IMPORTANT: YOU MUST FILL OUT AN APPLICATION PRIOR TO REQUESTING INFORMATION ABOUT ANY OF THE DOGS LISTED BELOW
The dogs listed on this page are available for adoption. If you are interested in adopting a dog, an application must be completed first. An adoption counselor will be in contact as soon as possible. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of inquiries and the wide range of individual circumstances we receive, we are unable to answer general questions without a completed adoption application.
Disclaimer
Our volunteer staff does its utmost to evaluate the dogs in rescue. We utilize information from prior owners who have surrendered their pets, notes from shelter staff, and observations from foster families once the dogs are in the care of NWGSR.
Our intent is to make the best placement for the dogs based on our observations, and to disclose to adopters as much information as possible. However, adopters must realize that the dogs’ behavior can (and often will) change based on their environment and household dynamics. Our desire is for a successful, long-term placement, and we will do our very best to walk adopters through any behavior issues that may arise. The rescue does not adopt any of our dogs into homes with children under the age of 8 years old.
Changing families, households, and canine and/or feline companions can cause stress during the first several days or weeks in a new family. In the event that an issue develops, please email info@northwestgermanshepherd.org for guidance and suggestions to ease the transition. Our goal is for a successful adoption for both dog and human, and we will do our very best to make that happen.
A special note about cats and small dogs
German Shepherds are a herding breed with a strong prey drive. We do our best to evaluate their reaction (and interaction) with cats and small dogs, but any potential adopter must realize that we are unable to predict future behavior. Adopters must further realize the dog’s innate predisposition to stalk, herd, and potentially injure smaller animals. Successful placements of German Shepherds in homes with cats and/or small dogs is possible but diligence on the part of the new owner is crucial, as is consistency and constant vigilance, especially during the first several months.
A special note about children
Our volunteer staff are very careful to evaluate incoming dogs to determine if they are suitable for families with children. However, as previously mentioned, differing household environments, as well as differing leadership styles, affect the dog's reactions.
As referenced in the special note about cats and small dogs, German Shepherds are a herding breed by nature. Children, with their quick movements and sometimes erratic and unpredictable behavior, trigger the same herding instinct in dogs as do cats and other small animals. This herding instinct can manifest in dog behavior of chasing after, or possibly nipping at the heels and calves of children.
Parents must supervise interactions at all times. A toddler who jumps on a sleeping dog, or falls off a couch onto a resting dog, can equate to a potential bite situation. Families who adopt German Shepherds must accept the responsibility of safety and provide constant supervision at all times.
