Adoption Q & A

Once a dog is placed into a foster home, we are able to evaluate each dog’s temperament, including interactions with other dogs, children, cats, and other small animals. This information is critical, as it allows us to appropriately match the dog with the adopter to ensure success.

Yes. All of our dogs will be spayed/neutered prior to adoption, as required by law for Rescue Organizations.

Yes, we will consider owner surrenders on a case-by-case basis. Owner surrender dogs must also pass our evaluation criteria before being accepted into the program. However, shelter animals at risk of euthanasia will always remain our first priority.

While we most often do not know a dog’s past history, all dogs must pass our evaluation criteria prior to being brought into our rescue organization. This is where our foster homes play a critical role in further evaluating the animal.

We will not accept any dog who is deemed to be dangerous or aggressive.

We will consider on a case-by-case basis allowing an adoption of more than one dog (i.e. bonded pair). However, aside from these rare circumstances, we do prefer that you adopt one dog at a time to allow sufficient time for the dog to acclimate to his/her new living circumstances. Please keep in mind that it takes a minimum of 30 days for a dog to bond with a new family.

We prefer that adopters have, at a minimum, 6-foot fencing, as most German Shepherds are very agile and if given the right opportunity, would easily jump lower fencing. If fencing is not possible, you must provide a reasonable plan for providing the dog exercise and potty breaks.

Most dogs entering our program do so without having received training during their prior life, and is usually their first time residing in a home. On occasion, we may come across a dog that has basic house training and understand some obedience commands.  While our foster parents assist the dog in learning basic training, we ask adopters to commit to formal obedience training to aid in establishing a good foundation and building a strong bond with your new dog.

All medical information pertaining to the dog will be discussed with you prior to adoption. Because the dog’s prior history is unknown, we are unable to offer any guarantees regarding their health. We do ask that you obtain a veterinary exam of your adopted pet within two weeks of adoption.

As the decision to adopt should be taken very seriously, we ask that you make every effort to work through any challenges before returning your dog to us. We encourage you to reach out to us for assistance in answering questions, or possibly seek out the services of a professional trainer. Should the decision to return your dog involve a change in personal circumstances, and you can no longer care for your companion, we will gladly accept the dog back into our organization.

We believe dogs can reside in apartments with an owner who will provide appropriate daily exercise and outside access for potty breaks. However, you must obtain formal written approval from your landlord. Check with your landlord to determine the rules for your individual situation (i.e. weight or breed restrictions).

Puppy adoptions are mostly limited to adopters with past experience raising large working breed dogs and with the resources to successfully guide a puppy into adulthood.

Yes! An adoption cannot occur unless all family members, including resident dogs, meet to determine compatibility. The meeting will take place in a neutral setting.

Once approved, your adoption counselor will facilitate a meeting with the dog(s) whose temperament and needs may be a good match.

The home visit is important as a new set of eyes may identify any hazards that could be detrimental to the welfare of a new dog.

Your adoption counselor will be getting to know you in order to understand your experience with dogs, what you are looking for in a dog, and how you want to integrate a dog into your life. We want to match both temperament and energy level.

While we understand that most adopters are working professionals, German Shepherds are very social animals who thrive being with their owners, so long hours away could be problematic unless there is a plan to provide much needed exercise and mental stimulation.

Our team has experienced matchmakers with years of rescue experience specific to German Shepherds. We will introduce you to the most appropriate dogs. Please keep in mind that although you may be interested in a specific dog, that particular dog may end up not being the most appropriate match for your situation.

Not as a routine. On occasion, we may make an exception (i.e. a prior adopter that has relocated and is known to us).  Most of our dogs will be placed in the Monterey Bay/Coastal Redwoods area only.