Over 25 years of experience in adoption of Great Danes has helped us to establish this policy. Our fencing requirement is intended to ensure that a Dane has a safely confined area for relief and exercise.
Fencing requirements apply whether an applicant resides in a city, suburb or on a multiple acre farm. If an adoption applicant is unable to provide a satisfactory fenced area (attached to their home) for a Great Dane, in most cases MAGDRL cannot proceed with the application.
Fencing Exceptions
MAGDRL will not compromise on its obligation to ensure a safe environment for the Great Danes we place. However, you can petition for one of two rare exceptions to the fencing requirement if you believe you are an exemplary pet owner.
The first fencing exception is for applicants who reside in circumstances where they cannot fence, for example if fencing not allowed in your community, you do not own the property outside your back door, or you live in a condominium or an apartment. In these situations, leash laws are usually stringent so we will place a Great Dane 2 years old or older.
The second fencing exception is for those who can fence but choose not to, and includes applicants with acreage. We do not place dogs into homes where they will be placed on a runner, chained, tied, or staked out in ANYWAY, or kept is a standalone fence/pen. MAGDRL does not consider an electronic underground pet containment system to be adequate fencing to protect a pet. With applicants who choose not to fence, we will place a Great Dane 5 years old or older.
With either fencing exception, your application must include a detailed letter describing your circumstances, lifestyle, previous dog ownership and how you plan on safely exercising and managing your Great Dane without chaining or allowing off lead. In addition, a letter of recommendation from your veterinarian regarding the care and well-being of your current or previously owned pet(s) must accompany your adoption application. Without these two letters your exception request cannot be considered.
This petition process requires additional processing time. If your request is accepted for consideration, it will be forwarded to your MAGDRL adoption coordinator and a home visit will be conducted. After the home visit is complete, you will be notified of the status of your adoption application.