Adoption FAQ

I want to adopt. Can I have someone call me to discuss it before I apply?

Please do not contact us and ask for personal assistance until you have gone through all of the information contained in the adoption category. Our resources are stretched and we simply do not have the time to answer questions from people who are not serious about adopting from us.

Please fill out an application as your FIRST FORM of contact. We do not allow you to visit with dogs before you have completed the process anyway, out of respect for the privacy and security of our foster homes. Asking for a special exception will only waste your time and ours, and that takes resources away from rescuing dogs. Be considerate, be helpful, be patient, and we will do our best to process your application quickly and without undue delay.

If we adopt a dog, but it does not work out in our home, can we bring the dog back?

While this does happen occasionally, it is our responsibility (yours and AGSDR’s) to make every effort to find the right match for your household the first time around, and it is your responsibility as a new owner to obtain the training, assistance, and equipment to successfully integrate your dog into your household.

If you are an approved adopter, fall in love with a dog from the website, and it is simply not the right dog for you (in AGSDR’s opinion), then we will discourage you from adopting that dog! If you insist anyway and we approve the adoption, you will be held responsible in full for proper integration into your household.

Remember that these dogs are living, breathing, feeling, emotive, sentient beings, and are not disposable or exchangeable, any more than an adopted child would be disposable or exchangeable. Dogs are a responsibility and are often inconvenient. Please be willing, able, and sure, that you are up to the challenge before you bring a new dog home. AGSDR loves our dogs, be we can’t be the “safety net” for 100+ new adopters every year. Thoroughly evaluate your REAL preparedness, commitment, and ability to own a German Shepherd Dog before you adopt.

If we adopt, can we house our dog outside in a kennel or doghouse?

Please do not apply if you plan to house your dog outside. While some organizations are comfortable adopting into mostly outdoor homes, AGSDR is not. If you want a mostly outdoor dog, or if you simply disagree with AGSDR’s restrictions, please explore adoption from other rescue organizations, or a local shelter in your area.

We believe it is in the best interest of our dogs to live in homes where they will truly be part of the family, as indoor pets, adequately protected from theft, disease, escape, skin conditions, etc. You will also be better protected from the Texas felony dog bite laws. After all, true members of the family live indoors and spend quality time enjoying each other. GSD’s are social creatures and thrive on companionship and interaction and comfort, as children do.

We believe that putting a dog outside, unsupervised, for any length of time is not in the best interest of the dog, but rather is merely for the convenience of the owner. However, just like children, dogs are inconvenient. If you are going to adopt a dog, get used to inconvenience, and be ready for the commitment that goes along with choosing that. If you are looking for a dog that is convenient, and doesn’t make messes, doesn’t chew or scratch anything, doesn’t crave attention, and behaves all the time, we recommend “TOYs ‘R Us” – the stuffed animal version.

If I have already adopted from AGSDR and want to adopt again, do I have to go through

the entire adoption process?

In most cases, no. Please fill in an application, submit it electronically per the instructions on the website, and put a notation that you are a previous adopter, including the name of the dog and date. You will generally be re-approved without further delay. Depending on how long it has been since your last adoption, we may do a vet check. And if you have moved, we may do a home visit. But generally, neither is the case.

If I have already been approved by another German Shepherd Rescue in the area, do I

need to go through the approval process for AGSDR?

It depends. Fill in the application and submit it electronically per the instructions on the website. Put a notation that you are approved by another Rescue. Cut/paste the contact information and approval letter from the other Rescue into the notes section of the application. Upon verification, you may be pre-approved at AGSDR.

If I want to adopt a dog, but I will be out of town for awhile, can I ask AGSDR to “keep”

the dog for me until I get back?

Unfortunately, no. We do not have kennel or boarding facilities, and our foster homes are always full. We do not have the financial resources to provide homes for dogs for any longer than necessary. When you are ready to adopt, then adopt. If you go out of town, arrange pet sitting or kenneling for your dog. If this is not the right time for you to adopt, wait until you come home.

In addition, we do not hold dogs for anyone, including approved adopters. If a specific dog is important to you, you need to make the effort to see that dog as soon as you can. There is often more than one person interested in a dog at any one time. Experience has proven that the interest of the dog is not served by placing them on hold, even for a short time.

I really have to have a particular dog I saw on the website. If I am first to apply for that

dog, do I get him?

No. We do not place dogs on a first come, first served basis. Our main goal is to act in the best interest of each dog. We will evaluate all interested potential homes based on the needs of the particular dog. Most of these dogs have been abandoned and neglected, and we do everything within our power to make sure the home they go to is truly a “forever home” where they will not only be loved, but well cared for physically and emotionally.

Our foster homes weigh heavily in placement decisions as they have the knowledge and insight into the needs of the particular foster dog. We believe a dog’s foster family knows that dog’s temperament and personality best. They will be your greatest asset (and ours) in helping to determine if their foster dog will be a good match for your family. The foster’s assessment of the dog/adopter interaction and interview with the potential adoption will be taken into serious consideration in any determination of approving a specific adoption. The AGSDR Board of Directors has final approval on all adoptions.

My dog is not acting like it did at the foster home’s house. Am I doing something wrong?

There will be an adjustment period when you first bring your dog home. You will receive more information about this in a packet we provide our approved applicants. Adjustment varies from dog to dog, and depends on the situation they may come from and how long they have been in their foster home. There are too many variables to put on one general page, but once you are approved and begin visiting the dogs, please discuss how long it took the dog to adjust in the foster home. This will give you a good indication of how long it should take them to adjust in your home.

The adjustment period can range from hours, days, weeks, or up to a few months. In most cases, these dogs have been abandoned, ignored by their previous owners, or tuned into a shelter, having little interaction with someone who cares about them. Others we are amazed that no one came to look for them in the shelter! Most are extremely receptive to attention, but new situations are stressful, and this is why we suggest you always take it easy the first week…always allow the dog to come to YOU and don’t push the dog into accepting you immediately. This can make a huge difference in the dog’s perception and can greatly reduce their anxiety and stress level (and yours!). Our fosters’ work hard in gaining the trust of these magnificent dogs, preparing them to “re-enter” a world where they will be loved and accepted. Any of the AGSDR volunteers are never more than a phone call or email away to assist you should you need us. In most cases you won’t! But if the need arises, you can be assured of our life long commitment to these precious dogs.

Does AGSDR adopt out Service Dogs?

AGSDR dogs are pet quality, and the organization does not adopt out dogs for "Service" Purposes.  AGSR volunteers do not have the specialized training or experience necessary to recommend or select dogs suitable for "Service" of any kind, and we suggest that people seeking a dog for any type of "Service" consult with an organization that specializes in "Service" Dogs.