The dogs that are helped through the Rescue come from a variety of places. Most of the dogs are strays or unwanted pets that are turned in at the dog pound. The Rescue works with shelters all over North Carolina. All of the dogs are wonderful loving animals that desperately need help. Many of the dogs are scared and unsure when they are first taken-in by a foster family. However, with love and kindness the dogs learn to trust once again and soon become an active member of the foster home. The Rescue believes that animals should be respected, loved, well cared for and treated as part of the family. A dog is a friend and a companion. A dog is a smart, intelligent and loyal friend that deserves to have a healthy and happy life with its human family.

Upon entering the rescue, the dog is tested and treated (if necessary) for intestinal worms. Note that these worms are highly contagious and the dog may contract these worms again at a later date. The Rescue will test and treat again while in our care ONLY if the dog is symptomatic. The adoptive homes are encouraged to further test and treat per their veterinarian recommendations at their personal expense.

Further testing and treatments (including expensive surgeries) are done as necessary for the well-being of the dog. These additional treatments are typically done when DISCOVERED while the dog is in the Rescue's care. The decision for these treatments are done on a case-by-case basis. Note that, as with all creatures, genetic and other health conditions may only become evident in time and not necessarily with testing. German Shepherd Rescue and Adoptions in no way guarantees the future health of the dog.

The temperaments are typically described by the foster home of the dog based on the observed behavior of the dog while in the Rescue's care.

Please note that we are volunteers, not professional dog trainers or students of animal behavior; these descriptions are opinions only and are to be used as a guide to place the dog in the most appropriate home.

All adult dogs will be spayed or neutered by the Rescue before they are available for adoption. Anyone adopting a puppy must sign a binding contract agreeing to spay/neuter the puppy by an assigned date and a $50 refundable deposit is required. The Rescue believes there are enough unloved and unwanted puppies in society today without the pet over-population problem being compounded by more unwanted puppies. On average 25 million healthy puppies, kittens, cats and dogs are put to sleep each year in the United States. In 2004, 220,000 cats and dogs were killed in NC shelters. .

All of the dogs are up-to-date with their shots, have been tested for heartworms and intestinal parasites (and treated if necessary), and have been spayed or neutered. There is a $250 adoption fee to be applied towards the incurred medical bills and necessary administrative costs. The adoption fee is tax-deductible and assists the Rescue in saving more dogs.
Note that there are extreme circumstances that postpone the sterilization of the dogs. An example of this would be a puppy who is too young to be altered. In this case, the $250 adoption fee is still applicable however there will be a $50 refund upon proof of spay or neuter. Spaying and neutering is a requirement of adoption and it WILL be enforced to prevent further contributions to the current pet overpopulation.

German Shepherds are wonderful pets and, like all animals, require a lifetime commitment: financially, emotionally, and physically. Potential homes are asked to commit to the above responsibility upon the completion of the adoption contract.

German Shepherd Rescue and Adoptions is an all volunteer, non-profit organization. Our Federal employer identification number is 56-1857148. A portion of this fee may be tax-deductible; please consult your tax advisor.

German Shepherd Rescue and Adoptions reserves the right to refuse adoption to any applicant.