Adopt a Shepherd

Ready to add a German Shepherd
to Your Family? 

We love German Shepherds! All our volunteers believe they’re one of the cutest and sweetest breeds out there. But we have both good news and bad news. 

The bad news: they aren’t the right fit for everyone. German Shepherds are high-energy dogs that need plenty of attention, exercise, and mental stimulation. They also have strong herding and protective instincts, so moving objects—like small animals or young children—may trigger those behaviors. If you’re looking for a low-energy, quiet companion, a GSD may not be the best match. 

The good news: sharing your life with a shepherd can be incredibly rewarding. They are a sensitive and intuitive breed, often able to pick up emotions and provide comfort to the people they love. German Shepherds are natural protectors who form deep, loyal bonds with their families. When you give a shepherd a safe and loving home, they will return that care with unwavering loyalty and affection. 

WPGSR Adoption Process

• Apply online at www.wpgsr.com/adopt—you’ll receive an email confirming that we’ve received your application. 
• Next, your application will be assigned to a member of our applications team, who will begin processing it and reach out to you via email. 
• The volunteer will contact your veterinarian (if applicable), your landlord (if applicable), and your references. 
• They’ll also ask you to provide photos or a video for the home visit. 
• After that, the volunteer will give you a call to answer any questions you may have and to learn more about your lifestyle, your current pets’ personalities, and what you’re looking for in a dog. 
• Once everything is complete, your application will be approved! 
• At that point, the foster of the dog you’re interested in will reach out to you to talk more about their foster dog and make sure it sounds like a good fit. Then, you’ll schedule a meet-and-greet. 
• If all goes well, adoption can take place—happy tails to all! 

Please keep in mind that you won’t be able to move on to the next stage until the previous step is complete. For example, missing veterinarian information or reference contact details can delay processing and prevent you from moving forward to the home visit and meet-and-greet stages. 

Adoption Fee’s: 1 under $400, 1-9 is $350, 10 up is $150

See our Frequently Asked Questions below for more details on application timelines, what is expected from the veterinarian check, and more!

Frequently Asked Application Questions

• How long does it take for my application to be approved?
  • Our applications team typically assigns applications within 2–10 days of submission, depending on how many we receive at the time. Once your application is assigned, the timeline for approval depends largely on how quickly we receive responses from your veterinarian and references, and whether your vet has permission to release your records. 
• Can I apply and be approved while I wait for the right dog?
  • Absolutely! Once approved, your application is valid for one year. You’re welcome to apply for an “unknown” dog and work with one of our application team volunteers to find the best match for you and your family as dogs become available. We also offer a foster-to-adopt option for dogs that haven’t arrived in rescue yet. This allows you to foster for a few weeks before deciding if it’s the right fit.
• What is expected for veterinarian records?
  • All dogs in the home must be spayed or neutered and seen by a veterinarian annually. They should be up to date on rabies and distemper/parvo vaccines and receive regular heartworm testing. If your current dog is too young to be spayed or neutered, your application may still be approved, but only for adopting dogs that are already fixed or puppies of the same gender.
• Will I be denied if I don’t have a fence?
  • No, we do not deny applications based on having an unfenced yard. However, we may avoid placing certain dogs in homes without fences, especially those who require a physical boundary or have a high prey drive and may run off chasing small animals. 
• I submitted an application and haven’t heard back. What should I do?
  • First, please check your email spam or junk folder, as our volunteers will initially try to contact you via the email address you provided. If they don’t hear back, they may follow up with a text or phone call over the next few days. If it has been more than a week with no contact, feel free to email ap**@***sr.com, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.