German Shepherd Adoption Services
Sometimes, finding the perfect dog to adopt takes patience. Pet Rehoming Network offers a free service for families hoping to adopt a German Shepherd.
Fill out our waiting list form, and our adoption counsellors will reach out to you when we have an adoptable GSD available within a reasonable distance of your location. Through our home to home dog adoption process, you will get to meet the owners and learn all about a dog you are hoping to adopt.
We will help you decide whether the German Shepherd dog breed is the right choice for you. And if so, we will reach out to you about available dogs and puppies as they come available in your area. Get on our waiting list here!
A Few Notes About Finding Legitimate Rescue Dogs
When it comes to finding rescue dogs, particularly puppies, there are some key things to do and some key things to avoid.
- Research local shelters and rescue services in your area,
- Look for charity organization status ,
- Read reviews on Facebook and independent sites for the shelter,
- Check out the adoption fees,
- Get ready for a vigorous and lengthy adoption process,
- Have your house ready for an inspection,
- Be prepared to wait until the right dog comes along for you,
- Get the paper certificates that come with the dog for the vet, exams, vaccines, etc.
DONT
- Reach out to unverified and unqualified rescue shelters they may be passing off sick and ill puppies as healthy rescue pups,
- Organize a purchase with an unverified seller via private message or on a forum,
- Buy your rescue pup in a carpark or other public space without seeing the official shelter the dog is from,
- Buy any pup without learning about its temperament, history, and medical status,
- Ignore all adult and mature dogs for puppies those older pooches need a home too.
And finally, dont adopt a rescue German shepherd dog without reading our full guide below!
Adopt Through Animal Welfare Societies
Animal welfare societies are non-profit organizations working for the welfare of animals in the light of animal rights and ethics. Two of these organizations that facilitate the adoption of dogs are the Best Friends Animal Society and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals .
On the adopt a pet section of the Best Friends Animal Society, you can search through available dogs to see if you find your desired German Shepherd, and consequently, apply for adoption from the website.
The ASPCA website also has an adopt a dog section, and you can visit their adoption center on Manhattans Upper East Side, NY, or at local Petco stores and foster homes in LA.
With a shelter or rescue where you can adopt a German Shepherd identified, you can now proceed to step 4 making contact by phone and visit.
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Search The Akcs Rescue Network
The American Kennel Club rescue network is the largest in the US and consists of unique groups whose rehabilitation/fostering is ensured until dogs can find a new home.
Volunteers in the rescues and shelters will give you complete information about the German Shepherds history and any behavioral or health issues so that you can make an informed choice about bringing your adoptive GSD home.
The AKC rescue network contact list names around 40 rescues and shelters specialized in the German Shepherd Dog. You can contact all these rescue centers and seek information regarding the possibility and terms of adoption. I highlight the uniqueness of 5 randomly sampled rescues/shelters:
- Shepherds Hope Rescue is a unique initiative that does not operate as a shelter. Instead, volunteers house the German Shepherds in their homes or foster homes. They may also board them with kennels or dog sitters until someone can adopt and take them home.
Dogs from this rescue are tested for health issues, vaccinated, neutered/spayed, and observed for any behavioral problems. You can initiate the adoption process by applying online from the rescues website. The rescue serves the Greater Metropolitan New York and Long Island area.
- Greater California German Shepherd Rescue is a public charity non-profit and all-volunteer rescue that works to rescue dogs from risky situations and find them a loving and safe home. They are not a shelter but instead keep the GSDs in foster homes.
German Shepherd Puppy For Adoption In London On Supplies Included Adopt Akira
Meet Akira, a German Shepherd Puppy for adoption by owner in London ON.
Looking for a German Shepherd Puppy for adoption in London Ontario and area? Just 6 months old and weighing 23kg, this lovely German Shepherd Puppy has been vaccinated up to date, and housebroken. Akira is good with people of all ages and sizes, other dogs, and cats.
Akiras owners are very sad to have to rehome their beloved Puppy. They are dearly hoping to find a wonderful new home for Akira with owners who will cherish and keep Akira safe, happy, and healthy. Akira, being a puppy is high energy. She needs a family that can give her lots of playtime and exercise, as well as ongoing positive behavior training so that she grows up to be the amazing family dog she is destined to become.
Akiras forever family needs to have a large, securely fenced yard. All members of her new family need to be ready, willing and able to care for this amazing 6 month old German Shepherd puppy.
If you have room in your heart and home for Akira, please complete our online meeting request form. Once received, our London Puppy Rehoming team will make arrangements for you to meet the owners and their adoptable London German Shepherd Puppy. Adopt Akira today!
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Virginia German Shepherd Rescue Inc
First on the German Shepherd breeders in Virginia is Virginia German Shepherd Rescue, Inc. Virginia German Shepherd Rescue, Inc. has found homes for thousands of these pets since 2001. According to their website, most of these dogs are adopted in and around the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. They offer fostering programs, rehabilitation, and rehoming for these Shepherd dogs. Adapting to the new normal, they now provide virtual home studies to ensure good homes for the German Shepherds.
Their current biggest need is for foster families, especially for older dogs needing new homes later in life. This organization has an excellent website with many photographs of the animals and services available to community members. Their list of available dogs includes many dogs that display the wonderful characteristics of loyalty and beauty, so the breed is known forthinking of adopting a German Shepherd? This Central Virginia rescue shelter is an excellent choice to add to your pet family.
Any Amount Helps Go Towards Saving German Shepherds
Here at GSRTX we work hard to make sure every dollar that you donate is used as efficiently as possible to help the dogs in need. There are no paid positions within the rescue and we keep meticulous records of how each dollar is used. Because of this commitment we can proudly say we have earned the Platinum Level Seal of Transparency from GuideStar
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Southeast German Shepherd Rescue
The Southeast German Shepherd Rescue is located in a nearby state but proudly works with residents across the Mid-Atlantic state of Virginia. What makes Southeast German Shepherd Rescue special is their dedication to dogs with medical issues and, especially, amputees who need special apparatus to walk. Their Chance Medical Fund and Phoenix Dog Program offer these services to mixed and full-bred German Shepherd dogs in the community.
According to their website, they frequently rescue German Shepherds that are displaced, neglected or unwanted GSDs from high kill shelters and unfit homes. This philosophy carries over to how they treat their animals, always with utmost love, care, and respect. Adoption fees, including spaying and neutering, typically start at around $300 for an adult dog. They limit their suitable homes to a smaller United States region to ensure a personal connection with each new pet owner.
German Shepherd Rescue: Where To Find This Gorgeous Dog Breed In Shelters
The German shepherd is a strong dog. Athletic, agile, protective, watchful, vocal and they are so adorable when they tongues roll out! Dont worry, weve got photographic evidence of this below. You can never see too many German shepherd pictures.
German shepherds may seem a little intimidating to non-dog people, but theyre softies at heart. If youre trying to work out if the German shepherd breed is right for you, our guide can help.
Below weve listed some of the best German shepherd rescue centers across the US and provided a little basic info on what you can expect from this intelligent pup.
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German Shepherd Rescue & Adoptions
Last on the list of the best German Shepherd rescues in Virginia is German Shepherd Rescues & Adoptions. This rescue shelter for German Shepherd dogs started in 1992, with almost 30 years of experience in the Mid-Atlantic area. Also a non-profit organization, its all-volunteer and does many of its screenings remotely. GSRA is also committed to helping current owners learn the skills they need to care for the dog already in their care effectively.
This commitment to helping owners is part of why the Grey Muzzle Organization has given them their stamp of approval. The German Shepherd Rescue & Adoptions rescuing services has fully adapted to the new way the world works. Offering all virtual home studies, theyre able to operate at a reduced capacity while keeping everyone safe. Some of the dogs needing homes currently including an adult male, senior male, young female, and young male. All are highlighted on their websites front page. You can visit their website to learn more.
A Safe Harbor For German Shepherds And Belgian Malinois
Saving Paws Rescue Arizona is an all-volunteer, 501 charitable organization in Phoenix, Arizona. We are dedicated to providing veterinary care, evaluation and adoptive homes for German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois dogs who are left in pounds to await uncertain fate, are owner surrenders or are from abusive or negligent situations. We help provide a safe harbor for these dogs that might otherwise be destroyed. Learn more about our rescue.
Our Love 4 Life program offers dogs with terminal illness or other conditions that makes adoption not a likely with a forever home in a loving foster or our rescue center. We provide the medical care, food, medicines and vaccinations – you provide a safe and loving home!
There are numerous ways you can help our rescue – from volunteering to becoming a foster! But did you know you can also help us out by simply shopping on Amazon or grocery shopping at Fry’s Food Store? Check out all the ways you can help us save more lives!
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They Are An Ideal Size
Leaving aside their beauty, which is always a matter of taste, the size of a GSD is neither too big nor too small. This allows those people who like big dogs to have one that is not impossible to handle or even to house in an apartment.
Although expenses can be high, as many are associated to the size of the dog, they are not excessive. Besides, big dogs like German Shepherds or crosses, especially when they are of an advanced age, can stay perfectly calm in the home without needing big spaces.
Westside German Shepherd Rescue
| Westside German Shepherd Rescue of Los Angeles is a non profit 5013, no kill rescue committed to saving all types of German Shepherd Dogs from high kill shelters and adopting them to loving, qualified homes. |
ADOPTION DAYS
******* Pre-approved applicants only *******
If you have submitted an on-line application but have not been approved by our volunteer, please do NOT come down to meet dogs as we won’t be able to show you any. No on-site screening at this time. Once approved and told to come meet dogs, we will be happy to help you.
Look at all the incredible Westside dogs, some already adopted, others waiting for their forever homes. We have 80 dogs at our kennel, all with their suitcases packed, waiting eagerly to go home with you. We have adoption counselors ready to help you to pick the right dog for your situation and family. You, too, can have an amazing new family member!
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Join the Westside Alumni Association Facebook page. Share pictures & stories about your rescued pups, ask questions from the group and become part of the Westside Family. Even if you have not adopted from us yet, you can join to see all of our wonderful pups in their forever homes. Join here: |
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Search Pet Adoption Websites
Apart from the rescue groups listed in breed club networks, you can also search adoption sites, filtering your search to focus on the German Shepherd breed. Here are three examples of adoption sites you can target:
Petfinder is an online directory of adoption organizations and animal shelters across the US, Mexico, and Canada and a database of animals in need of a home.
On its dogs for adoption section, the Petfinder website lets you search for a dog of your preference by specifying details related to the breed, age, size, gender, coat type and color, and your preferred rescue or shelter, among others.
Adopt a Pet is a non-profit adoption advertising charity site with headquarters in Indian Hill Blvd., Claremont, CA. The site helps homeless pets in shelters to find a new owner and home.
You can search the site by specifying the breed, location, and distance you are looking for the pet, sex, and age.
Dogtime has its headquarters in Los Angeles and has a long history of rescuing pets, among other initiatives. The website features an adopt a dog tool finder that can help you filter your search according to the breed and the area you are in.
Wish Lists For Our Dogs
Would you like to help support our rescue and treat the dogs to some special goodies? We have a few different Wish Lists for items that would greatly help our volunteers and dogs! Items on our list range from dog food, to toys to keep the dogs entertained, to gift cards for stores like Lowes . Any donation is greatly appreciated!
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Knowledge Of The German Shepherds History
A reliable place for adoption should be run by people who can answer all your questions about your prospective German Shepherds history. These questions may cover issues such as:
- Whether the dog was a stray or surrendered by its legal owner and why.
- If the dog has undergone all the recommended vaccines and tests.
- If the dog has any health and behavioral issues.
Why Are Dog Shelters Needed
One of the biggest reasons German Shepherds need new homes is because theyre often considered a working breed. They spend their prime active years behind the badge and then need a loving home to live out the rest of their dog lives. German Shepherds leaving the police department often need special homes to rehabilitate while adjusting to a new life. Even though taking care of a retired dog can be challenging, its also rewarding and neat to have a former working dog as your pet. Other reasons for German Shepherds entering into shelters is that their owners cant take care of them any longer or something happened to their owners.
Many dogs need fostering badly to find out more about their personalities while waiting for the right forever home to come along. If youre a German Shepherd lover, then you know they can at times be energetic and jumpy. Theyre not ideal for specific age groups, including very young children. The addition of a new child to a family could be problematic. Some families cant afford to have a pet anymore, or they move. Although most Shepherds are lucky enough to find forever homes right away, a small portion ends up in rescue shelters in Virginia. Due to their shedding and loud barking, some pet owners find that they must surrender their pets to a humane rescue group like those listed above.
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Adjusting With Your New German Shepherd
Now that you have finally found and brought your German shepherd home, its time to start the long journey of adjusting to one anothers personalities and forming a life-long friendship.
This is the best and most important step, but also the one that requires the most patien ce.
Earlier we talked about where to find a dog, but we never really discussed which dog you should pick. You see, all German shepherds share physical traits and have a similar predisposition for certain personality traits, but no two German shepherds are exactly the same.
Consider what works best for you and your family.
Are you newly married with no kids and a lot of time to kill? Then you may want a dog with a lot of energy that is always down for adventures.
Do you have a family with young kids and are looking for your first family pet? Then maybe you want a calmer dog that has lived in a house with children before.
Are you older and single, maybe looking for some companionship? Consider getting a dog with a loyal and protective personality that will weather with you through your golden years.
Dont go in blind assuming that one German shepherd is exactly like another. Do your research, talk to the folks at the animal shelter and see what they know. Once you have found a dog that is the right match, take him home with you.
Now that you have chosen the perfect German shepherd and survived your first day with him, its time to start caring for him.