that will let me keep them?
- Do I need to pay anything for me to surrender my dog to UMGDR?
- Should I get a copy of the vet records for my dog before pickup?
- When I surrender my dog, do I need to bring it to UMGDR’s foster home?
- Do I need to be present when the dog gets picked up for the transport?
- Can I change my mind about surrendering my dog?
Adoption Questions
- Why do you charge an application fee?
- What is a “special needs” dog?
- Do you adopt to other areas?
- Why do you do home visits?
- Can I volunteer with UMGDR if I adopt?
- What is the process for adopting a Great Dane?
- What kind of history will I be given about the Dane?
- How do I know if I’m ready for a Great Dane?
What is UMGDR?
UMGDR stands for the Upper Midwest Great Dane Rescue.
Why was UMGDR formed?
At the time UMGDR was founded in December of 2008, there was no rescue within the Upper Midwest which was dedicated to Great Danes.
Is UMGDR a Non-Profit?
Yes, UMGDR is a registered 501c organization.
EIN# 26-3844573
Where is UMGDR based out of?
UMGDR covers Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and the Dakotas. The majority of our volunteer base is currently in Minnesota. Our physical address is in Inver Grove Heights, MN however we do not have a shelter.
Where do donations go to?
The majority of our donations cover medical care and treatment for our foster Great Danes. Other expenses such as supplies, insurance and events fees are also paid for by the donations.
Why is a breed specific rescue needed?
So Great Danes go to homes which will be able to properly care for them. Great Danes are a very unique breed
What is the difference between UMGDR and a humane society?
The main difference is with UMGDR all dogs go to foster homes where at a humane society dogs are kenneled and do not live with humans. We also conduct aggression and behavioral evaluations in the foster home environment. This enables us to evaluate for triggers which are causing the aggressive behavior. Our rescue is a non-kill; meaning that we only euthanize for serious health or aggression issues. Humane societies will euthanize due to lack of room or length of time. UMGDR conducts home visit evaluations and references checks on every adoption applicant. We also match each forever home with the best possible Great Dane to ensure a good fit for the family and Dane.
What is a “foster based” rescue?
A “foster based” rescue is one in which all the Great Danes in our care are placed in homes (foster) where they live with the family until the Great Dane finds it’s forever home.
How many volunteers does UMGDR have?
As of January, 2010 there were over 150 volunteers.
What area does UMGDR cover?
Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin and North and South Dakota
Surrender Questions
What happens to my Great Dane after he/she is surrendered?
Your Dane will be transported to his/her foster home. Your Dane then will have a wellness with the vet and will be spay/neutered if needed. UMGDR treats your Great Dane as if it was their own and provides a loving Foster Home until he/she is adopted.
Where do your surrendered dogs come from?
Our dogs come from all different situations. Over the past year the majority of the surrendered Great Danes come from owners that are unable to keep them because of their size, cost, behavior, or changes in living (such as loss of a home). Some come from other shelters that would like our help with finding them homes that know about the breed and their requirements. Either way, we are here to find them loving homes that are willing to work with them to help them fit into their new “forever” homes.
Where do the dogs stay while in UMGDR’s care?
UMGDR is a foster based rescue. All of the dogs that come in to our care are placed in loving homes while awaiting adoption. They are given all vetting that needs to be done as well as being treated as though they are part of that family. Our foster homes are able to observe the Foster Danes in a home environment with children, other dogs, other pets, and daily stresses and triggers. This enables us to disclose all behaviors to the adoptive family. Our foster homes work with the Danes on any obedience or negative behaviors to start the training process for you. Our foster homes are never short on love to spread to the foster dogs while in their care.
If I surrender my dog, and no one wants to adopt it, what happens to them?
Our foster dogs are kept in loving foster homes as long as it takes to place them in loving forever homes. If for some reason they never get adopted, they remain in a loving foster home until they pass away (naturally). We do not euthanize dogs that come in to our care if they do not get placed.
Are you a “No Kill” rescue?
Yes, we are a “No Kill” rescue. The only situation that we would euthanize a dog is if the quality of life was poor for one of our dogs with no medical fix, or if a dog has extreme aggression (generalized) that is not able to be rehabilitated and would be a risk to the public.
Can I donate money along with my dog to help while in UMGDR’s care?
Yes, a donation is always nice to receive along with a dog if you are able to afford it. Without donations, we would not be able to do what we do.
Can I donate items along with my dog at the time of surrender?
Yes, it is always nice when the dog’s personal items are able to be donated along with them when coming into our rescue. Blankets, toys, treats and crates always help the dog with the transition into the new home that they go to. It gives them a “smell” of comfort that many of them need to ease their minds. If at all possible, we recommend passing anything along with them that you can.
Can I surrender a dog to UMGDR to hold for me while I find a home that will let me keep them?
As much as we would love to be able to do this, it is not a feasible option with a limited amount of foster homes. Doing this would tie up foster homes that would be able to take in other dogs.
Do I need to pay anything for me to surrender my dog to UMGDR?
No, we do not require you to pay any fees for us to take your dog. We understand that many times, people have to surrender their dogs due to financial reasons. Charging them to take their dog would only make it that much more difficult on them. However, if someone is financially able to donate money, it is always welcomed.
Yes, if possible, get a copy of any vet records for the dog and pass them along with the dog into UMGDR’s care. We want to keep from over vaccinating the dogs if at all possible. It will also inform us of any pre-existing conditions that may need attention.
Should I get a copy of the vet records for my dog before pickup?
No, it is not required that you do the transport for your dog to the foster home that will be taking care of the dog while in our care. We do have volunteers that help with transporting dogs into our care. However, if you are able to help with part of the transport to meet up with one of our volunteers, it makes it a little easier.
Do I need to be present when the dog gets picked up for the transport?
If you are the legal owner of the dog that is coming into our care, then yes. We need to have the legal owner sign off on the surrender form at the time of pickup. That relieves the owner of liability if the dog were to bite someone while in our care. A dog will not be picked up without a signed release by the legal owner.
Can I change my mind about surrendering my dog?
If you change your mind after the dog is surrendered, you will be required to go through the adoption process. See “What is the process for adopting a Great Dane?” for further information on the process.
If approved, you may be able to adopt your dog back. Instead of an adoption fee, you may be subject to pay adoption fees and any veterinary costs the dog accrues while in our care.” So that it matches our surrender form.
Adoption Questions
Why do you charge an application fee?
An application fee helps to discourage those who are not serious about adopting a Great Dane.
What is a “special needs” dog?
A “special needs” dog is one that will require extra help ongoing. This could include Great Danes who are deaf, blind or need ongoing expensive medication.
Do you adopt to other areas?
UMGDR only adopts to homes in Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, North and South Dakota.
Why do you do home visits?
Home visits are conducted to ensure potential foster and adopters are able to care for a Great Dane.
Can I volunteer with UMGDR if I adopt?
Yes! Please complete a volunteer application on the website.
What is the process for adopting a Great Dane?
Application Process
- Complete an adoption application and submit the application fee.
- Once both are a received a volunteer will contact you to schedule a home visit. Reference checks are also being conducted at this time.
- A home visit is conducted and you will be notified by email if you are approved or declined.
Please Note: This approval process may take two to four weeks to complete.
What can I expect after my application is approved?
- Once approved you work with the Director of Adoption Services to find the right Dane for you.
- If nobody is currently looking at the Dane, the foster family will be given your contact information. Our foster homes work with only one approved family at a time. Because we allow our foster homes to work with only one family at a time, we also only allow an approved family to meet one dog at a time
- If we currently do not have the right Dane for you please, check the Available Danes website weekly. As soon as you see a Dane on the website that you think is the right fit for you contact Director of Adoption Services, The first approved family that contacts Director of Adoption Services is the first family that is able to meet the dog.
- You will have an opportunity to talk with the foster family to learn more about the Dane you are interested in. After the initial discussion you will have 7 days to go and meet the Dane. We will expect you to drive to the foster home to meet the dog. Please bring your kids/family dog to meet the foster Dane. (Adoptions will not take place at any meet and greet events)
- The foster dog is more likely to show its true personality if you visit the dog at the foster home where the dog has become comfortable. If the dog has to go to new surroundings and meet new people, it will be more nervous and anxious and not as likely to display its true personality.
- 5. If the foster family and you decide it is a good match you can complete the adoption the same day, if you wish.
- Please realize that because the foster home knows the foster dog the best and the foster home’s main responsibility is in the interest of the dog, the foster home does have the right to say that they don’t think your family and the dog are the right match. This is not a reflection on you or your family; it is simply not the correct environment for the personality of that particular dog.
- If you are unsure you will have 24 hours to make a final adoption decision. UMGDR will not take deposits on our foster dogs. After 24 hours the dog will be released to meet another family.
- At adoption, the foster family will collect the adoption fee, give you copies of the Danes vet records and an adoption contract will be read and signed.
- A copy of a generic contract will be included in your approval email for reference
- Adoption fee is:
| Puppies to 6 Years | $350 |
| Seniors (Over 6 years) | $150 |
| Special Needs | $150 |
| Disabled | $150 |
- You will then take your Dane home! Please bring a leash.
- Approximately 7 days after adoption, the foster family will contact you to see how everything is going.
10. Approximately a month later you will be contacted by another volunteer to see how your Dane is doing. We love pictures!
If your adopted Dane is not working out.
In compliance with the Adoption Agreement, all dogs adopted from UMGDR will be returned to UMGDR. If the dog is returned within 14 days of adoption, the Adoption Fee will be refunded. After 14 days, no monies will be refunded.
What kind of history will I be given about the Dane?
The website will have general information regarding the dog and any known issues/concerns foster family has. You will be able to ask questions of the current foster family when you meet the Dane and then at adoption you will be given a copy of the surrender form (previous owner information removed), a behavior report completed the foster family and a copy of the medical records.
How do I know if I’m ready for a Great Dane?
- You have a solid understanding of the breed.
- You can financially afford to spend up to a significant amount of money ($1,000 per year
- Your home is “Dane Proof” which is similar to childproofing your house (i.e. no breakables on coffee tables or you have comfortable places for the Great Dane to sleep/rest).
- Great Danes do not need a big yard or house, but your Dane does need a good thirty minute walk once a day to keep happy and healthy. Your Dane sure would appreciate a big back yard or a dog park to run zoomies in, but it’s not a must have.
- You are willing to work with your rescued to make him/her comfortable in your house. This could include, but not limited to: obedience training, working on anxiety issues, food or treat aggression.