Due to the specific needs of the German Shepherd breed, our application process to become an approved adopter with us has several steps. It typically takes about two weeks to complete the process and see if you are approved to adopt from us.

We realize our process seems like a lot to go through to adopt but we want to ensure when an adoption is made, it is the best home possible for the dog and that the adopter is equally as happy. Most importantly we want the adoption to be successful and permanent!

So what is the process?
  1. Complete our online application. There is a $10.00 non-refundable application fee that will go toward administrative costs. Please note that an application does not lock you into adopting the dog you apply for. We do our best to accommodate you, however, because of timing; there may be another applicant ahead of you that is an appropriate match for the same dog. The process may take up to two weeks for processing.
  2. Reference Checks. We WILL call your references AND your Vet (if you have one). Please be sure to advise your vet and your references we will be calling. The biggest delay in processing your application is often veterinary offices or personal references NOT calling us back promptly.
  3. Phone Interview. Shortly after you submit your application, one of our volunteers will call you to review your application and ask a few more questions.
  4. Home Visit. Once all the references are completed, we will conduct a home visit. This is so we can know get to know you better and the environment the dog will be living in. We require ALL members of the household who will be interacting with the dog to be present when we visit. Please see our service area below. 
  5. Matching you with the right dog. Even during the process, we keep in mind all our available dogs and any preferences you indicated on your application. While you can tell us which one you would like to meet, we will let you know about all the dogs that we think would flourish in your home.
  6. Meet and Greets. This is when you meet the dog or dogs. It may be at the foster home, your home or another location that is convenient for everyone. If there is a dog already in the home we typically require two meetings. First one outside of your home and the second at your home.
  7. You will sign our adoption contract, make your tax deductible donation and you can bring your new family member home!

Why is your process so rigorous?
When we accept a German Shepherd into our rescue, we make a commitment to him or her, to care for them, get them healthy again and find them a permanent, loving home. We want to make sure that our applicants understand the lifetime commitment they are making and that they can provide our dogs a great new life.
ADOPTION REQUIREMENTS
​
  • The adopter must be between the ages of 21 and 74 years of age.
  • If you rent, you must ensure that your landlord allows large breed dogs to live in the apartment or home and provide us with proof of the consent.
  • We DO NOT adopt to applicants that have dog doors.
  • We require our adopters to attend professional obedience training with their adopted dog (if needed).
  • All dogs currently living in the home must:
    • be up-to-date on rabies and distemper vaccinations
    • be on heart worm preventative or be tested regularly 
    • ​receive a health and wellness screening every year. Cats must be seen for a health screening every two years.
  • Our adoption fees are as follows:
    $400 for puppies up to 1 year of age
    $350 for a Young Adult dog, 1 to 3 years of age
    $300 for an Adult dog, 4 to 6 years of age
    $150 for a dog 7 years or older
  • We will require a $150 refundable spay/neuter deposit for any unaltered dog that is adopted out. Proof of the procedure is required for a deposit refund.
  • Our service area is the state of New Jersey and some counties in bordering states. The geographic limitation is due to the need for our volunteers to drive to your residence for the required home visit and meet and greet steps of our adoption process. If we do not have a volunteer within a reasonable driving distance to you in these areas, we will let you know that we are unable to process your application. If you are not sure of where you geographically fall or live OUTSIDE the state of New Jersey, PLEASE CONTACT US BEFORE SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION.