Adopting a Rescue GSD

 1. Q. I sent in my application, when can I meet the dog I applied for?
A. Once your application had been processed (phone interview, home visit and approval) we will schedule a time for you to meet the dog you applied for if we determine that particular dog is a good fit for you, your lifestyle and your home. If we determine through the application process that the dog you applied for is not a good fit, we may still be able to match you with a different dog if you are willing.

2. Q. How often do you get puppies available to adopt?
A. We rarely get puppies into rescue and on the rare occasion that we might, we already have families that are approved that we would contact first. Applications to adopt puppies will be processed last, after we process applications for dogs already in our program needing homes.

3. Q. How long does the adoption process take? We are anxious to meet and adopt a dog.
A. Our adoption process can take at minimum a week or 2. We are a small volunteer organization, all of our volunteers work and have families and dogs of our own. We make every effort to move the process along as quickly as possible. From start to finish, if you have applied for a specific dog you can expect at least 4 weeks.

4. Q. Do you "cat test" your dogs?
A. If it is reasonable and a dog-savvy cat is available we "may" be able to gauge a dogs reaction to cats but this in no way would ensure a dog would be able to fit into a home with cats. If a dog has lived successfully with cats it will state this in their profile. If we feel that a dog may not be suited to a home with cats due to prey drive, past poor experiences with cats, etc. then they will be listed as "no cats". Safety and successful adoptions are our goal.

5. Q. Can we meet the dog we if we are approved before we bring it home?
A. You will be required to meet the dog before any adoption is approved. All family members and dogs must be present to meet. Often we like more than 1 meeting if you already own another dog to help with introductions and see how they react to one another. Meetings will be at a neutral site whenever possible. You may need to travel to meet the dog depending where it is being fostered or traine

It is a great idea for adoption applicants to apply and to be pre-approved adopters. GSR&RC is constantly evaluating GSDs for our Rehome program and we usually have several GSDs in process.

If we have a rescue dog that is a match for your family, and you are already approved, we will immediately contact you with the GSDs profile to see if you are interested. One of our rescue dogs could be your next best friend!

Even if you are not ready to adopt, we will complete the process and keep your approval on file until you are ready. Once you are ready, we will review any changes to your lifestyle since you were approved and start the process to get you a
GSD. 

We do not have a "fence requirement" for our dogs, however we may determine that a particular dog requires or would do best with a fenced yard. This will be stated in the dogs profile and homes without fencing will not be considered unless the home can demonstrate strong GSD experience.  If you do have a fence and plan on having a rescue dog unleashed in it, it needs to be in good condition without holes, secure gates and high enough that a dog cannot easily jump over it. No dog should be left alone unsupervised in a fenced in area. 

Electronic fencing, wireless fencing or invisible fencing are NOT permitted for myriad reasons. If this is your primary method of containment you will be considered an "unfenced" home and you will be required to keep your rescue dog on a leash. 

Unless your rescue dog can demonstrate that it will choose YOU over a squirrel, jogger or  another loose dog 100% OF THE TIME, you will be required to have your dog leashed at all times when not in a secure area.  

Families with children under 10 will be eligible for rescue GSDs that have lived with children. Families with extensive GSD experienced and dog savvy children will also be considered. Adoption eligibility will be decided on a case -by-case basis.