Our Rescue Representatives, Foster Homes, and General Volunteers are accepted after a thorough background check. Each receives instruction in proper placement procedures and the care of rescue dogs. In addition to reps and foster homes who deal directly with the dogs, ARPH has other volunteers who perform many varied and necessary tasks. The ARPH Team is comprised of people with all sorts of experiences "from breeders to pet owners" and each volunteer brings his or her own individual expertise to the rescue effort. Find out how YOU may become a Volunteer! We now have online applications for General Volunteers and Foster Homes!

Our rescue efforts are supported largely by donations from those who love the breed, including donations from the Australian Shepherd Club of America ASCA, ASCA's affiliate clubs, and donations received from adopting homes. In addition to donations, we have a limited number of products approved for ARPH Fundraisers as well as several web sites who support ARPH with donations based on referral from our web pages. Donations made to ARPH are tax deductible in accordance with the US tax code for 501(c)(3) tax deductible charitable organizations. Click here to find out how you can help support ARPH.

The Aussie Rescue and Placement Helpline, Inc. (ARPH) is a not-for-profit organization comprised of volunteers who are dedicated to the Australian Shepherd breed.

ARPH's mission is to rescue Australian Shepherds and place them into loving, caring, and permanent homes, and to educate the public about all aspects of owning an Australian Shepherd.

ARPH's rescue efforts are supported largely by donations from those who love the breed, including donations from the Australian Shepherd Club of America (ASCA), its Affiliate Clubs, and other Australian Shepherd groups and organizations.

In 1992, three individuals doing private rescue were brought together by a common vision of rescuing purebred Australian Shepherds. They hoped to gain the support of the Australian Shepherd Club of America (ASCA), which would enable them to create a network of volunteers who would be able to save their beloved Aussies on a much larger scale. These dedicated volunteers researched other rescue groups and developed a set of rules, as well as the initial paperwork procedures required -- such as contracts, volunteer applications, expense and reimbursement guidelines. These three rescuers laid a foundation that to this day has helped ARPH maintain its goals and its strength.

With their initial plan in hand, the three went to the ASCA Nationals in Bakersfield, CA that same year to present the plan to the Board of Directors of ASCA. The concept was well-received. The ASCA Board made some suggestions and the plan was sent to their attorney for additional input.

In 1993 at the Nationals in Puyallup, Washington, the volunteers met with the Board again, made final revisions to the plan and then ARPH became the official rescue for ASCA. Once again, the three founding members were faced with more hard work: the relentless task of recruiting and screening ARPH's representatives and volunteers. Through their selfless efforts, they succeeded in nurturing ARPH through its infancy. During this time there were the usual growing pains. After a split in 1998, ARPH became a stronger, more viable organization. ARPH incorporated in 1999 and became a 501(c)3 non-profit organization shortly thereafter.

ARPH has seen great growth from its inception (with three members) in 1992 to the present-day 900 plus members throughout the United States and Canada. Because of the solid foundation built by its first three members and ASCA, ARPH has continued its high standards not only for its volunteers, but for the Aussies they rescue. ARPH rescues hundreds of Aussies each year because of the hard work of its volunteers and the generosity of those who donate monies to help ARPH maintain its rescue efforts.