Adoption Process and Policies

Journey Home GSD Rescue carefully screens all applicants in order to insure that the adopter and the dog are a good match. We work to find new homes and families to love and be loved, protect and be protected for the remainder of the rescued dog’s life.

Our volunteer staff (on break).

Adopting a dog is a lifetime commitment. We are very cautious as we place our rescued dogs because these dogs have already been through so much. Many have been dumped either in a shelter, or in the woods to fend for themselves. They have often been neglected or abused, possibly starved and do not understand what they have done wrong.

Our foster homes are able to begin the road to recovery through love, patience and time. As an adoptive family you must also make that commitment to your rescued dog. It may takes months for a rescued dog to make the adjustment to your home and family, If you are not committed to working through the ups and downs of the relationship, then a rescued dog is not for you. Any adopter who has been through the trials and tribulations of adjustment can tell you that in the end, it was all worth it.

If you are interested in adopting one of the dogs listed on our Adoptable Dogs page, please fill out the secure Adoption Application Form (hosted by Bravenet.com).

Following this…

  • Your application will be reviewed.
  • References will be checked prior to contacting you regarding your application. Please allow 7-10 business days.
  • Once your application has been reviewed and references have been checked, a home visit will be scheduled.
  • Upon satisfactory completion of your home visit, we will schedule a meet-n-greet between your family and the dog you are interested in adopting.
  • When you feel it is a good match, you will be asked to complete and return the Adoption Contract.
  • Once the Adoption Contract has been received arrangements will be made for you to pick up your adopted dog.
  • At the adoption, you will be asked for the remainder of your adoption fee and you will receive a record of your dog’s veterinary care since coming into the rescue.

The adoption process is not quick, but we try to make it as simple and seamless as possible.

Our goal is to make sure that we find a Forever Home for our rescued dogs so we are very cautious. We also understand how anxious our potential adopters are and make every effort to keep you up-to-date regarding the next step in the process via email.

We are often asked where these dogs come from and the answer varies. Most dogs come to us from local shelters where they have been picked up as a stray or been abandoned. Some dogs come to us as owner surrenders for a variety of reasons. Most dogs are NOT registered. However, all of these dogs are in need of another chance. Our rescued dogs often know a good thing when they find it and become the most loyal of companions.

We fully vet all of our dogs, which includes treatment for heartworm, if needed, full panel of shots to bring the dog up-to-date, and we start all dogs on heartworm preventative. Journey Home GSD Rescue requires that every dog leaving our program be spayed or neutered prior to placement in their forever home (with puppies as a possible exception).