Adoption FAQs

Adopting a rescue dog is a big decision — and it’s normal to have questions.

This page covers some of the most common questions about adopting through NBMDRN, including requirements, timelines, fees, and what to expect after adoption.

If you don’t see your question answered here, we’re always happy to help.

We know the process may take time, but every step is taken with the dog’s long-term well-being in mind.

Interested in Adopting a Bernese Mountain Dog? Complete an Adoption Application here.

Learn more about the breed here. Read this article to better understand behaviors of mill mama dogs.

Adoption Fees

  • Adoption Fee by Age

    • Puppies under 1 year - $1,400

    • 1 - 2 years - $1,200

    • 2 - 4 years - $900

    • 4 - 6 years - $700

    • 6 - 8 years - $600

    • 8 and older - $500

    *Fees may be adjusted based on specific circumstances; age, health, vet bills, etc. Pricing is subject to change without notice.

  • Adoption fees are determined based on the age of the dog being adopted. These fees help offset the significant costs involved in rescuing, caring for, and preparing each Bernese Mountain Dog for their forever home.

    Your adoption fee helps cover:

    • Safe transport into rescue

    • Comprehensive veterinary care

    • Spay or neuter procedures

    • Vaccinations and preventative care

    • Meals, grooming, and daily care

    • Rehabilitation and recovery support

    Most dogs often arrive with medical needs.

    Common care includes:

    • Advanced dental disease requiring dental procedures

    • Reproductive health issues, particularly in former breeding females

    • Pre-surgical blood panels

    • Additional diagnostic testing and medical interventions

    Due to these needs, the average medical cost for a dog entering our care exceeds $1,300 — often before they are even available for adoption.

  • Thank you for adopting with us and helping save a Berner!

    Please use the link below to pay your adoption fee via Zeffy. Zeffy charges no processing fees, so 100% of your payment goes directly to the dogs.

    Pay your adoption fee here!

  • NBMDRN is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Adoption fees are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

  • Start by completing our online adoption application through our website.

    Application is here

  • Below is a brief breakdown of the process, to learn more check out Adoption Process
    1. Search our Database

    2. Submit an Application

    3. Application Review & Match Selection

    4. Phone Interview

    5. Conversation with Foster

    6. Home Video Chat

    7. Reference Checks

    8. Adoption Approval & Placement

  • Every adoption is different. The timeline depends on factors such as available dogs, individual needs, and compatibility with your home and lifestyle. Some matches happen quickly, while others take more time. Our priority is always a thoughtful, lasting match for both the dog and the adopter.

  • Finding the right match is one of the most important parts of our rescue work. We take a thoughtful, individualized approach that prioritizes each dog’s long-term success.

    Our team considers many factors, including:

    • The dog’s personality, energy level, and comfort with people, children, and other animals

    • The dog’s medical, behavioral, and emotional needs

    • Information and observations from the foster home

    • The adopter’s home environment, experience, and lifestyle

    • Safety considerations such as fencing, supervision, and routine

    We don’t operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Instead, we focus on creating the best possible match to set both the dog and the adopter up for a successful, lifelong relationship.

    Our goal is always the same: a safe, stable, and loving home where each Bernese Mountain Dog can truly thrive.

  • Our team reviews applications on a case-by-case basis, as each dog’s needs are unique. If you listed a specific dog and that dog is adopted by another applicant, we will notify you. Approved applications remain on file and may be considered for future matches as dogs become available.

  • After submitting your application online, a confirmation screen with an application number will be displayed. This lets you know your application has been received and is awaiting review. Applications are reviewed as adoption or foster needs arise.

  • No — please do not submit multiple applications. If another dog catches your eye, simply contact us and let us know. Our team will update your existing application and review whether the dog may be a good match.

  • Safety is key when our dogs are being transported. Keep in mind that most of our dogs are considered to be flight risks because of their backgrounds. Transport is a time when it is especially important to take extra precautions.
    Please make sure you have each of the following items and all of these items are in place on the dog before and during transport: Harness, martingale collar, leash, slip lead, dog car seat tether.

    NBMDRN will arrange to provide these prior to transport whenever possible.

To learn more about our process, click here

Adoption Process

Adopter’s Home & Lifestyle

  • A fenced yard is not required to adopt.

    Every dog in our care is evaluated individually, and we focus on matching each dog with the home, environment, and lifestyle that best meet their needs. Some dogs may require a securely fenced yard, while others may do well in homes without one, including urban or apartment settings.

    What about invisible fences?

    Many of our dogs come from difficult backgrounds and would fair poorly with invisible fencing.

    With that said, we do allow fostering/adoptions to take place in homes with invisible fencing for younger pups who have not experienced the trauma that some of our former mill pups have experienced, and who can be trained appropriately.

    Those with invisible fences are welcome to apply with our organization, understanding that only certain dogs will be considered a match for you.

    Our adoption team considers factors such as the dog’s personality, background, activity level, and safety needs — not just yard type — to ensure a successful, long-term match.

  • Yes. Adopters must be legal adults to adopt.

    Because adoption is a legal agreement that includes financial and care responsibilities, all adoption applications must be submitted by an adult. We’re happy to work with families and households of all ages, but a parent or legal guardian must be the primary applicant.

  • Yes. As part of our adoption process, we may contact personal references and veterinary references to help ensure a safe, successful match.

    Reference checks give us additional insight into an adopter’s experience, home environment, and ability to meet a dog’s needs. Not every application requires the same level of reference review, and our team approaches this step thoughtfully and respectfully.

    Our goal is not to make the process difficult, but to support placements that lead to lifelong, successful homes for our dogs.

  • Yes. As part of the adoption process, we will contact current or past veterinarians to help ensure a successful match and a safe, supportive home for the dog.

References & Vet Checks

Dogs in Rescue Care

After Adoption

  • Our relationship doesn’t end when a dog goes home. We remain available to answer questions, provide guidance, and support adopters as their new family member settles in. Our goal is a successful, lifelong placement.

  • While we do not provide formal training services, we are always available to offer guidance, resources, and support. Many of our dogs come from challenging backgrounds, and we’re happy to share recommendations, strategies, and insight to help adopters navigate behavioral or adjustment concerns.

  • Our priority is always the well-being of our dogs. If an adoption is not working for any reason, the dog must be returned to NBMDRN. We do not permit rehoming without our involvement.

    Our team will work with you to understand the situation and ensure the dog transitions safely, with compassion and care.