Adoption Application

We are only adopting out dogs to PRE-APPROVED applicants. If you have submitted an on-line application but have not been approved by our volunteer yet, please do NOT come down to meet dogs as we won't be able to show you since we do not perform on-site screening. Once approved and told to come meet dogs, we will be happy to help you. Please check the box below.

I understand

First Name

Last Name

Address

Address 2 (Apt #, Suite #, etc.)

City

State

Zip

Primary Contact Phone

German Shepherds shed heavily all year around. Are you and EVERYONE IN THE FAMILY ok with lots of dog hair in your home?

Occupation

What kind of home do you have?

Do you own or rent your home? NOTE: WE VERIFY OWNERSHIP ON ALL ADDRESSES!

Please list NAME and PHONE NUMBER of your landlord if you are renting. If you own a condo or townhouse, please provide the phone number of your HOA. We need this information in order to proceed with your application and call them before we call you.

How long have you lived here?

Do you have a yard?

Is the yard completely fenced?

Please attach pictures of your FENCE and GATES! If you are unable to upload images, please send them to info@sheprescue.org with your name. Maximun file size is 4MB.

Do you have a pool?

Is the pool fenced?

Enter the FULL NAME and AGE of the main caregiver of the dog. Also enter the FULL NAMES and AGES of all the other members of the household. NOTE: Please be honest about your age. We verify all information online. Not adding this detailed information will slow the processing of your application.

What kind of dog are you looking for? Tell us about what you want in a dog and what its life will be like with you.

Where will the dog be housed during the day?

Do you have a doggy door?

How many hours a day will the dog spend alone without humans and where?

How do you plan on exercising your dog and how often?

Where will the dog sleep at night?

Please attach a picture of the dog's sleeping quarters.

Why are you choosing a German Shepherd Dog?

What other dogs have you had in the past and what happened to them? (include breeds)

Are you willing to take your dog to obedience class?

If you answered 'NO' above, why are you not willing to take your dog to obedience class?

If you answered 'YES' above, what kind of obedience class would you take your dog to?

Medical costs can be high if your dog gets injured, develops an illness, gets bloat, etc. Are you able to afford the medical care your dog might require throughout his/her lifetime which can run into the many thousands?

Do you need recommendations for pet insurance carriers?

List any reasons that would make you return the dog you adopt.

Please list the breeds, age and gender of the dog(s) you currently have and if they are spayed/neutered.

Do you have cats? NOTE: no placement into out-of-state homes with cats or small dogs.

If you have cats, have they lived with a dog before?

It is VERY difficult for us to find cat friendly dogs as this breed has a high prey drive. Our cat tests are not a guarantee and even tested dogs will need some work with your resident cat to make sure they get along and can live in harmony. Are you willing to spend a reasonable amount of time training your new dog to co-exist with the cat(s) if he/she needs it after coming into your home?

Please tell us about your other pets (birds, caged critters, snakes, livestock etc), any family members with special needs, and anything else that may help us find the right dog for you.

Do you currently have a veterinarian?

If you currently have a veterinarian, please provide their name and phone number.

Did you thoroughly read and understand the bios of the dogs you are interested in?

Our screeners call you to review your application. Their approval means that you are now approved to come meet dogs but is not a guarantee that we will be able to find a match. NOTE: Most of them are not at the rescue and don't know our dogs well. They can't recommend specific dogs to you. Once you come down, our adoption counselors will help you find the right match. Please check the box below.

I understand

IMPORTANT: The approval of your application is NOT dog specific. The dogs you are applying for might not be the right fit for your situation or skill level. We do our best to find a good match for your situation you will be happy with. PLEASE READ: Based on our experience, Westside’s current thinking is to usually match first-time shepherd owners with a mix versus a purebred shepherd. Mixes are “softer” and somewhat more malleable. Exceptions can be made, however, for first-time adopters who show the confidence and leadership tendencies that purebreds will respect and respond to. Our experienced adoption counselors will help you find the right match. Please check the box below.

I understand

List the names of dogs you were interested in.

How did you hear about Westside German Shepherd Rescue?

Adoption Application

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