GSGSR Adoption Process

Our adoption process is designed to help you and the right dog find each other. Our goal is to place each dog into a permanent, safe, and loving home.

To adopt a German Shepherd Dog from us, you must:

1. Live in Northern California; we do not adopt out of state.
2. Complete an Adoption Questionnaire. If you do not own your home, you must have your landlord complete the Landlord Letter.
3. Be interviewed by a GSGSR adoption counselor.
4. Allow a home visit, conducted by a GSGSR volunteer.
5. Sign our Adoption Agreement and Release Form, (available from our volunteers), and pay the associated adoption fee.

In choosing the right German Shepherd for you and your family, you may work with several other rescue organizations. Even though you may have filled out a questionnaire from another group, we still ask that you complete our questionnaire, since our criteria and requirements may differ. Thank you for understanding, and we look forward to working with you.

NOTE: We are an all-volunteer group and we will do our best to process, review, and approve your Adoption Questionnaire within 10 days of receiving it. Occasionally it may take longer. After the Adoption Questionnaire is approved, it will be assigned to an adoption counselor in your area.

Adoption Fees

Effective June 1, 2009 our adoption fees are:

• $350 for puppies (up to 12 months)
• $300 for adult dogs (1 - 8 years)
• $250 for senior dogs (over 8 years)

Before You Adopt

• Is a German Shepherd Dog (GSD) Right for You? – Important information about the German Shepherd Dog breed to consider when deciding whether to adopt a German Shepherd, including a list of the "Top 10 Reasons Why a German Shepherd Dog May NOT be the Dog for You".
• Children and Dogs – If you have children or if children visit your home, you MUST understand the potential for a dog bite to happen - with ANY dog. Find out what to consider when dogs and children interact and how to keep both dogs and children safe.
• About our GSGSR Program Dogs – Learn about the dogs in our program - where they come from, the training they will need, and how we learn about their personalities.
• Finding the Right Dog – What it will take to find the right dog to fit into your family and why we want to make the best match possible.

After You Adopt

The following information will help you learn what to expect when you welcome a new dog into your life.

• When You Bring Your New Dog Home – What you and your dog will need when you bring your new dog home from Golden State German Shepherd Rescue.
• After You Bring Your New Dog Home - The Adjustment Period – What to expect during the first days and weeks after you bring your new dog home, including a list of common signs of stress seen during the adjustment period.
• Common Symptoms of Stress You May See During the Adjustment Period – Learn about some of the most common signs of stress you might see in your new dog during the adjustment period.