Our guidelines are designed to give you the tools necessary to evaluate a potential home and to make the best possible choice for your German Shepherd.

The responsibility of your German Shepherd's future begins and ends with YOU. Your CAREFUL screening of prospects will provide the information you need to select a good home and ensure that the dog you place will still be cared for next year and even ten years from now. Don't be afraid to ask questions, to make stipulations or to say "no."

Read additional advice that may help you keep your pet, and check out our Help With Your Dog links. And, see our Guidelines for Placing Your Companion German Shepherd pamphlet for complete information about finding a new home for your GSD. Below is an outline of important steps.

1. Your first step in placing your dog is to contact the breeder from whom you obtained the dog.
2. Making your pet adoptable.
3. Placing an ad in the newspaper.
4. Other advertising.
5. Screening applicants.
6. What to do if you are unable to find that "good home."

To place an advertisement for you GSD on the GSRNC Website, please click here.

 

 

1. Your first step in placing your dog is to contact the breeder from whom you obtained the dog. The breeder should either take the dog back or assist you, in every way possible, in placing him. Many breeders have people waiting for dogs from their bloodlines and have the network in place to readily rehome the dog.
   
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2. Making your pet adoptable.
   • Take your German Shepherd to the veterinarian for a complete check up. A thoroughly vetted animal is a much more attractive adoption prospect.
   • Groom your dog. No one wants to adopt a dog that is flea infested, smelly and unkempt.
   • Get rid of his rusty old choke chain, collar or rope. Put on a nice new buckle collar. If he needs a choke chain make sure it's the right size and put on properly. Have a nice leash on hand for him to go to his new home. Your dog has to make a nice impression on prospective adopters and that is easy when he is clean, groomed and well dressed.
   • Correct behavioral problems. You cannot expect a new owner to readily accept an adult dog that isn't housebroken or trained. Be honest with someone inquiring about your dog.
   • Train the dog as much as possible. A nicely behaved pet will command the best home.
   • Be willing to accept the dog back into your home if the new home doesn't work out. Your dog has no chance to be happy in a home that doesn't truly want him.
     
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3. Placing an ad in the newspaper.
   • The trick to a good ad is writing one that will generate inquiries (while not misrepresenting the dog) and, at the same time, do some preliminary screening for you. You need a concise description of your dog, his needs, your requirements and your telephone number.
   • Emphasize your dog's "selling points." Keep physical descriptions brief and concentrate on personality traits and other advantages.
   • By now you have decided on what kind of a home you are trying to obtain-target that audience. Pre-qualify homes by stating definite requirements in a positive manner. Always state, "references required."
   • NEVER include the phrase "free to a good home," even if it is true. In fact, don't put any price at all. While it is true that "free" will generate a lot of calls, the quality of the callers is generally poor. Not stating a price gives you a lot of latitude. You can easily tell the wrong caller that the dog is $1,000, and just as easily give the dog "free" to the perfect family on a fixed income, if you want to. We recommend asking for a minimal adoption fee to help cover the expenses you've incurred for advertising, vet care and to give you an indication of the type of home you've found. Someone not willing to pay a small amount for a fully vetted, cared for dog may also cut corners financially in the future with regard to veterinary care or nutrition.
   • Include your telephone number. Instruct the person taking the ad to abbreviate as much as possible.
     
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4. Other advertising.
   • Flyer
   • Word of mouth
   • Free publications
   • Phone referral - rescue
     
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5. Screening applicants.
   • Talking to prospective adopters can be frustrating and time consuming. Refer to GSRNC's "Adoption Questionnaire" for examples of questions you might want to ask callers. Make copies and fill in the information as you speak to the callers. In addition to speaking with the potential adopter, you will want to interview their veterinarian and a personal reference.
   • If the preliminary screening and reference calls are positive, call the family and make an appointment for them to see your dog. Let them know you will not make any final decision until all applicants have been screened.
   • If you and your dog like them, and they like you and your dog, set up a time to visit their home with the dog. Do not allow them to take the dog without first seeing their home. If it appears that something may not work out or something gives you a bad feeling, take the dog back with you.
   • If everything seems positive and you decide to place the dog with them, deliver the dog. Make sure the family understands the nature of the commitment they are making to your dog. Tell the new family that you want to keep in touch to make sure that everything is working out okay and will call in a few days if they have not called you. Tell them to call if there are any questions or problems. Remind them the dog is to be returned to you if it doesn't work out.
     
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6. What to do if you are unable to find that "good home."
   • Do Not rush into a placement because you are pressured by time. Consult with rescue organizations to determine other options.
   • Do Not sell or give your dog to a pet shop. Persons operating pet stores are concerned with running a profit-making business and often have little or no concern about what happens to the animals after they leave the store.
   • Do Not abandon your dog in the country or on the streets. Instant death by humane methods is better than a slow death by disease, exposure, starvation, being crushed under the wheels of a car or the painful living death of negligence or cruelty.

   • If your German Shepherd friend is old please consider that it takes extra time to place an elderly or ill pet.  Remember, an animal that has given you the best he had to offer over the years deserves nothing less than the extra effort it takes to find a good home.  Several programs are available. The Thulani Program offers a final home for German Shepherds with a limited life expectancy.  There are also senior dog rescue group,Senior Dogs for Senior Citizens, Stay At Home Rescue and senior dog sanctuaries.

     
     
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