Adoption Process - Please Read

The very first step in the process of adopting a rescued GSD from MVGSDR is submitting our adoption questionnaire.  Once the questionnaire is filled out completely and approved, a representative will contact you to set up a home evaluation.  A home evaluation must be done before any dog is placed in a home.

If you are interested in a particular dog, we will match the answers on your application with that dog’s needs to see if that dog is the right dog for you. If the match seems like a good fit, then we go on to the next step. If the dog’s needs differ from what you are looking for, we will explain to you why we feel that particular dog would not be the best fit in your home and help match a different dog with your lifestyle. If you are not interested in any particular dog, we choose a few that might fit in your family and let you make the final decision. If we do not have the right dog for you at the time we receive your application, we will let you know that we are looking and to have patience. Most people are understandable and want to wait for the right dog; they trust we will find them a family member that will fit into their lifestyle; making everyone happy.

 

Once a dog is chosen, a visit to your home with the dog is then scheduled if the distance is reasonable. This is to ensure that the dog will accept your other family members (2 and 4 legged).  During this visit, the dog is not usually left at the home. This is just a brief initial visit to see how everyone gets along.

 

After the dog visits your home and everyone is excited about getting a new family member, a date and time is then set for you to sign the adoption contract and get any and all information about your new companion.  Once the contract is completed and signed, any papers are turned over and the dog is now allowed to go home with its new family.

 

Adoption FAQ's

What are the adoption fees for a rescued GSD?
Adoption fees for a rescued GSD from MVGSDR vary on a case-by-case basis.  Please keep in mind that the adoption fees are subject to change depending on the GSD being adopted. 

The typical adoption fees are as follows
Puppies 0-6 months	$350*
Puppies 7-12 months	$325*
Adults ages 1-5	$300*
Adults/Seniors ages 6 and up	$250*
Mixed/Other breeds	$175*

 

The health condition of a dog can also cause the adoption fees to vary.  The adoption fee allows MVGSDR to provide necessary medical care of the dog from the time it is rescued until it goes to its forever home.  This can include, but is not limited to, vaccinations, heartworm test, spay or neuter, worming and also costs for food and housing for the dog while in foster care.  We are a non-profit organization and all members are volunteers.  100% of the adoption fee goes toward the care of these wonderful dogs.

 

What if my new GSD doesn’t work out?

      We want you and your family to be happy with your newest addition and vise-versa; everyone must co-exist nicely.  However, if for some reason the new dog does not work out the new guardians must notify us ASAP.  We will try to offer training tips, trainer referrals, etc. to help your newest addition settle in better.  If nothing works and the dog just is not working out (which does happen sometimes) the dog must be returned to MVGSDR, and another dog will be considered if need be.

 

What is a home evaluation?

      A home evaluation is when a MVGSDR representative comes and visits you and your family at your home.  During the home evaluation, we compare the answers on your application with what we see.  This is done to make sure that there are no false statements in your application and that your home is suitable for a large dog.  During the home evaluation, we also get ideas about which dog might fit best in your home.  We can talk all we want on the phone with you, but once we see your home and meet your family, we can decide which dog would be happiest living with you.

 

Is an older dog or a puppy better?

      This is one of the most commonly asked questions and one of the hardest to answer.  It is all personal preference, it all depends on what you, and your family prefers.  We don’t like to refer to the dogs as “older” but “middle-aged."  Puppies are very few and far between, so there is always a waiting list for them.  Sure puppies are cute and cuddly, but also remember housetraining, getting up every couple hours to let the pup out, making new arrangements to let the pup out during your lunch break, teething, accidents, more teething, oh the horror!

 

Most people think that they have to get a puppy because “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks."  Oh no? Well, many rescued GSDs have become therapy dogs, search & rescue dogs, some have received their canine good citizen title, have become obedience professionals or have become agility champions at the ages of 2, 3, 4 and older. 

 

As long as the dog has structure in its life, most of them are always willing to learn new things.  They also tend to learn a lot quicker, too.  In addition, just think most of the dogs that come into the rescue are between 2 and 5 years old.  Some are housetrained already and few have accidents once they’ve adjusting to their new home.  They have already gone through their rambunctious puppy stage that drives almost anyone nutty.  They are content to sit and watch TV with the family instead of constantly being on the move; but are all for getting up to go for a long run, play an intense game of ball in the backyard with the kids or do some obedience work. Middle aged dogs can be a blessing for some families.  Some people, who have already gone through the puppy stages want another dog, but do not want to go through the puppy stages, again! 

 

They are more than happy to adopt a middle aged, more mature dog that still has its whole life ahead of them, without having to go through puppy stuff.  As we said, middle aged dog or puppy, it is your preference.  We can’t answer that one for you.  All we ask is that you consider a middle aged dog, the shelters are full of them and most of the dogs that come to us are middle aged.  Older does not mean geriatric, they still have so much spunk and get up and go.  Don’t get us wrong, puppies are wonderful to have, but middle aged dogs can be just as fun and wonderful.  Remember, puppies turn into older dogs; they don’t stay puppies forever (size-wise. Adult GSDs can be big puppies forever!).

 

Is a German Shepherd Dog the right dog for you and your family?

The German shepherd dog aka GSD is a wonderful breed, but it is a “high maintenance” animal not suited for everyone.  If you are unfamiliar with the German shepherd dog breed, please take the time to educate yourself about the breed before adopting one into your family.  In the end, you will be grateful that you did your homework!

A quick glance at the German Shepherd Dog

The breed was developed for service as a herding and general purpose working animal.  The desire to “work” or do something is genetic and is stronger in some GSDs than in others.  Most adult GSDs are loyal, loving, protective, and intelligent.  Without proper training, GSD can also be rambunctious, destructive of property, and exhausting to live with.  It is up to you to guide your dog to suit your lifestyle and that of your family.  Most, if not all, GSD need training and a structured lifestyle to thrive in the home and become a canine good citizen.  

The German shepherd dog is a large, active dog with a dense double coat.  This double coat sheds year round, and produces even greater volumes of fur when the dogs “blow coat” in the spring and fall.  Some shed more than others did, especially when not groomed on a regular basis.  For some owners, this is not a trivial point.  

You should consider the following recommendations as your basic commitment to your new GSD:

 

• Take an obedience course to assure that you are the dog’s leader.
• Be prepared to socialize your dog by exposing it to as many people, dogs, and situations as possible to develop its confidence.  
• Vigorously exercise the adult GSD at least 20 minutes daily.
• Brush the coat often; every other day or weekly is recommended.
• Trim nails, clean ears, and brush teeth as needed. 

You can also download the MS Word version by clicking here.

If you have questions or if we can be of any further assistance, please contact us at germanshepherdrescue@gmail.com.