An application is necessary to provide us with important information on the potential adopters. An approved application must be in place before potential adopters can meet the dog. All family members must agree to add a new dog to their home.  It is our policy not to adopt our rescues to homes where the other pets are not already spayed/neutered. If you'd like to adopt, you may, but will be unable to bring the new dog home until the other pets are spayed/neutered. If you show your current pet or are involved in bona fide canine activities where the dog must remain intact, proof must be supplied of active participation in a breed club: registration and breeder references. It is GSRBC's discretion whether or not we choose to adopt to any given situation. All of our dogs are spayed/neutered before they are placed.

Home check - We do a home check prior to placing our rescue dogs. Yes, we actually come right to your home to check out your environment. In places that we can not get to ourselves, we ask trusted members of the rescue community to do this for us.

References - All applicants must provide two references and a vet reference. Incomplete applications will be returned for completion.

Fencing - All adopters must have adequate fencing. Exceptions are sometimes made for seniors and palliative care dogs, but on the whole, if there is a yard, we do require that it is fenced. Please see our Why do I need a fence  page for more information.

Adoption Fee - We do not sell our dogs, and therefore do not charge a fee, but we do ask for a minimum, non-refundable adoption donation.  This donation helps to pay for our ever mounting vet bills, and keeps us going to be able to help the next one in need. 

Ability to care for the rescue dog - Adopters must demonstrate that they can care for the dog.  This includes veterinary care, quality food and water, adequate shelter and required licensing requirements.
We require that all adopters provide their rescued dog with proper identification at all times, proper socialization and indoor quarters. If you and your family do not sleep in the yard, garage, or laundry room, please do not expect one of our dogs to sleep there either.

Obedience Training - We suggest, and sometimes insist, that all of our rescues go through a basic obedience class with their new owners.  This will help to strengthen the bond between owner and dog.

Follow up calls - We reserve the right to check up on our rescues from time to time, whether by phone, email or home visits.  We also encourage the new families to stay in contact with us. You are never alone with any problems, and we are here to enjoy your successes. When you adopt one of our dogs, a part of us goes with them. 

Change of ownership - If at anytime you can longer care for the rescue dog.  The dog MUST be returned to German Shepherd Rescue of BC. This is part of the adoption contract that you will sign. There are absolutely no exceptions. Through adoption, they become yours, but are under our wing for life. If you can't keep them, we want our dogs back!

Lost or Stolen -  Adopter must notify German Shepherd Rescue of BC IMMEDIATELY if the rescue dog is stolen or lost. Our contacts are far and wide, and your dog will have a much better chance of being returned to you if you contact us.


We ask that all of our rescue dogs are treated as a member of the family.  They need a lot of love, patience, leadership and understanding through this very stressful time.  

If you have any questions or comments about our adoptions procedures, please feel free to drop us a line. GSDRescue@shaw.ca

***We reserve the right to refuse adoption to any applicant that we may feel is not right for our dogs.***