Welcome to the home of Doberman Assistance, Rescue, and Education, Inc. (DAR&E).

DAR&E is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to serving the needs of homeless Dobermans in Maryland, Virginia, Washington DC, Delaware, and in portions of both eastern West Virginia and southern Pennsylvania.

Our primary directive is to provide veterinary care and foster homes for rescued Dobermans and to place them into loving, permanent homes through our adoption process. We provide support and camaraderie to adoptive families throughout the lives of the Dobermans we rescue. Once a DAR&E dog; always a DAR&E dog.

General Operating Guidelines

Dobermans enter DAR&E’s rescue program in one of two way.

  • Local shelters contact us and request we accept a Doberman that is in their facility into our rescue.
  • Doberman owners contact us directly about relinquishing their Doberman

DAR&E maintains the position that shelter animals should be given priority over those residing with owners due to the danger of shelter dogs being euthanized.

All Dobermans rescues by DAR&E are given proper veterinary care. Upon entering our program they will:

  • Be given a wellness exam to assess their overall health.
  • Receive , if not already documented, Rabies, DHLPP, Bordetella and Lymes vaccinations.
  • All Dobermans will be spay/neutered before offered for adoption.
  • All DAR&E dogs are microchipped and the primary chip registration remains with DAR&E to ensure that DAR&E will be contacted if the dog is found running at large so they can bring the dog to safety.

Which Dobermans are saved?

DAR&E does not intend to attempt to re-home aggressive, unsafe Dobermans. There are too many nice Dobermans that need our help for us to exhaust scarce resources on Dobermans with unsafe temperaments. The Dog Intake Coordinator is tasked with exercising proper judgement and making the decisions as to which Dobermans are appropriate to enter DAR&E’s rescue program. Once in our program they will be evaluated in foster homes before offered for adoption.

DAR&E does consider rescuing dogs with health issues. The extent of the health issues and possibility for recovery along with DAR&E financial and volunteer resources will be factored into the decision as to whether to bring a dog with health issues into DAR&E or not.

Foster Homes

DAR&E actively recruits foster homes via social media, especially Doberman specific sites as Doberman experience is desirable. DAR&E also seeks recommendations from current volunteers and the local Doberman community.

All potential foster parents must apply and meet DAR&E‘s criteria to become a DAR&E volunteer. They will sign DAR&E’s Foster Care Home Agreement as well our Code of Ethics to become a DAR&E foster parent.

Permanent/Adoptive Homes

DAR&E advertises their foster dogs via their website, www.dobe.net, as well as Petfinders.com, Adoptapet.com and other appropriate outlets. All persons interested in adopting a DAR&E Doberman must submit an adoption application which requires a veterinary reference for current and previous pets as well as 2 personal references. A home visit will be conducted and applicant must be approved before they are allowed to meet foster dogs in hopes of adopting one.

Adoption Fees

Adoption fees helps defer some of DAR&E’s costs for the care of the Dobermans in their care. The fees vary from $150 to $350 depending on the age of the dog. Adoption fees cover a small portion of the costs required to rescue and care for the homeless Dobermans in our area.

DAR&E Documents and Agreements

Owners who relinquish their Doberman to DAR&E must complete and sign an Owner Release Form. Shelters typically have their own release forms. As much information as possible regarding the Dobermans history, health, temperament and habits will be requested.

In order to become a volunteer for DAR&E, all applicants must sign a Code of Ethics Agreement. Foster parents must also sign DAR&E’s Foster Home Agreement. DAR&E will maintain a copy of this agreement in their files as well as provide a copy to the foster parent.

Adoption Contracts will be completed in duplicate, one for the adopter and one for the rescue.

Fundraising

DAR&E’s own fundraising efforts and adoption fees make up the bulk of its operating funds. It’s critical that DAR&E remain financially self-reliant therefore constant fundraising is necessary. The Fund Raising Coordinator will manage the various methods for raising funds.

Education

An important goal of DAR&E is to educate adopters and the general public about the unique qualities of Dobermans. Dobermans are highly intelligent, sensitive dogs who do not respond well to harsh treatment. They thrive in an environment where they are provided structure and boundaries. Dobermans require substantial daily physical and mental exercise.

DAR&E endeavors to educate the public about the importance of spaying and neutering pets and providing them with proper, humane training.

Volunteers

DAR&E volunteers are recruited via social media, especially Doberman specific sites, as well from referrals of current volunteers. Adopters often decide to join as volunteers to give back to their beloved breed. Wherever volunteers come from, they are the most important part of DAR&E!