If you know anything at all about the current pet overpopulation crisis in the country, then you are already planning to adopt a homeless animal rather than buy from a pet store or a breeder. You already know that incredible pets can often be found at animal shelters and breed specific rescue centers. By doing your homework and learning all you can about different dog breeds, you have enough German Shepherd information to know if a German Shepherd is right for you and your family.

German Shepherds, although incredibly popular, also are abandoned in incredible numbers. Most people are not aware of the needs this intelligent, active (and shedding) breed has before they bring one home. They might want a German Shepherd just because of the looks, or to have as a status symbol. Unlike their owners, volunteers at German Shepherd rescues across the nation get to know the dogs in their care.
Good German Shelter rescues will work very closely with each dog in their care and take time to get to know the dog’s preferences and quirks. Good German Shepherd rescues will never let you adopt a dog right away. You will have to fill out a lot of paperwork, often give them a letter on your character written by your vet, and answer a lot of questions about your (possibly lack of) German Shepherd information. Be very suspicious of any organization that calls themselves a German Shepherd rescue and that ships dogs to you without asking you any questions. The dogs for sale might be stolen or very sick dogs.

Good German Shepherd rescues will not let you walk away with a dog for free, either. This is to discourage those lowlifes who sell dogs to laboratories and sell bait dogs to dog fighting rings. Expect to pay up to $400 (US) in order to adopt your dog. This fee is incredibly low in comparison to buying a puppy from a breeder.
You can find a good German Shepherd rescue by going online and doing a search, but asking your vet, by asking your local all pet animal shelter or by looking through the classifieds of a dog magazine. You could also contact the American Kennel Club (AKC), which would get you into contact with the breed club. But many German Shepherd rescues are small operations run out of people’s homes, so they might not advertise.

They usually have websites, though. Petfinder.com is quickly becoming the most comprehensive resource on the web for matching homeless animals with those people looking to adopt. First, you will talk on the phone or via e-mail, and then you will fill out a lot of paperwork. If all goes well, then you meet the dog the German Shepherd rescue think best will match up with you. Be patient with them in finding you a furry friend. There’s no point in adopting a German Shepherd only to have to put him or her back into a shelter.

Anyone who loves German Shepherds should support their local German Shepherd rescue. There would be a lot less German Shepherds in shelters if everyone thinking of getting a dog learned basic German Shepherd information first.

Filed under: Dog Advice

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