February 23, 2002

Any rescue group wishing to be recommended by the AMSC must be following these minimum guidelines. If you adopt a dog from a group who was recommended by the AMSC, and they are not following these guidelines, please contact AMSC Rescue at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Rescue contacts currently listed on the AMSC website are there at their request, and are not necessarily approved by AMSC Rescue. If you would like to know of a reputable rescue contact in your area, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Rescue group is a not for profit organization.

All dogs placed MUST BE NEUTERED/SPAYED PRIOR TO PLACEMENT.

Biters and terminally ill dogs are not placeable.

Dog should be vet checked to verify that you are placing a healthy dog.

All dogs placed must be up to date on vaccinations: rabies, distemper, parvovirus, coronavirus, parainfluenza. In states where infection has occurred, they should also be tested for heartworm and the owner informed of the results.

Schnauzers should be reasonably and recently groomed.

Adoption fee must be charged to discourage unscrupulous people from acquiring a free dog that they can turn over to laboratory for animal testing, etc.

Adoption contract must be completed for each dog placed. Contract MUST stipulate that the dog must be returned to the rescue organization if the new owner cannot keep the dog for any reason.

AKC papers are NEVER to be given to new owners per AKC Policy and Guidelines (see page 5, paragrahp D)

Owner surrendering dog must sign contract relinquishing all claim to the dog.

Vet records for owner surrenders should be acquired from the owner’s vet if possible. These records should be passed on to the new owner, HOWEVER, the previous owner’s information (name, address, phone number, work phone number, etc.) should be obscured so new owner cannot contact previous owner.

If it is determined that a rescue dog came from an AMSC breeder, the dog should be returned to the breeder.

Rescuers in each state should be adhering to the laws applicable to their state/region.