BRAT Frequently Asked Questions

The first step for the potential adopter is to complete a BRAT adoption application. The application will be forwarded to a BRAT representative for your state who will contact you, probably by e-mail but possibly by phone. Remember, that our representatives are all volunteers, so it could take them a few days to get in touch with you.

The BRAT representative may ask you some questions, even though you have already answered many on the application. Please do not be put off or offended by this. Yes, it can be odd to have a stranger ask if you intend to allow a dog to sleep in your bed! Just remember that the BRAT representative wants the best possible match for you and the basenjis.

In order to reach that goal, a lot of information is needed, so you might be asked questions such as these:

What are your expectations? Do you want a dog that is promptly obedient and content to lie endlessly by your side, gazing up adoringly?

Well, basenjis can be obedient, they certainly like to snuggle at times, and they often give adoring looks. However, basenjis are also strong-willed, creative, intelligent little beings who most certainly have minds of their own.

If your expectations fit well with typical basenji behavior, then both you and a basenji may be blessed with a long and happy relationship. If not, maybe some other breed or mix would be a better choice for you.

An important part of your expectations is, bluntly put, what you are willing to deal with.

Are you willing to adopt a basenji that might chew up your sofa or try to climb your fence? How about one who has never lived indoors and has somewhat iffy house manners? Or one who requires medication for hypothyroidism or is on a dietary protocol for Fanconi Syndrome?

Some rescues are well trained and socialized while others come from situations where they were neglected or abused.

How much effort are you willing to put into helping your basenji become the pet of your dreams?

What are your beliefs about training, crating, and other dog-related issues? For instance, do you feel that dogs should be allowed to run free?

If so, a basenji is probably not the best dog for you.

What about crating? Do you think crates are horribly cruel and abusive no matter how they are used?

The fact is that some basenjis cannot be left alone uncrated without causing severe damage to your home and possibly to themselves as well.

Do you believe in training with rewards, punishments or a combination of both?

How do you feel about spaying or neutering your dog?

What is your housing situation like? Do you rent or own? Does your landlord allow dogs? Do you have a fenced yard?

If not, you can still adopt a basenji, but you will need to have a good plan for exercising your dog either on-leash or in some secure area.

What is your household like? Do you have a significant other? How does this person feel about dogs in general and basenjis in particular? Do you have children, or do children regularly visit?

Many basenjis are fine with children, but some (like some children) tend to play rough, and this can escalate into an unacceptable situation.

Do you already have dogs? What breeds and ages are they? Have they been spayed and neutered? Are there any behavioral issues? Do you have cats?

Some basenjis do well with felines, but others simply view them as "prey" to be chased and harassed.

What kind your lifestyle do you have?

Being a responsible dog owner requires time and effort, and this can be even more true if you adopt a rescue dog. The good news is that you will not have to spend much time grooming your basenji. However, this is a breed with lots of energy, and the motto "a tired basenji is a good basenji" certainly holds true. You will need to find time in your schedule to give your basenji an appropriate amount of exercise, both physical and mental. This means that if you travel a lot and can't take your dog along, or if you have so many other commitments that the basenji would be "just one more thing," now is probably not a good time to add a basenji to your family.

Once you have completed the application, you will begin receiving e-mails describing new basenjis and basenji mixes available from BRAT, as well as from shelters and other organizations. You should also check out the adoption listings on the BRAT website. Look at both the purebreds and the basenji mixes. Read the profiles carefully! We provide as much information as possible about each dog in order to help you decide whether or not to apply for him. If you have cats or children, for example, be sure to note whether a particular dog does well with them. Knowing what kind of applicant the coordinator is looking for can save both of you a lot of time and frustration.

When you see a dog that strikes a chord, e-mail the dog's BRAT coordinator by clicking the coordinator's link within the dog's listing. You will see the name of the coordinator in each listing. The coordinator will have access to your application and may e-mail or call you with some additional questions. Again, please do not be offended. And please be patient; sometimes there are many applicants for a particular dog.

If the coordinator decides to pursue the placement of the basenji with you, we will ask to schedule a home visit with you. A BRAT representative will visit your home and, yes, there will probably be more questions. But remember: they are meant to ensure a positive outcome for both you and the basenji. In some circumstances, it may be possible for you to visit the dog you are interested in adopting. This can be particularly useful for both first-time basenji owners and those with other dogs. It is critical if the basenji is shy or has difficulty accepting new people.

When you are approved for a basenji, you will be expected to pay a placement fee and sign our contract. The adoption fee varies based on the age of the dog. You should ask the coordinator what that fee is so there are no surprises after you have your heart set on a dog. Our fees help defray costs for the medical care and feeding of our rescue basenjis, but do not usually cover all of our costs. Without the generous donations from our contributors and our fundraisers, the adoption fee per basenji would be considerably higher.

The coordinator will also work with you to arrange transport of your basenji. Often, we can coordinate a Basenji Underground Railroad (BUR) run, where multiple BRAT volunteers drive your dog to you, or part of the way to you, relay style. These runs are a wonderful expression of the love basenji people have for the breed. At the end of the run, you’ll have your dog.

If air transport is the best option, it may be arranged at the expense of the new family at a cost typically between $175 to $300 depending on location and airline.

If you ever have any questions about BRAT or the placement process, please send them to brat-help@lists.basenjirescue.org

Why are these dogs in rescue? Are they bad dogs?

There are a lot of reasons why basenjis and other dogs come into rescue. Some of the most common include:

Life changes: Sometimes major life changes force people to give up treasured companions. An owner may suffer a catastrophic illness or injury, or the health of a family member can suddenly require all of the owner's time and effort. Job requirements such as long work hours or prolonged travel may mean the owner does not have time for the dog.

Marriage might bring a spouse or stepchild who cannot live with the dog, or a new baby may take up all of the owner's time. Divorce often plays a role in relinquishment, as may unexpected financial difficulties.

Irreconcilable differences: Okay, we may be biased, but basenjis are gorgeous dogs and basenji puppies are just about the cutest critters imaginable. Unfortunately, that beautiful face with the expressive eyes and wrinkled forehead (not to mention the curled tail) can appeal to people who are not really suited to having a basenji. They get the darling puppy home and find themselves unable to deal with typical basenji puppy antics. Some people have heard that basenjis do not bark and assume they must be totally silent. They definitely are not! Others have read that basenjis are good apartment dogs, so they think they do not have to provide them with regular exercise. Some hope to get an obedient dog or something else that a basenji just is not. Often such people truly care about their dog, but recognizing their mistake in selecting a basenji, they may ask BRAT to find the dog a more suitable home.

Some basenjis in rescue were literally "rescued." They have been removed from abusive or neglectful circumstances to be rehabilitated and placed in homes where they will be understood and cared for. This includes dogs saved from puppy mills or seized from "collectors."

Behavior problems: Basenjis are smart, strong-willed, independent, creative dogs. They require intelligent handling. If left to their own devices, they may learn behaviors that are unacceptable. They need to be socialized and taught what is acceptable. Some people find themselves with an unruly dog and get a trainer for themselves and the dog.

Others choose to relinquish the dog. These dogs are not bad dogs. They are dogs who may be poorly trained or under-socialized, but who can benefit greatly if someone is willing to spend time with them, be consistent, and give them proper training. This is not to say that a few weeks in a class will yield a perfect companion. "Dog" training is not just training the dog. It is also training the owner so the owner will continue to shape the dog towards better behavior. Please note that BRAT does not knowingly accept or place vicious dogs.

Health problems: Some basenjis come into rescue because they develop health problems that their owners are unable to deal with, or simply because they're old. These basenjis, with proper care, can make wonderful pets.

Is a basenji the right dog for me and my family?

Great question. If everyone who is thinking about getting a basenji would ask this question, there would probably be fewer basenjis in rescue. The best way to answer it is to think about yourself, your family, why you want a dog, and what you want from your dog. Consider the following:

Is your home life pretty hectic right now, with small children and lots of activity? Are you caring for a dependent family member? Do you need to be away many hours each day because of your job or because you travel often?

Maybe a dog is not the best choice for you at this time.

What kind of dog do you want? One who is highly obedient and lives only to please you? One who can safely be allowed to run off-leash? One who just likes to lie around the house all of the time? Do you want a dog who has never met a stranger and who instantly loves everyone, including small children?

“Yes” responses to any of these questions should lead you to question whether a basenji is right for you. Basenjis are obedient some of the time, but they are sight hounds, bred for generations to be independent thinkers. They need both physical and mental stimulation, and if they see anything of interest to pursue (literally or figuratively), they will not hesitate to pursue it.

Basenjis are active, often fearless dogs who, when off-leash, may run in front of a vehicle without the slightest sense of danger. This behavior is driven by the basenji's survival instinct and should not be underestimated. Some basenjis are outgoing, but others are more reserved and need to be allowed to warm up to strangers before being petted. Many are wonderful with children, but others don’t like them much at all. Read the Reality Stories on this site to find out some of the harder truths about life with basenjis. (Really, we don't expect you to bring live crustaceans into your house for their amusement. But, it is a funny picture, don't you think?)

Do you want an intelligent dog? A dog who will challenge you and may even outsmart you on occasion? Do you want a dog that is cheerfully disobedient? Are you willing to laugh at yourself when your dog puts one over on you?

If you answered yes to these questions, a basenji might be just the right dog for you.

Are you willing to put in the time and effort it takes to be a basenji owner? Will you go to training with the attitude that the training is more for you than for your basenji? Are you willing to take your basenji for long walks, play silly games, cuddle as needed, and provide the consistent care and nurturing a basenji needs?

If you answered "yes" to these questions, a basenji may be waiting for you.

I already own a female dog and want to adopt another female. Is this a good idea?

Probably not. While there are exceptions to any rule, same-sex aggression can often be a problem with basenjis. In general, and especially when dealing with adult dogs, opposite sex placements are easier and safer.

Why should I consider adopting an older basenji?

Old. Elderly. Senior. The words conjure unfair images of infirmity and senility. What is old for a basenji? Like humans, longevity is often dictated by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Basenjis seem to live longer than many other breeds. This can be a good and a bad thing—especially given that we live in such a “disposable society.”

BRAT (Basenji Rescue and Transport, Inc.) places many dogs over the age of eight. Almost all of them adjust wonderfully to their new homes.

It is a myth that the older dog takes longer to bond. This is just not true. Once able to love, always able to love. If they have bonded with previous owners, they will bond again because it's in their nature. On the other hand, a rescue that has been abused may have issues and be more problematic, but that’s true regardless of a basenji of any age.

Most people want to adopt a rescue aged two- or three-years-old because by then the dog’s personality has been established; the dog is no longer an unruly puppy, and the dog is still “young enough to bond.” But this is true for older basenjis as well! And, with age come some excellent benefits. An older rescue will not be as demanding. He or she will be happy to follow the sun spots around the house and doze away the day while you're away at work, greeting you happily when you get home. The need for exercise to blow off steam diminishes. Potty walks will be briefer and there will be less pulling on the leash. (All the foregoing is said with the understanding that there are always exceptions.)

Often, when an applicant’s older basenji passes away, they will insist on adopting a young rescue to avoid the pain of another loss. However, one basenji can never replace another and time can dull memories of what it is like to live with a young basenji. One can forget how truly energetic and demanding a young basenji is. And, a senior basenji is perfect for the senior applicant who might not be able to manage a wild and crazy juvenile basenji.

An older basenji also makes an excellent pet for the younger applicant to learn about basenji ways and become familiar with the breed.

One of the oldest basenjis adopted through BRAT was a sweet girl named Grace. She was raised by a man who allowed her to sleep in bed and have free run of his home. Grace was happy. When Grace was about 8 years old, the man married a woman and Grace’s happiness slowly faded. The woman did not understand or like dogs. She thought that since Grace was already eight years old, she wouldn’t be around much longer. Boy, was she wrong! At first, Grace was banished from the bedroom. As the years went by, Grace’s comforts and pleasures were reduced further and further. By the age of 16, Grace was chained to the kitchen table and walked twice a day. Since the owners were downsizing and moving to retirement, they contacted BRAT to find a new home for her. The last two years (yes, she lived to be 18!) were probably the best years of her life. She was flown from Florida to Seattle, Washington and lived a very pampered and well-loved life to her last breath. The adoptive home was thrilled with Grace from the day she arrived and they were honored to have enjoyed her gentle, good spirit for however long they had her.

People often apply to adopt a rescue because they want to do a good deed. They can multiply the power of their good intentions by giving an older basenji a good home. As a reward, they can enjoy life with a wonderful creature that is guaranteed to give more love and joy than they can ever imagine.

I want to become a basenji breeder. Will BRAT place an intact dog with me?

No, BRAT does not place intact dogs. BRAT’s mission is rescue and we cannot place intact dogs and remain true to that mission.

If you want to become a breeder, please learn all you can about basenjis first. Live with basenjis for a while, show them, or get involved in performance events like lure coursing or agility. Become a part of the greater basenji family. Join a group like Basenji Companions or your local basenji club. Talk to other basenji people, including both experienced breeders and those who have chosen not to breed. Consider the serious issues of inherited illnesses and defects. Make sure you are financially and emotionally able to deal with the risks of breeding. Read over the Basenji Club of America's Code of Practices and make sure you are in compliance. If not, BRAT may very well wind up placing the puppies you breed.

Does BRAT recommend electronic fencing for basenjis?

BRAT does not approve of and will not place a basenji in a home that uses electronic fencing, either inside the home or in the yard. This type of fencing—also known as hidden fencing, electronic shock fencing, wireless fencing, pet containment fencing, in-ground fencing, and underground fencing—or any like it that uses shock, noise, vibration, or irritant to contain a dog, is considered by BRAT to be an unsafe and unreliable means of keeping a basenji contained and gives owners a false sense of security.

With their high prey drive, basenjis will instantly give chase after anything that moves—a squirrel, another dog, a cat, children, a leaf, a piece of tissue paper flying by—and will ignore the warning beep sound, vibration, or shock they receive from this fencing. Once out, they will not be motivated to go back into their yard. In addition, electronic fencing does not keep other dogs—including vicious stray dogs—delivery people, rabid wildlife, or children who may tease the dog, off your property.

Electronic fencing is a punishment-based system of training and pain is involved. During the training period, you risk irreparable harm to the much-needed positive bond with your dog (i.e. the dog will associate the pain with your presence) and become afraid of you. In addition, if a dog is traumatize by this painful shock system of training he may become aggressive and/or refuse to go into the yard altogether.

The best containment solution for outside containment is a 6-foot privacy fence. The best way to restrict areas inside the home are positive training, closed doors, crates, exercise pens, and baby gates.

If you do not have a securely fenced backyard, you will need to be dedicated to walking your basenji on a regular basis.

Does BRAT transport dogs to their new homes?

BRAT often works with volunteers for the Basenji Underground Railroad (BUR) to provide transportation for newly adopted basenjis. However, it is sometimes quite difficult to organize a relay of drivers over a very long distance, and it is usually left to the discretion of the various dogs' coordinators whether they want to try to do this.

Sometimes air transport can be arranged at the adopter’s expense, although this is usually not an option during warm weather due to airline restrictions. Also, keep in mind that some dogs do not travel well and/or become distraught when crated. These dogs will need to be placed with applicants who live nearby.

How much does it cost to adopt a basenji?

The adoption fees are on a sliding scale, based on the age of the basenji:

Up to eight months $375;
Nine to eighteen months $325;
Nineteen months to three years $275;
Three to six years $250;
Six to nine years $225;
Over nine years $100-200

We are flexible with pairs and special-needs dogs. BRAT also requires adopters to sign an adoption contract. Please be aware that our adoption fees often do not cover the care the basenji has received, and donations are always appreciated. In some cases, when there have been extraordinary medical or other costs, a higher placement fee may be required.

I want to adopt a dog quickly. How long will it take for me to get my basenji?

Faster is not always better, especially when re-homing dogs. People who work in rescue are certainly aware that those who want dogs can easily visit a pet store, hand over their credit card, and go home with a puppy in a matter of minutes. Part of the reason we are so aware of this is that we see many of the same puppies, after they're given up to rescue.

BRAT has an excellent track record for placing basenjis in "forever homes." One of the most important reasons for the high success rate is the thoroughness of the screening and matching process. But because it is thorough, it takes time. How long a potential adopter can expect to wait while being screened and approved for a particular basenji varies. The whole process might only take a week or two, but more typically an applicant waits a month or more for the right dog to come along.

While you are waiting, make sure you have "done your research" by reading the Reality Stories on this site. You might also want to visit BRAT's bookstore to get some books about basenjis, training, dogs in general, and canine health issues. If you buy any books through our link to Amazon, 5% of the price will be donated to BRAT. You do not pay a higher cost for books and BRAT benefits from your purchase.

I just received an e-mail from a BRAT representative assigned to my state. What should I do?

Usually, the first person to contact you after you have submitted a BRAT adoption application will be the representative assigned to your state. This person will welcome you and verify that your e-mail address is correct. The representative may also provide general information about basenjis and about BRAT procedures. If there is anything on your application that needs clarification, you may also be asked a few questions. If you rent a home, you may be asked to provide a letter from your landlord approving a canine resident for the property. Be sure to respond promptly to your state representative, and feel free to ask any questions you might have. Failure to respond will be interpreted as a lack of interest and will result in your application being removed from our "active" database.

I am interested in adopting a dog I just saw on the e-mail list or the Web page. What should I do next?

First of all, if you haven't already done so, fill out the adoption application. Then e-mail the basenji's coordinator, expressing your interest. It is helpful if you can include a brief description of your home situation and perhaps explain why you feel this particular dog might be a good match for you. After that, wait for the coordinator to reply (remember that it might take a few days). In all likelihood, the coordinator will have further questions for you. Think about these questions carefully. You may even wish to discuss them with your family. As we mentioned before, BRAT coordinators are not trying to be snoopy or give you a hard time. They just want a positive outcome for you and the basenjis whose adoptions they coordinate. You can help out by answering the questions as honestly as you can.

This is another good opportunity for you to ask questions, too. For example, if the coordinator mentions that the basenji has a particular health problem or behavioral challenge, you may want to request a more detailed explanation. If you need a few days to answer, at least let the coordinator know right away whether you’re still interested.

We are thinking about adopting two basenjis. Should we adopt both of them at the same time or wait awhile in between?

Most basenji people believe that two basenjis are twice as much fun as one, so if you are seriously considering having more than one of these wonderful dogs in your life, why not adopt a pair from BRAT? When you read about the pairs listed on the website, you will see that these dogs have spent a good portion of their lives together and are well bonded. You can be sure they will play nicely with each other and the fact that they are being re-homed together should make their transition easier.

There are other benefits to adopting a pair. For instance, if you have to be away from home for several hours each day, your dogs are not as likely to get lonely, bored, and destructive if they have each other for company.

On the other hand, if you are not quite certain whether you want two basenjis, it would be better to adopt one now and then wait six months or even a year before adopting a second one.

By then, you will be in a much better position to judge whether you and your dog would benefit by adding to your family. Just remember that bringing another basenji into your home may temporarily cause some behavior issues in even a well-adjusted dog, as routines and hierarchies change. For a basenji that has had a difficult life, the stress of adding another dog too soon may be lead to serious behavior problems.

Does BRAT provide any post-adoption care to new owners?

Yes, absolutely! Nothing makes BRAT people happier than seeing an adoption succeed. Adopting a basenji is a life changing event. BRAT's Post Adoptive Care (PAC) is here to provide guidance and assistance in making this change a positive and "forever" one. Coordinators and foster homes will keep in touch with you to help you over the almost inevitable rough spots.

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Basenji Rescue and Transport, Inc. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Basenji Rescue and Transport, Inc.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS