Adoption Application Form

Before beginning this form, please have the following information ready:

(1) The name, address, and phone number of your veterinarian (if you have one)

(2) The name and phone number of your landlord or property owner (if you rent your home)

About You

First Name *

Last Name *

Street Address *

Address Line 2

City *

State *

Zip Code *

Phone Number *

Email Address *

Your Age *

About Your Household

Other than yourself, list all the people living in your home (Name, Age, and Relationship of each individual). *

Please provide information on frequent visitors or those that visit one or more times a week. Specify age and relationship. *

If there are children in or visiting your home, how will you educate and train the children in appropriate ways to treat and interact with a dog? *

What type of dwelling best describes your residence? *

Do you own or rent your home? *

Own

Rent

NOTE: before we process your application, we contact your landlord/rental manager to verify pet policies (i.e. breed restrictions, weight restrictions, etc.)

Please provide the landlord or property manager's name and phone number. *

Do you have a fenced yard? *

Yes

No

How high is the fence and what type is it? *

If you do not have access to a fenced area at your home, how do you plan to allow elimination breaks for your dog? *

About Dog Ownership

What experience have you had with rescue or shelter pets? *

As an adult, have you owned a GSD before? *

Yes

No

Please give us a brief history: *

What role do you want the new dog to play in your life and your family’s life? *

How much time do you think it will take your dog to adjust to his or her new home? *

Have you ever returned or rehomed a pet? *

Yes

No

Please explain. *

Under what circumstances would you return a pet? *

What will you do with your pet should you move, marry, have a baby, or make any other significant life changes? *

Are you aware that a GSD may not like some of your family or friends? *

Yes

No

How will you handle this to protect both the people and the GSD? *

Have you ever lost a pet, had one disappear, or die at a young age? *

Yes

No

Please explain. *

Have you owned a pet in the last 10 years? *

Yes

No

Are there animals that currently live with you? (Including animals that you do not own.) *

Yes

No

For the following question, please include:

(1) Name of pet
(2) Breed
(3) Gender
(4) Age
(5) Is this pet spayed or neutered?

Please list all the animals currently living with you (even if you do not own them). *

What behaviors do your current pets have that might affect a new pet? *

Your Ideal Dog

If there is a specific dog in our program and you are interested in? *

Yes

No

Please list the dog’s name. *

We suggest you continue the application process so you are ready to proceed when dogs you may be interested in join the rescue program and become available.

Please note that we are not a “first come/first served” rescue group. Many families may apply for the same dog. We work with each family to match the right dog to your family and your family’s lifestyle. We can’t guarantee dogs or hold dogs. The dog you name may be adopted by the time your application is approved, or may already be scheduled to meet his or her new family.

If the dog listed is adopted, or about to be, do you wish to continue the application process working towards being approved for another current dog or one that may be joining Serendipity German Shepherd Dog Rescue? *

Yes

No

How far are you willing to travel to meet or pick up your dog? *

Please note, we are 100% foster-based rescue—we do not operate a facility or physical shelter. Our program dogs live with our volunteers in their homes while in foster care. We are also 100% volunteer based–this means that we do not have a staff and most of our volunteers work evenings and on weekends (after normal working hours) to support the rescue. Practically, this means it may take a few weeks to go through the pre-screen and home visit process from start to finish. It often takes quite a bit less time, but sometimes can take more depending on capacity.

What is your expectation of how long of this process should take from the time you submit your application online? *

How did you hear about Serendipity German Shepherd Dog Rescue? *

Training

Who will be primarily responsible for the care and training of the dog on a daily basis? *

How many hours will the dog be alone each day? *

Where will the dog sleep at night? *

Please describe any specific traits you are NOT looking for in an adoptive dog *

Are you willing to work with a dog that is not fully housebroken? *

Yes

No

Would you consider a dog with special needs, such as one that requires medication for a permanent but controlled condition? *

Yes

No

What do you think is the most important aspect/benefit of training a new dog? *

What experience do you have with training and obedience? *

Where will you take your dog for obedience training? *

Under your Adoption Agreement, you will be required to enroll your dog in an appropriate obedience course within 60 days of adoption. Proof will be required.

How do you plan to handle introductions between a new dog and current animals? *

If you have a cat, is the adoption contingent upon the cat getting along with the dog? *

Yes

No

Are you willing to deal with issues during the adjustment period, such as chewing, digging, mouthing, and housebreaking (including potty-training)? *

Yes

No

How would correct the dog if he/she has chewed something, like shoes or furniture? *

How active is your household? *

Commitment & Care

Are you willing to take responsibility for this dog for 10 years or more? *

Yes

No

If you are unable to care for the dog in the future, who will accept responsibility for its care? *

Are you aware of the costs involved in taking care of a large dog each year? *

Yes

No

Note that vet care, licensing, food, treats, toys, and training can be upwards of $1,000.

Are your dogs on Heartworm Preventative? *

Yes. I purchase it through my vet

Yes. I purchase it online and can provide my latest receipt

No. I am not sure what Heartworm Preventative is

I do not currently own any dogs

Heartworm Disease is a devastating disease that can be contracted by an unprotected dog when he/she gets bit by a disease-carrying mosquito. Heartworm disease is expensive to treat and very hard on the dog.

What steps will you take to control fleas? *

Please provide the name, address, and phone number of your current veterinarian, including the names of your pets he or she has treated: *

Any other comments or information you would like us to know in considering your application for adoption?

Are you at least 21 years of age and the information provided is accurate to the best of your knowledge? *

Yes

No

Please note: We are a 100% foster-based rescue. We do not operate a facility or physical shelter. Our program dogs live with our volunteers in their homes while in foster care. We are also 100% volunteer-based. This means that we do not have a staff and most of our volunteers work evenings and on weekends (after normal working hours) to support the rescue. This means it may take a few weeks to go through the pre-screen and home visit process from start to finish. It often takes quite a bit less time, but sometimes can take more depending on capacity.