Tragically, in the 20+ years we have been around, we have never seen so many people trying to surrender their dogs. We are at capacity and adoptions are slow. Before you make arrangements to move, see our list of rentals below that allow German Shepherds, or the info on how to keep them as ESA (Emotional Support Animal) pets. Please try to make it work. Moving to a “smaller place” is no reason to give up your dog. They just want to be where you are, they don’t care if the place is smaller. Do some research. Check out your local animal shelters; some still make a good effort to find the dogs homes, but others are too overloaded, and leaving your dog with them is pretty much a death sentence.
We cannot take dogs from out of state or out of the area.
We are so sorry we can’t help more, it is so heartbreaking to us.
With a VERY few exceptions, there is a way for you to keep your dog, all it takes is some work on your part. Your faithful companion gives you his loyalty and heart. Why not repay them with the same?
Hoping for better times soon, Robin
How to keep your dog in rentals that don’t allow the breed and/or size:
You will be able to keep your dog if you make him/her an ESA (Emotional Support Animal) pet. You have to get a letter from your doctor for this. By law, the dog has to be allowed to live with you even if the pet policy doesn’t usually allow them.
Click HERE for more info on how to get the ESA certificate.
Most of the behavior issues we see as a reason given to surrender the dog are fixable with the RIGHT trainer. There are many trainers out there, but too many don’t really know how to change the behavior of a dog with certain issues, which leads the owners to give the dog away. These trainers often blame the dog or come up with some silly reason why a dog can’t be “fixed”, instead of admitting that they don’t have the skills required to solve the problem. We are happy to recommend trainers who have a lot of experience with the breed and will be able to help you and your dog stay together.
We work with several trainers who, having worked with our dogs for many years, have vast experience and knowledge with the breed. You can meet them HERE.
The LA COUNTY and LA CITY shelters are an option where you can surrender your dog or a stray you found. Someone might be looking for theirs amongst the stray dogs brought in. Exceptions are SEACCA (in Downey, NOT to be confused with the Downey shelter) and Apple Valley Animal shelter where dogs are euthanized much sooner than at other shelters.
It is not easy to find apartments/rentals that allow the breed. See the list below of apartments that allow German Shepherds in the Southern CA area (some have locations all over the US).
Pet policies might change, so please always double check before you move! We will add new Shepherd-friendly rentals as we find them.
EQUITY APARTMENTS – MANY LOCATIONS ALL OVER THE US
https://www.equityapartments.com/
California phone #s:
LA area: (424) 732-4200
OC/SD area: (949) 344-7705
Northern CA: (415) 767-7174
For phone numbers for other states:
https://www.equityapartments.com/contact
AMLI – WARNER CENTER – Woodland Hills
https://www.amli.com/
(has many locations, please check pet policy at each one)
Southern CA locations: https://www.amli.com/apartments/southern-california
IRVINE APARMENTS – MANY LOCATIONS
https://www.irvinecompanyapartments.com/
Main Phone#: (888) 618-7052
For locations and phone numbers: https://www.irvinecompanyapartments.com/contact-us.html
THE SHORES – Santa Monica
2700-2800 Neilson Way, Santa Monica, CA 90405
Office: 424-312-0620 or 310-399-7701
https://douglasemmettapartments.com/the-shores/
NO SIZE OR BREED RESTRICTIONS
RAMPART VILLAGE – Los Angeles
215 S Rampart Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90057
Manager: (323) 854-3033
TRIANA APARTMENTS – Woodland Hills
https://trianaapts.com/
6250 Canoga Ave, Woodland Hills, CA 91367
(818) 572-9845
WESTCREEK APARTMENTS – Westlake Village
(they allow all sizes and all breeds)
https://www.westcreekapts.com/
973 Westcreek Lane Westlake Village, CA 91362
(818) 707-9443
NoHo VILLAGE APARTMENTS – North Hollywood
11270 Otsego St, North Hollywood, CA 91601
Manager: (747) 203-3923
AQUATERA APARTMENTS – San Diego
https://aquateraliving.com/
5777 Mission Center Road, San Diego, CA 92108
(619) 550-4353
GARDEN ESTATES – Ventura
80 S, Garden St, Ventura, CA 93001
Garden Estates manager (805) 657-2462
CIVITA – San Diego (Several locations)
https://www.civitalife.com/homes-and-apartments/#circa37
(619) 378-3037
BROADSTONE * BALBOA PARK – San Diego
https://broadstonebalboa.com/
3288 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 724-4813 or (619) 220-0135
ARRAY VISTA CANYON – Santa Clarita
https://www.hgliving.com/apartments/ca/santa-clarita/array-vista-canyon/
17350 Humphreys Pkwy, Santa Clarita, CA 91387
(661) 262-4998
NO SIZE OR BREED RESTRICTIONS
Here are some websites that list pet-friendly rental properties:
IMPORTANT: Always make sure the BREED is allowed, not just “large dogs”.
https://hotpads.com/ca/pet-friendly-houses-for-renthttps://www.zillow.com/ca/pet-friendly/
https://www.apartmentlist.com
https://www.trulia.com
https://www.apartments.com/los-angeles-ca/pet-friendly/
If none of the above options work for your situation, go ahead and fill out a Surrender Form.
IMPORTANT: If the solution to your situation is listed above, PLEASE give it a try. Don’t just fill out the form.
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